> The problem is that
> we really don't have much data but are speculating as to their class
> position. Not sure if it is simply because we don't want to address the
> lefts serious failure to see this reaction to the crisis in the middle
> income group, or if it is something else.
>
Another point that should be made: What most sharply distinguishes the demographics of TP supporters/activists is neither their income nor their education but - by far - their politics. In your poll, self-described Democrats slightly outnumber Republicans 5 to 4 among the general population. But among TP activists Republicans outnumber Democrats 11 to 1. Conservatives outnumber liberals 2 to 1 in the general population. Among Tea Party activists, 25 to 1.
SA