So the tea party is wounded and Chris Christie is the face of (R)

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

I'm not so sure about that ...

In any event, no, the Tea Party isn't wounded despite all the wishful thinking by the Dems and Libertarians nor is Chris Christie the new face of the GOP. Evidently some people don't mind waiting 3 or 4 generations to fix things since they want everything to fall apart first. Personally, I'd rather be effective in my lifetime by trying to rebolster an existing party and returning it toward opposing Marxism, establishing free enterprise, and decreasing the size of government while realizing the anti-Establishment clause does not require antipathy toward Christianity.

And I would agree.
The democrats definitely get the "big tent" idea right in all the ways we get it wrong. Just look at the arguing in this thread.
If we were democrats, we'd focus on winning first, and then settling the difference amongst ourselves later.

There is plenty of room for debate between the tea party folks, the libertarians, and just those who hate progressivism in the GOP if we're willing to realize the alternative is worse than all.

[Singlestack]

The democrats definitely get the "big tent" idea right in all the ways we get it wrong.

If by big tent you mean attracting moderates and independents, I don't think I agree. The Dems platform is very far-left, and there is little tolerance for pro-life views or non-muslim religions. Massive entitlement growth is job 1. The Dems have built a winning coalition based on racial division, entitlement growth, free contraceptives (the "war on women"), and the revolving money door with labor unions. Aided by a sycophantic media and the "culture of personality", that has been a winning hand. Couple that to the establishment RNC pushing squishy and RINO candidates and many conservatives staying home in the big elections, and here we are. Now the establishment RNC is trashing the tea party since they see the tea party as the threat that will potentially replace them and their power. I'm not surprised. If tea party and conservative candidates gain more seats in congress in the next few elections, it will transform the RNC and the establishment will lose their power and control. That is how to take control. I don't think a 3rd party can win a national election at this time.

[Gman]

I don't think a 3rd party can win a national election at this time.

...and I thought I was Master of the Obvious.