From my experience and observations the tea party is an extension of evangelical conservatism which is conflicting with its stated interest in small government. The only rally I've been to was dominated by Baptist preachers and Sarah Palin followers neither of which care about seeking smaller government. They are people who are only interesting in getting their own way and we have them to thank for the first 8 years of the 21st century. It is those people who have derailed the movement and will ultimately relegate it to the list of other has been populist movements like the ones championed by William Jennings Bryan who was a known exploiter of populist sentiments, much like Sarah Palin.