This story from the Hill (via Glenn) is more significant that you might think:
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is playing defense against conservatives in his state angry with his record.
Nothing odd about that, lots of people are trying to shore up their bonafides these days
The Tea Party appearance was paired with appearances on conservative radio in the state, where Graham faced tough questions about whether he was adequately conservative.
Nothing strange there either, tea party groups and radio are great places to court conservatives. What is interesting is this:
Graham won’t be up for reelection until 2014, but conservative activists’ anger toward him suggests he’ll face a primary challenge in four years. He said that he’ll keep pressing forward toward consensus.emphasis mine
Think about that for a moment! Graham will not be facing the voters for 48 months and yet he is not only talking to conservative radio, but to the TEA PARTY groups to defend himself.
Anyone who studies politics knows that everything can change in a few months, just look at the difference two years has made for the one. Whatever one might think of Graham he is acutely aware of this fact, yet he is investing time and effort in meeting tea party groups. Why? Because in 4 years he believes he will need said groups for his political survival.
That tells you all you need about the tea party groups. Graham believes that they will still be a force through at least two more election cycles. Other republicans had better take note of this and get their conservative houses in order. Democrats had better do so too, this is a center-right country, even if our media is left-radical. I suggest that if you have to please either the voters or the media, please the voters, you can always find someone else to have a drink with at parties.
Lindsey Graham has read the tea leaves and seen the future, will the rest of the establishment GOP do the same?
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