The Tea Party: A Brief History

by Ronald P. Formisano

The Tea Party burst on the national political scene in 2009–2010, powered by right-wing grassroots passion and Astroturf big money. Its effect on electoral politics and the political process is undeniable, but the message, aims, and staying power of the loosely organized groups seem less clear. In this concise book, American political historian Ronald P. Formisano probes the remarkable rise of the Tea Party movement during a time of economic crisis and cultural change and examines its powerful impact on American politics. A confederation of intersecting and overlapping organizations, with a strong connection to the Christian fundamentalist Right, the phenomenon could easily be called the Tea Parties. The American media’s fascination with the Tea Party―and the tendency of political leaders who have embraced the movement to say and do outlandish things―not only has fueled the fire driving the movement, but has diverted attention from its roots, agenda, and the enormous influence it holds over the Republican Party and the American political agenda. Looking at the Tea Party's claims to historical precedent and patriotic values, Formisano locates its anti-state and libertarian impulses deep in American political culture as well as in voter frustrations that have boiled over in recent decades. He sorts through the disparate goals the movement’s different factions espouse and shows that, ultimately, the contradictions of Tea Party libertarianism reflect those ingrained in the broad mass of the electorate. Throughout American history, third parties, pressure groups, and social movements have emerged to demand reforms or radical change, only to eventually fade away, even if parts of their programs often are later adopted. The Tea Party’s impact as a pressure group has been more immediate. Whether the Tea Party endures remains to be seen. Formisano’s brief history certainly gives us clues.

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction

152 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

A specialist in the field of United States political culture and politics in the nineteenth and twentieth century and a founder of the “ethnocultural school” of US political history, Ron Formisano was the William T. Bryan Chair of American History at the University of Kentucky, where he taught from 2001 until his retirement in 2014. He earned a BA at Brown University and an MA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison before receiving his PhD from Wayne State University. Formisano also taught at the University of Florida (1990-2001), Clark University (1973-1990), and the University of Rochester (1968-1973).

Reviews

[John Baxter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Contemporary histories written by professors (who usually don't have access to materials not in the public domain already) are typically poor. This book is poor. The author doesn't have any materials that aren't available elsewhere. There aren't any new interviews or data. I was hoping for more insight into the movement than what the news media offers. I didn't find it.

If you haven't been following the news for the past four years you may find the book interesting, but if you know anything about the history of the Tea Party there's not much here to keep your attention.

[Astynnia Gan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book's target audience is those who know nothing/ little about the Tea Party. I thought it was ok and concise. But it would be better if it is written in a chronological manner, as it gets confusing when it comes to the 21st century movement.

[Susan in NC · Rating 3 out of 5]

"...[T]he predictable exploitation of the passionate by the self-interested." Author and historian Ronald P. Formisano offers the above summation of "the complicated relationship between the Tea Party and big business", but it could be said as well of the complicated relationships between the Tea Party and the Republican establishment, corporate astroturf groups, and Christian evangelicals. As something of a political junkie (even though I get fed up with the circus-like atmosphere at times and have to tune out for a while!), I was intrigued by the description of this book in the Amazon Vine newsletter; in this hyperpartisan day and age, a truly even-handed survey of a controversial political movement? I had to give it a try, and I'm glad I did.

There's nothing here I didn't already know from following the political/election news of the last several years, but I truly appreciated the author's straightforward chronology of the Tea Party Movement, with helpful if necessarily brief insights into other populist movements in American political history (the author info on the cover says his most recent book is "For the People: American Populist Movements from the Revolution to the 1850s"). Formisano points out that in fairness, there is definitely an astroturf element to the Tea Party, citing the well-known Rick Santelli rant on CNBC, subsequent cheerleading egging on the movement by Fox News anchors and personalities, and the blatant self-interest of astroturf leaders like the Koch brothers, Karl Rove and Dick Armey. There is substantial grassroots involvement as well, however, made up of citizens concerned with the size of the national debt, illegal immigration, and frustration with "politics as usual"; and although it's easy to assume the anger seemed to only bubble to the surface upon the election of Barack Obama and attach racial motives to the movement, Formisano points out that concern about the national debt and disenchantment with the Bush administration was evident several years before the historic 2008 election. The author doesn't shy away, however, from noting the cynical manipulation of racial and ethnic fears by astroturf elements trying to control the Tea Party movement, and he also dutifully reports the uglier underside of some of the Tea Party rallies where racial signs and taunts were directed at President Obama, members of Congress and other targets.

Overall I felt this was a "fair and balanced" overview of the Tea Party Movement, to mockingly borrow Fox News' tag line - they come in for a bit of honest poking for their less than impartial coverage, and Formisano notes that the gloves came off when the network openly donated $1 million to a Republican reelection fund. An interesting but somewhat depressing book - as a long-time registered Independent who has voted for candidates in both parties over the years, and a Libertarian at least once, I'm all for citizens getting involved; it's the "predictable exploitation" and the resulting gridlock, grandstanding and hypocrisy I have a hard time tolerating!

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's too early for a history, really. _A Historian Looks at the Tea Party_ would have been more apt. I liked the book, though, and got insights into and answers to how and why monied business interests hijacked the grass roots frustration and pulled the movement into the Republican Party, where it will probably die. I hope (wish?) it will be the 21st-Century equivalent of the Knownothings, responsible for the splintering of the Republicans into a right-wing fringe party and a moderate conservative party, but parties are so much better now at coöpting new strains of frustration. A good book for those of us who just laugh at the "teanderthals." Their frustrations are real, even if cynical big-money interests have pulled the wool over their eyes regarding the real culprits that have caused their frustrations. Good to read along side Lofgren's _The Party's Over_.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. The facts in the book ring true for any political movement as far as business, rich donor playing a factor in how the movement is run. One must look past the corporate, and rich donors and look at the common people and what they believe. The book seem to come off as a tad bias and liberal oriented. I maybe wrong but it seemed to me the author is liberal in standing. He did do the facts justice though and that impressed me. This is a hit or miss type book. If you are a tea party member it may upset you after reading this short history. I align with the tea party in some areas though the book did not upset me.

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

Heavy on anecdotes and light on analysis, this book's target audience seems to be people who know little to nothing about the Tea Party movement.

The section on Tea Party/libertarian hypocrisy was particularly weak. I would never fault a libertarian doctor for taking Medicare patients. If anything, I'd be annoyed if they didn't. And as the author points out, most voters want services, they just don't want to pay for them. I see that as a disconnect in voters minds between taxes and services... not hypocrisy.

[Chris Lilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a depressing little book. A bunch of twerps with the political acumen of a fence-post dancing to a tune played by Glen Beck and Rupert Murdoch. And they were considered politically significant. Sheesh. In fairness, the book works hard to be balanced and allows tea-bags lots of space to burble about 'constitution' and 'liberty' and how they aren't racist reactionary morons, no sir. And it's short.

[Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very concise survey, giving appropriate (if not equal) weighting to: genuine, bottom-up, populist outrage, the old John-Birch Society reactionary wing of the Republican party, and the massive support of big money from corporations and other right-wing interests.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and thought provoking book. Some great reminders of our nations origins, and an interesting understanding of the perspective most American's have toward politics today. Good read, I recommend it.

[Matt Stocco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read this book for a political course I am taking. As a Canadian, who is more involved with Canadian politics it was interesting to read and learn about the modern political movement. This was a quick read into some of the recent events.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't know much about the tea party and while this is subtitled "A Brief History" I learned quite a bit.

[Sean Chick · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a neat and fair little summation, but it lacks meat and analysis.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise, informative, and quick read on the Tea Party.