Sen. Graham predicts Tea Party movement will eventually 'die out'

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who has earned the ire of Tea Party groups for his penchant for negotiating with Democrats, predicted this week the movement will "die out." Graham, who has partnered with Democrats on immigration reform and energy and climate legislation, made the observation in a New York Times Magazine profile titled "Lindsey Graham, This Year's Maverick" to be published this Sunday: In a previous conversation, Graham told me: “The problem with the Tea Party, I think it’s just unsustainable because they can never come up with a coherent vision for governing the country. It will die out.” Now he said, in a tone of casual lament: “We don’t have a lot of Reagan-type leaders in our party. Remember Ronald Reagan Democrats? I want a Republican that can attract Democrats.” Chortling, he added, “Ronald Reagan would have a hard time getting elected as a Republican today.”...more

Graham's mentor is John McCain, who also relished being called a "maverick" by the media. McCain obtained this status by "reaching across the aisle" and by criticizing conservative groups. Graham is now following a familiar pattern.

Ironically, it's just this sort of political behavior by Republicans that is partially responsible for the creation of the Tea Party. The Tea Party won't "die out" while there are still Republicans like Graham.