Is the Tea Party Self-Destructive?

This transcript is automatically generated

I know Lila -- thanks for watching us tonight is a Tea Party self destructive that is the subject of this evening's talking points memo.

From the beginning I've supported the Tea Party because I believe it empowers individual Americans always a good thing.

Also the Tea Party wants fiscal responsibility and a smaller federal government again those are good things as well.

But other Tea Party -- come to a crossroads some of its members simply do not want to raise the debt ceiling and that could be catastrophic.

Today standard -- met with Republicans in the house to tell them there's a 5050 chance America's -- -- bond rating will be caught.

If no -- compromise is reached.

The goal of any legislation should be to strengthen the country and there is a way to raise -- national debt ceiling while at the same time.

Drastically cutting federal spending and reforming the unfair tax code.

If America starts to spend responsibly the national debt will come down and there will be no need to ever raise the debt ceiling again.

So the Tea Party people should reassess the issue I mean when you have a senator like Tom Cold War.

Very staunch conservative and fiscal hawk when you -- him willing to compromise you have to take notes.

In addition the Tea Party should be looking out for itself.

Remember the -- movement in the 1960s of one point -- that's in power and influence but it blew up because it was fanatical.

And Americans turned away.

Right now 19% of registered voters consider themselves part of the Tea Party movement according to Fox News survey.

That includes 25% Republicans 13% independents and 6% Democrats but 19% is not enough to carry the day on -- thing.

And -- the Tea Party is perceived by most Americans being on reasonable it will not grow any larger.

In fact if -- compromise on the debt is not reached and the economy gets even worse the Tea Party will be blamed.

At this point in history of the Tea Party could become a tremendous force for good in the country but it could also -- that tree.

Most Americans do not like extremism in politics we need a scene.

Compromise.

And tough economic reform in this country.

I hope the Tea Party will be -- part of the.

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