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twitterGrass roots or not, Nevada tea parties had assist
Conservative activists stop in Las Vegas along cross-country tour
Justin M. Bowen
Sharron Angle, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, speaks during a “Tea Party Express” rally Aug. 31 at the Las Vegas Sports Center.
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009 | 2 a.m.
Sun Archives
- Hundreds rally against Harry Reid, proposed health care reform (8-31-2009)
- Countering the hysteria (8-26-2009)
- Anti-tax advocates rally against spending, Obama (4-15-2009)
Sun Coverage
AP Coverage
- Hundreds turn out for Tea Party Express in Sparks (8-29-2009)
- Just who are these health care protesters? (8-13-2009)
- Common theme for protesters: No to big government (8-12-2009)
The organization that was unable to accomplish its sole objective in 2008 — to stop Barack Obama from becoming president — rolled into town Monday for a do-over of sorts.
The Republican-backed group led by conservative Californians whipped up opposition to Obama’s agenda in Nevada as it continued a 16-day, cross-country Tea Party Express tour.
The group funded by the Our Country Deserves Better political action committee raises the question: When does an “Astro Turf” political campaign become a real grass-roots uprising?
You may remember the Our Country Deserves Better PAC from last fall’s presidential election. The organization headed by Howard Kaloogian, a former California legislator who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2006, developed some of the more damning TV ads during the presidential election, including those questioning Obama’s patriotism and his missing American flag lapel pin.
Kaloogian’s group raised $1.4 million in the 2008 election cycle to defeat Obama, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
But after Obama went on to win Nevada by 12 percentage points — a victory margin not seen since Franklin Delano Roosevelt — the group is back, having raised $585,000 so far this year to accomplish in public opinion what it was unable to do at the polls.
So was this grass-roots activism or hired hands rousing the crowd of hundreds?
“This thing is so organic and so spontaneous and so grass roots that it’s like trying to herd feral cats,” Tea Party Express Vice Chairman Mark Williams, a radio talk show host, told Fox News Monday morning.
The cable news network has been heavily promoting the Tea Party Express, which swung through Northern Nevada over the weekend, since before its Friday launch. Fox has run ads asking viewers, “Will You Join the Tea Party Express?” Also, a Fox producer is blogging and shooting video at each stop of the tour for conservative commentator Sean Hannity.
The tour has also been promoted by Conservatives for Patients’ Rights, which was heavily involved in filling rowdy town-hall meetings on health care this summer.
That group’s founder, Rick Scott, is a millionaire investor and controversial former hospital executive, who spent $5 million of his own money to bankroll ads opposing Obama’s health care reform package, according to The Washington Post. The ads were developed by the same firm that did the “Swift boat” campaign in 2004 against the Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts.
In Nevada, Our Country Deserves Better sent 7,000 e-mails and promoted the Las Vegas event on the program of conservative talk radio host Heidi Harris as well as on Fox News, spokesman Levi Russell said.
Rolls of toilet paper are shown for sale during the "Tea Party Express" rally Monday at the Las Vegas Sports Center.
The group had two-fer on its agenda in the Silver State: Go after Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who is seeking reelection in 2010.
Republican Party activists in Nevada, piqued by rumors of national media attention for the event, dashed off the e-mails to draw crowds.
Several hundred people responded, gathering in the parking lot of the Sports Center of Las Vegas, on Sunset Road near Las Vegas Boulevard, to wave signs and flags and listen to the busload of conservative activists.
Among the speakers were several potential Republican candidates in 2010, including former state Sen. Joe Heck, who is planning a primary challenge against fellow Republican Gov. Jim Gibbons, and potential Reid challengers, including former Assemblywoman Sharron Angle and businessman Danny Tarkanian.
Las Vegas resident Sue Heiselman, a political independent, said she has soured on both of Nevada’s senators, Reid and Republican John Ensign. “I’m here for my grandkids,” she said. “We’re venting simply because we feel like we have nowhere else to go.”
Hundreds participate in the "Tea Party Express" rally Monday at the Las Vegas Sports Center. The Tea Party Express is organizing rallies in several cities to voice its opposition to the policies of President Barack Obama, Sen. Harry Reid and other leaders.
The Nevada Democratic Party said the Tea Party Express’ swing through the state is “absolutely not grass roots.”
“This is classic Astro Turfing,” party spokeswoman Phoebe Sweet said. The Democrats were holding a competing event in the evening at UNLV with Reid headlining a rally in support of proposed health care reform.
Of the Tea Party supporters who showed up Saturday in Winnemucca, one carried an “I will not be a socialist” sign, another wore the group’s signature T-shirt: Obama in white face painted to look like the Joker character in the Batman film “The Dark Knight.”
Barbara and Pete Jones of Reno told CNN they aren’t “protesting people,” but felt moved to drive to Winnemucca for the Tea Party Express event. “We’re the silent majority that is no longer silent,” she said.
Lisa Mascaro reported from Washington. Michael J. Mishak and Las Vegas Sun reporter Jeremy Twitchell, who contributed, reported from Las Vegas.
Discussion: 55 comments so far…
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"Monkey?" "Retarded?" It's labels like these, without substance, that is going to bring the present Administration Down with Harry Reid with so much self destructive name calling. What's the old saying? "Give em enough rope and......"
govern by fear....you fools.. you did not get enough of Bush were you awake for the last 8 years..i swear re-read 1984 just like the fear they pumped into my parents about the comming Russian invasion....when in reality russia could of never sustained that kind of war....rule by fear we need a percieved threat to keep all you middle income people in line...terror is fading so now we have to switch back to socialism.... lol ....tea party....i got a big sack of tea you can party with.... 100's of undercover racists ok maybe not all but i'm sure at least half the crowd would freak out if there daughter brought home someone of color
Comment removed by staff.
I find it amusing that these people attack big government when they themselves promote government intrusion into peoples lives. They have no problem encouraging government to limit the rights of individuals such as Lesbians and Gays to marry or a women's right to choose. In addition they support the death penalty while at the same time pushing for all-out restrictions on abortions.
I hate to use the word but I believe many would agree that there is a hypocrisy that exists with their arguments.
Hey Lib fools, keep it up, you guys are all about tolerance and free speech until a conservative starts talking.
I can't wait for 2010.
Birdie, really, yor schtick is very old. Just think how much hate you will have for the incompetent Libs when they shoot themselves in the foot come 2010. That will cook your goose.
Very well said, LVPaco. For example, if a 14 year old girl is raped by a close relative, the loons don't want to allow her to abort the probably defective fetus. But if the fetus grows up screwed up, and kills someone, then "Kill 'em".
What a bunch of hypocrites....
That is right getalife.
Whenever it is a lib crowd then boom ....12 people counted turns into 100's attended and not one inch of print space describes who funded or is behind the gathering.
Of course, the Sun is an extremely bais paper.
If one's wants to know the Democratic spin on the news then they came to the right place.
Geez, can the so-called "journalist" be more biased in this article? When you have over 85% of the media promoting Obama and defaming those who oppose the current administration, you have no room to call any opposing protest "astro turf." The liberal medias glorification of Obama during the election is what got him elected and now people are realizing that all that glitters aint gold.
As far as the name calling from liberals on here, that just shows 2 things: 1. They have no answer and 2. They're scared! Bye Bye Harry Reed!
Funny to see the Oblame-all Reid supporters so riled. I guess they're not happy. Cheer up, Oblame is doing a great job.
"This thing is so organic & so spontaneous and so grass roots that it's like trying to herd feral cats."
Um, sure. The entire article belies that.
Democrats should be scared? In the state of Gym gibbons and Johnny Ensign? Okee-dokee. I'm sure ol' "dirty" Harry is literally QUAKING in his shoes. Scared? OF WHAT? A bunch of would-be rabble-rousers brought together by another load of PAC dough and FOX news? Uh huh.
Astro-turf, indeed.
I am confident that when they roll up to the Rural Fernley area, this merry band of would-be
"grass-roots", "spontaneous", "patriotic" FOXES in SHEEP'S CLOTHING will be welcomed with the world's largest kool-aid stand.
I love that tropical punch! mmm mmm mmmm!
Tea party my butt. Where was the outrage when Bush decided to spend hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars on an illegal war in Iraq? Where was the outrage when he lowered taxes on the wealthiest Americans at the start of his administration? Why now, when Obama is spending money to HELP America is there so much outrage? The answer is simple, there isn't. There's a very vocal minority who still can't get over the fact that Obama and his ideals won, the Republicans lost. Get over it and crawl back into your hate-filled sad lives you losers.
Nov 2010. The only poll that will matter. IF we are still allowed secret ballots. By then the Obama crew may want card check for general elections. All hail "the leader".
All Obots assemble 9/11 is your obligated call to service, remember your promise to the messiah. Join hands with fellow ACORN / SEIU / mov-on-down the road crowd. Remember wifey of the chosen one said the master will not allow you to sit around.
"...the question: When does an "Astro Turf" political campaign become a real grass-roots uprising?"
How 'bout another...?
Question: When does a real grass-roots uprising become an "Astro Turf" political campaign?
Answer: When you read about it in The Sun?
The Las Vegas Sun no longer pretends it has any journalistic integrity. Front page articles bought and paid for by the Dems and their chief hatchet man, Harry Reid. Where can I get a clown face of Reid?
Again, ironically hilarious that a newspaper who glorifies union mobs who create 'grass roots' events all over the country (with matching signs, t-shirts and all arriving from out of state of buses) finds it offensive that some people are touring the country protesting the socialization of our economy, health care, financial markets and auto industry (thus far...)
Liberals know that astro-turfing is a devastating charge because it exposes the fact that there are no real public backers of an idea but only paid 'volunteers' (like those poor schlubs who hold up SHAME ON .... signs for the Carpenters Union yet get paid $8-10/hr and no health care or even WATER!) who are well financed and totally controlled by the special interest holding the event.
So what are liberals doing? They are accusing their opponents of being guilty of the exact public crime they commit every single time! Your transgressions speak loudly in accusation.
Where were all the pre-printed signs (with SEIU printed in the bottom corner) or the matching T-shirts from ACORN, SEIU, Organizing For America or any of the other manufactured grassroots groups?
This is really just a case of refusing to accept that there is ANY belief other than the belief with liberals hold. Like a journalistic fascism, the Sun is ridiculing and mocking anybody who doesn't agree with them. If they could legally ban them, don't think they wouldn't editorialize for that 'public option' to be enforced. (btw, when did the government become 'the public'?)
Uber-conservatives get mad when Dems call them names, but started the name calling a long time ago. The vocal minority has awfully thin skin. If you can dish it out, shut up and take it.
What happened to the "Town Halls" that the Democrats, SEIU and others were going to hold this week?
hey jerry...
you have to admit...
it is funny as hell...
these retarded republicans...
and their macho darwinian economics philosophy...
and their arrogance...
but as soon as you punch back...
they cry like little school girls...
boo hoo hoo...
wah wah wah...
damn it is funny...
hee hee hee!!!
hoo hoo hoo!!!
haa haa haa!!!
This is supposed to be a "news" story? It should be labeled "analysis" or "opinion" because it's clearly a slanted story.
No wonder Harry Reid loves the LV Sun. Kisses his ass everytime it gets the chance.
It's good to see someone is on OUR side seeings that our spineless Senator Harry Reid is not.
Why is the Commissar in Chief addressing the nation's school children on September 8th?
Comment removed by staff.
Can we do without the name calling?
Recently I spotted this on another website:
You didn't get mad when the Supreme Court stopped a legal recount and appointed a President.
You didn't get mad when Cheney allowed Energy company officials to dictate energy policy.
You didn't get mad when a covert CIA operative got outed.
You didn't get mad when the Patriot Act got passed.
You didn't get mad when we illegally invaded a country that posed no threat to us.
You didn't get mad when we spent over 600 billion (and counting) on said illegal war.
You didn't get mad when over 10 billion dollars just disappeared in Iraq.
You didn't get mad when you saw the Abu Grahib photos.
You didn't get mad when you found out we were torturing people.
You didn't get mad when the government was illegally wiretapping Americans.
You didn't get mad when we didn't catch Bin Laden.
You didn't get mad when you saw the horrible conditions at Walter Reed.
You didn't get mad when we let a major US city drown.
You didn't get mad when the deficit hit the trillion dollar mark.
You finally got mad when the government decided that people in America deserved the right to see a doctor if they are sick.
The same "loons" spout their venom on the Sun Opinion pages day in, day out? What is their beef with healthcare reform?
Death Panels ? -- The authorization for end of life consultation has been in existence for decades. Do you think end of life consultancy is different with private insurance companies? Ask your physician if he or she doesn't have the same reimbursement program provided by their private insurance contract. Do the research!
Government take over? -- ("Don't touch my Medicare! Cause I don't want no government program.") Believe it or not, government works. The CDC, the NIH, state health departments. Should we get rid of them too? Not to mention Social Security, the VA, fire departments, police departments and yes, Medicare!
We have to protect the private insurance companies so they can stay competitive !? - Really? And they will of course never raise rates, right? When have companies that can collude on pricing ever been competitive? You want insurance companies to act responsibly? Guarantee all of them a non-profit return at a fixed percentage. But not one that is 38%. It is about providing healthcare, isn't it?
Paying for abortions? - Existing law -- a law I do not agree with -- prohibits public funding of abortions -- even when some imbecile rapes his eleven year old daughter and she is forced to bring the baby to term. It's not there. Period.
Illegal immigrants get healthcare? Another -- it's not in there. But even George W. knew that anyone, ANYONE, can walk into an emergency room and get medical treatment at 4 to ten times the cost what it otherwise would be. The mad will stay mad -- but in truth, they are just that -- mad, not angry.
The groups that are organizing the tea parties have very strong ties to the insurance, hospital, and pharmaceutical industries. These industries of course have no interest in changing the status quo -- they are getting rich on healthcare premiums from the American people.
If some of you had attended the sendoff rally for Harry Reid at UNLV last night, and listened to the speakers, you may have had a different attitude towards the need for healthcare reform. We heard from one lady who worked in the healthcare industry, and had a very expensive insurance policy. But because of a pre-existing condition, when she got very ill, the insurance company refused to pay, so she had to declare bankruptcy -- after spending all of their savings for their children's education fund and their retirement. A second small business owner can no longer afford insurance for his employees, or his family. And the most heartbreaking story was from a woman who lost her 22-year-old brother on July 4th, because he needed a heart transplant, and had no insurance. These are not unusual stories -- the people who are protesting healthcare reform may very well be in the same situation some day. What happens when you lose your job in this economy?
And the status quo is unacceptable. Every year insurance premiums go up much faster than wages. If your employer pays for your insurance, you may be unaware of this -- but it may be one reason you aren't getting much of a raise. We all pay about $1000 a year in extra taxes to care for uninsured people in emergency rooms. And Medicare will be in the red in 8 years. This is the time to try to find a bi-partisan solution to healthcare reform before it becomes even more difficult.
This is the third discussion topic that Mr. Hypocrisy posted the exact same "copied" rant on.
The hypocrisy of it all...
Here are pics of the Sacramento Tea Party:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23809153@N0...
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.ph...
It's fairly simple to tell the difference between these phoney "Astro-Turf" groups and the real "Grass-Roots" groups representing common demographics through-out America, all you have to do is "FOLLOW THE MONEY!"
When the group is being financially backed by some BIG Business - you can bet a lot of money is being paid to people to POSE as activists and mislead everyday Americans - DON'T BE FOOLED!
Every issue, and phoney "Astro-Turf" group, is ALL ABOUT THE MONEY! And the Insurance Industry and Big Pharmaceutical Business will spend untold Millions so they can continue to suck BILLIONS out of everyday Americans!
Elections have consequences! The Republicans are now in the minority and know they can't advance their failed philosophy and agenda ideas - so, they go into OBSTRUCTIONISTS mode and do all they can to undermine the elected majority - it's really that simple!
Ask yourself this simple question: "Are you, or who do you know, that is REALLY happy with the quality, quantity and costs of the Healthcare they have privately or, like most, through their employment?"
Everyone I know, that has healthcare coverage, had to really think and do some research before they could answer that question for themselves - and EVERYONE complained about the COST BEING WAY TO HIGH! Many had no idea how little coverage they really had, and how quickly their insurance caps would get them cut-off!
We can fully fund and fix the V.A., Medicare, Medicaid and provide a PUBLIC OPTION - and we should simply because it is the right thing to do! Everyone opposing this solution is just out to make as much money as they can for their BIG BUSINESS interests!
Who are these crazy, selfish people? They are the rich who make more than $ 250,000 a year (and the idiots they've hired and brain-washed into doing their dirty work misleading the American people)!
Johnny, I am confused about the "Astro-Turf" and "Grass-Roots" groups you mention is your post. Can you name a few of each group so I can tell the difference between them.
Also, you state: "We can fully fund and fix the V.A., Medicare, Medicaid and..." Well... Why don't we??? What in the cat hair are we waiting for??? Like a wise man once said: GET ER DONE!
Then, lets discuss more reforms..
ever noticed it's about the same 10 teabagers, glen beck lovers on every site. you guys all using the same computer
formersomething is here with his name calling and labeling... But in this case I don't mind...
former: are all you Lefties using the same toilet seat?
I'm dying to know which part of the article was "biased."
Anyone want to provide examples or does the truth just really make you dopes want to cry?
Biased? No, not the LV SUN...
First I was called a "fool," then a "hypocrite, "a "loser," a "loon," a "teabager," a "Glen Beck lover" and now I am a "dope."
"At least nobody called me an "Obama-ite" or a "Bush-ite."
I will probably cry myself to sleep...
The RNC learned from the DNC. Why are they complaining?
To see how much they the(RNC)have organized is too wait until the nuclear option on health care is exercised. From that point the DNC and all the sycophants followers will see what taking back a country is about.
Robert Chandler has written a book titled Shadow World: Resurgent Russia, the Global New Left, and Radical Islam. What is valuable in Chandler's work relates to his firsthand interactions with Leftist organizers in the United States. According to Chandler, there is a vast network in America that aims to bring down the capitalist system, destroy the U.S. Constitution, and getting control of the government.
"The driving forces in this top network," wrote Chandler, "are the 'thought leaders' and other individuals in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including anarcho-communists and anarcho-syndacalists." He noted that "leading members are the Washington, D.C.-based revolutionary centers -- the institute for Policy Studies ... as well as the coopted mainstream media and politicians making up the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the 'Shadow Party' hiding inside the Democratic Party...."
**************
The battle for what used to be called "Communism" is today a battle for so-called "social justice." The advocates in this battle are "caring individuals," who claim to represent the poor and the working class. Theirs is an ongoing struggle, and is fought on many fronts, especially inside the United States. The reason for accelerating their campaign within America is important to understand: The United States is the only military power, and the only economic power, strong enough to block the advance of Moscow and Beijing.
http://www.financialsense.com/stormwatch...
Sharron Angle sweater purchased from overstock.com
The " not so hidden" agenda against the President can best be described by Jeff Foxworthy,............"you just might be a redneck!"
ReverendKscribe...
Hilarious! Spend much time peering over the fence at Area 51?
Ever hear of a Blue Dog Democrat? The Democrats don't follow in lock-step with their party as the Repubs have done for the last 8 years. It is only because of the Blue Dogs that health care reform has not already been rammed through Congress. I certainly don't support ramming any legislation through Congress without input from all sides.
You think that happened with the Bush tax cuts?
it's amazing how the wealthy get people like these teabaggers, who are very likely not that well off themselves, to go to war for them and their interests.
the rich are busy building more wealth, while people from places like winnemucca spend their time (and money) advocating for and against that which they do not understand.
as it was during caesar's time, so it is now - the rich always fool the poor into carrying their water (and spears) for them.
We also know that hate-talk Radio "BOSS" Jack Landreth was on the phone with Sean Insannity, Mark Levin, Drudge, Sherm the PACaderm at the RJ etc. and had his talk radio clowns promote the event along with the Reid non-story. Thank God we have the Sun to counter this garbage.
There are 33 people on the 2 hate buses according to CNN.
LarryVegas,
So what part of the article was biased?
comment removed by staph
comment removed by stiff
There were more people protesting the tea baggers than there were tea baggers.
How funny is that?
As for Sharon? Who is she? What is she?
She needs to get laid. Desperately.
The BOSS, as MRED calls him, voted for Obama. That is a fact! The "number 1" news/talk station here is run by a fake!