Tea Party Politics and Strategies

Gwen Ifill hosts a panel discussion on the Washington Week Webcast Extra, featuring journalists from major publications. The panel discusses the upcoming election, predicting a Republican takeover of the House and John Boehner as the next Speaker. They explore the differences between Boehner's potential leadership style and that of previous speakers. The conversation shifts to the impact of newcomers, particularly Tea Party-backed candidates, and their potential influence in Washington. The panel also examines key state races in Alaska and Florida, highlighting the complexities and strategies involved. The webcast concludes with closing remarks and directions to additional content.

What is one key difference between John Boehner's and Newt Gingrich's approach to leadership?

• Boehner prefers to consolidate power in the House leadership.

• Boehner plans to defer parts of his agenda to committee chairmen.

• Gingrich prefers to build public debate in committees first.

• Gingrich was a committee chairman before becoming Speaker.

What is John Boehner's previous role before potentially becoming Speaker?

• Governor of Ohio

• Senate Majority Leader

• White House Chief of Staff

• Chairman of the Education and Labor Committee

What is a common characteristic of the new wave of Tea Party-backed politicians?

• They are known for their bipartisan approach.

• They aim to maintain the status quo in Washington.

• They are primarily focused on foreign policy issues.

• They are coming to Washington with a revolutionary mindset.

What challenge do new Tea Party-backed politicians face upon arriving in Washington?

• Understanding the complexity of committee hearings

• Gaining support from the Democratic Party

• Finding housing in the city

• Avoiding media scrutiny

What is the White House's strategy regarding potential Republican internal conflicts?

• To focus solely on foreign policy issues.

• To form alliances with Tea Party members.

• To hope that the Republican Party will self-destruct.

• To support the Republican agenda fully.

What is the Republican pledge regarding discretionary spending?

• To redirect it to defense spending

• To cut it by $100 billion

• To increase it by $100 billion

• To maintain current levels

Why is the Senate race in Alaska considered particularly interesting?

• It is the only race with a Tea Party candidate.

• It involves a write-in candidate with a strong chance.

• It includes a strong third-party candidate.

• It features a candidate who switched parties.

What was Bill Clinton's controversial suggestion in the Florida Senate race?

• To endorse Marco Rubio.

• To focus on local issues instead of national ones.

• To have Kendrick Meek drop out and support Charlie Crist.

• To switch parties and run as an independent.

What is a significant factor in the Florida gubernatorial race?

• The presence of a strong third-party candidate

• The involvement of a former president

• The focus on foreign policy issues

• The early voting turnout

What unique event is planned to mobilize voters in Florida?

• A debate between all candidates

• A statewide bus tour by the candidates

• A Margaritaville rally featuring Jimmy Buffett

• A televised town hall meeting