I have a feeling that the Tea Party has had impact on the republican party, Samson. The conservatives bailed on the party in the last 2 elections, and I think the politicians now see the light. I may be an optimist, but this is what I'm counting on. If the democrats keep what they have now....we will be broke sooner than later in regards to not having money lent to us.
Personally, I would like to see a strong third party....but that isn't going to happen anytime soon.
I'd like to believe you're correct, but I haven't seen much evidence of the Republicans forming around the Tea Party, or, frankly anything else, vis-a-vis border control, smaller government, reduced taxes, etc.
Do you have evidence to the contrary: That the Republican Party, or its leadership is moving toward a Tea Party Platform?