The political energy today is with the Tea Party movement. It would be a mistake for Republicans to take this movement as theirs. It is ultimately a revolt of the common people against a self-selected elite. However, that elite includes not only Democrats, but overpaid business leaders, and any Republican who goes down the wrong path.

The ultimate issue for the Republicans is not how to deal with Obama, but how to deal with this grass-roots revolt – how to be part of it instead of another of its targets.

It will be like riding a tiger. I hope we Republicans can succeed at it.