I'm not suggesting in any way that racism was the impetus for the Tea Party movement. But it's blatantly obvious to any objective observer that many racists have since jumped on the bandwagon. And that's a real problem for perception, and denying this fact doesn't make it go away.
As I have no reason to doubt your perception, I accept that this is your perception.
Based on my experience, and without evidence to the contrary, I will have to believe for now that your perception is wrong.