The deceptive strategy of the extremists painting the mainstream as extreme

"The reality of the Tea Party is by and large – it consists of “mainstream” America rather than “extreme” America. A recent Rasmussen poll indicated that 57% of Republicans are supportive of the Tea Party movement. Any percentage that falls into the majority category represents the “mainstream”. A number of polls have indicated that 15%-20% of Democrats are likewise supportive of the Tea Party – a number which can be added to the 57% of Republicans. This does not include the independents, who according to most polls are leaning toward the Tea Party."