The Tea Party Lost

Yes, what they did was huge and awful. But the debt ceiling raise extends to 2013. There's nothing more they can kidnap. And they've caught the attention of a lot of people and made them angry. And whoever you are, your political opponents are a lot like the Hulk: you wouldn't like them when they're angry. People who never bothered to vote before will not only be voting Democrat in 2012: some of them will be campaigning for the Democrats in 2012, thanks to the Tea Party. (Thanks!) Many people who sat out 2010 will be in line early on November 6, 2012. Let's do this thing.

In the meantime, many of the baggers' colleagues, who been waving their arms and shouting about compromise and co-operation, while the baggers smiled and leaned back with their arms crossed, not compromising and not co-operating, will show them how smoothly this co-operation thing works, every time a bill comes under consideration with funding for an Interstate overpass or some Internet infrastructure or a factory contract or a research grant or a fresh coat of paint on a National Park sign inside a baggers' district or state, and in the process the baggers' constituents will learn a lot about the impact of Federal spending, as well as the importance of co-operation and sharing. As we all know, a lot of cuts will be made. It's all about learning.