This report is so unprofessional that it makes me cringe.
Republicans and conservative tea party members railed against health care reform, global warming legislation and government spending at a convention Saturday that attracted about 2,000 people.
The meeting, organized by the conservative group Americans for Prosperity and dubbed an unofficial tea party convention, brought together numerous Republican officeholders, party leaders and candidates in addition to national speakers like “Joe the Plumber” and Michael Reagan, the son of former President Ronald Reagan.
[...]
The meeting came roughly a year after the first tea party rallies in the state and nationwide. Wisconsin tea party organizers say they have no interest in starting a third political party and instead want to work closely with Republicans.
The reporter doesn’t even bother to share the actual name of the gathering. For the record, it’s the Defending the American Dream summit. Also, although some may have dubbed it an “unofficial tea party convention,” it is the third annual such event in Wisconsin. For those of you paying attention, that means that it was happening well before the tea parties started.
Pathetic reporting. On the bright side, 2,000 folks turning out (assuming the number is somewhat accurate) is pretty dang good.
However, at least the reporter got THIS right: the list did not include “taxes,” but DID include “Spending.”
Evidently he listened when Norquist spoke.
We were there. 2000-2500. The reporting is pathetic here, but Wisconsin Dells Events did a pretty nice job. No clue if they have an on line edition.
The comments about the summit at the MJS article show gross ignorance about the movement. But I’m not surprised.
Deekman - how are you arriving at your estimate of numbers present?
Largely eyeball; knowing it was set up for up to 3500 and seeing it was about 2/3 full.
But the gathering lacked the authenticity of a coffee party.
And by “authenticity,” the journalist means but doesn’t say, “agreement with me.”
Interesting article in the NYT ( but please read on)
It stated that the tea party movement founders want no social issues involved.
Lower taxes,concern for the debt, less government.
if you want social issues-try either of the mainstream parties.
This isn"t really new is it?
I think that these folks would have called themselves Libertarians in the old days.
Lower taxes,concern for the debt, less government
How are these NOT social issues?
2,000 was the number Mark Block gave out in the convention… I’m curious who are the “Wisconsin tea party organizers” - thats a broad group….