In between speakers, video clips and performances were featured as part of this conservative vaudeville show. Cheers greeted a trailer for the film 2016:Obama’s America, a slickly made preview that apocalyptically warns of Obama’s journey to right the sins of colonialism.
Also on hand was Nashville-based singer Krista Branch, whose Tea Party-influenced songs such as “I am America” serve as theme music to the group and were featured prominently in Herman Cain’s campaign ads.
The speakers shared a common theme throughout the night, focusing on the necessity of fiscal responsibility, the importance of the ideals of the founding fathers, and a complete rejection of President Obama and his policies. Many comparisons to former President Jimmy Carter were made as a way to suggest Obama’s weakness. The accusations about his loyalty were particularly damning, inferring that the president was more focused on “ruling” than leading.
Aside from the two biggest names, the rally also featured other key figures in the Tea Party movement, including best-selling author and radio host Neal Boortz, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Rebecca Kleefisch, lieutenant governor to controversial Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.
The most excitement, however, was reserved for the two biggest names on the ticket: Bachmann and Cain. Bachmann spoke first to a raucous crowd, touting her record as a congresswoman and warning of the increased government influence that will occur if President Obama wins a second term. As with most of her colleagues at the event the most egregious action by the president was passage of the landmark healthcare bill, something she feels leads the United States onto the road to socialism.
“There’s one option for America to remain free, and that’s the ballot box this November,” Bachmann said. “We’re not going to stand by and see socialism implemented in our country.”
Bachmann, who leads the Tea Party caucus, also praised the efforts of the formerly grass-roots organization and its dedication to the cause.
“I want you to know how incredibly successful you have been as a movement. The leader of the Republican party, Mitt Romney, has said without batting an eyelash that day one as president he will repeal Obamacare. And the Tea Party needs to take a bow for that.” She closed her speech praising the party further. “In this year 2012, we are going to take our country back…God bless the United States of America and God bless the Tea Party.”
Much has been made about the Republican Party’s lack of excitement about Mitt Romney. Governor Romney was mentioned less than would be expected; most of the speakers did begrudgingly pledge their support for him as the Republican candidate, though only as a viable alternative to Obama.
Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz was there to promote Romney as a no-nonsense businessman. While the audience was interested, the level of excitement switched up immediately when he brought up vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan, a Tea Party favorite. The crowd was heavily supportive of the fiscal conservative and his reputation as a good small-town Midwesterner which helped offset the image of Mitt Romney as a tightly wound upper-crust type.
The star of the show, however, was Herman Cain. He worked the crowd masterfully, discussing his now derailed presidential campaign and his continued efforts to be a key player in the political scene.
- Herman Cain discussed a variety of subjects, most notably the economy
“One of the hardest things of getting out of the race because of lies and dirty politics was that I knew a lot of people that supported me would be disappointed….even though I am no longer seeking the position of president, I am still on a mission to defeat Barack Obama.”
Cain is also not wont to shy away from discussing race. In discussing a recent poll of African-American voting habits he took offense to the term.
“They say African Americans, I say black people. I’ve been to Africa once, but I’ve been in America all my life! According to the survey, and you all know how some of these polls are…..(that the poll) that amongst my black people, there were zero black people who would vote for Mitt Romney! My response was I’m not a zero!”
The audience was incredibly responsive, frequently breaking into “U.S.A” chants or shouting in agreement with the former Godfather’s Pizza CEO. Cain continued to discuss the state of modern politics and the media (and his distaste for both), his upbringing and the dire economic state of the nation.
“If they do not extend the existing tax rates we descend into a deep recession and repression in 2013 and beyond. It is a fact, but you don’t hear nothing about it. You hear all about all this other stuff that they use to distract you. The biggest issue is getting this economy back on track, don’t be fooled, don’t be distracted, you stay on focus and learn the facts.”
While some view the Tea Party as having lost some of its significance to the Republican platform, the outpouring of support points to the fact that they still have a decidedly high amount of sway in the modern-day party.
