Instead of defending the Tea Party as it has devolved, it would be better to move to a new improved conservative movement.
A movement with a clear and singular focus: Winning elections, with superior candidates, clear campaign messages, etc.
Becuz what is left of the TP movement is perpetual rehash of Sarah Palin's rambling culture war victimhood skits, which play to just a narrow audience.
And I would like to see some financial disclosure by the professionals that use the label. Like Tea Party Express, and Tea Party Patriots, and Tea Party News Network, etc. Find out how much money is going into their personal pockets, versus into campaigns.
For example, Sal Russo's Tea Party Express (Sacramento) sends me several emails each week, each asking for donations, for separate purposes. My guess is that most stays in the pockets of the organization, not the stated target.
I watch the stuff posted on Facebook by TP organizations, and it is divisive. Borderline racist.