Takes on the Tea Parties

The always coherent Peggy Noonan -- who writes so clearly because that's the way she thinks -- sets out here how and why the Tea Parties are performing a vital role in the nation's political life today. The Wall Street Journal essay also spells out the major challenges that lie ahead for the Tea Parties.

And, surprisingly, The New York Times published this balanced analysis of the Tea Parties and of the criticisms being directed at them and the candidates they have (successfully) supported.