On the merits of fear as a motivator, part 2.

As usual, Jim Geraghty is thinking along the same lines that I am.

The usual suspects will argue that this result is one more sign of the decline of the Tea Party. But this continues the chaotic classification system, in which all a candidate needs to be considered the “Tea Party” candidate in the narrative is to say, “Hi, I’m the Tea Party candidate.” Tillis is hardly a squish, and 59 percent of self-identified Tea Party supporters felt positively about Tillis; 24 percent felt unfavorably.

A more accurate interpretation is that “Establishment” candidates – read, those who have actually been elected to office before – are getting better at adapting to a political environment shaped by “Tea Party” supporters and making the case that they will indeed fight for conservative reforms.

I am frankly just going to be happy when all of the primaries are over. They’re getting in the way of me trying to make Democratic politicians’ lives miserable.

Moe Lane