http://www.people-press.org/2013/10/16/tea-partys-image-turns-more-negative/Tea Party’s Image Turns More Negative
Ted Cruz’s Popularity Soars among Tea Party Republicans
Unfavorable Views of Tea Party Have Nearly Doubled Since 2010The Tea Party is less popular than ever, with even many Republicans now viewing the movement negatively. Overall, nearly half of the public (49%) has an unfavorable opinion of the Tea Party, while 30% have a favorable opinion.
The balance of opinion toward the Tea Party has turned more negative since June, when 37% viewed it favorably and 45% had an unfavorable opinion. And the Tea Party’s image is much more negative today than it was three years ago, shortly after it emerged as a conservative protest movement against Barack Obama’s policies on health care and the economy.
In February 2010, when the Tea Party was less well known, the balance of opinion toward the movement was positive (33% favorable vs. 25% unfavorable). Unfavorable opinion spiked to 43% in 2011 after Republicans won a House majority and Tea Party members played a leading role in that summer’s debt ceiling debate.
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Lots of interesting figures from surveys, at the link. I expect a lot of denial; don't believe in polls, consider the source, etc.