An April 14, 2010 New York Times/CBS News poll finds that 84% of Tea Party backers think “the views of the people involved in the Tea Party movement generally reflect the views of most Americans,” while only 25% of all Americans agree, including those who identify as Tea Party backers. This is one of the greatest differences between the Tea Party supporters and their fellow countrymen, but there are other vast differences in perceptions and beliefs among this predominantly white, middle-aged, affluent, and, perhaps most surprisingly of all, well-educated segment of America.
The poll, perhaps, gives insight into why so many Tea Party backers and politicians who support them claim they represent the “real America,” or want to “take back America,” when the vast majority of Americans are left scratching their heads.
The greatest difference in perception is in how Tea Party members view the Tea Party itself. Unsurprisingly, 85% view the Tea Party movement “favorably,” while among all Americans, including those in the Tea Party only 21% view the Tea Party movement favorably.
The poll found that 80% of Tea Party supporters believe there is some or a lot of difference between the Republican Party and the Tea Party movement, whereas among all Americans, the number was 40%, exactly half.
Other striking differences in perceptions and beliefs include approval of the way the President is handling his job: 7% to 50%, the way the President is handling the economy: 6% to 43%.
Glenn Beck is another point of contention. 59% of the Tea Party view him favorably, while combined, only 18% of Americans view him favorably, just one point above where the same poll found Congress’ approval rating.
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