Just based on the linked article looks like it's all down side and little or no up, for Dallas Tea Party to get involved. my 2 cents.

Only a few speakers can hold their own with progressive professional speakers. They can make us look foolish. They know all the tricks. But if our side can maintain credibility, they can have a go of it. Know what you're getting into.

I don't understand what benefit "national exposre" of the DTP serves. To me grassroots is working at the local level. If it's money they are looking for - I say no way.

I am very distrustful of anything CNN does. I vote no on joining in on this venture.

Bad idea. CNN could easily co-opt any partial quote, or spin their relationship with us to suggest that we are OK with the liberal media.

On one hand, we should be lights in a dark world, without being negatively influenced by it. This necessitates strong character from both Leadership and those who implement it's goals. On the other hand, we are known by the company we keep. If we can remain unsullied by both CNN and TP Express, sticking to our core beliefs; yes we should embrace this opportunity to express ourselves and our goals to a larger audience tha we now enjoy.

I vote No - from what I've seen and read, there are no upside possibilities to joining in and many possible downsides here.

I agree with the comments already posted. This does not sound like a good idea for the Dallas Tea Party.

Did you see last nights CNN Tea Party Express "representative" interview? Not good.

No No No No No No No

We dont need to risk being involved with Obama's CNN News Network for recognition.

Election results -- that is where we have and will continue to get recognition.

Is this another April fools joke?

Co-sponsor the debate.

My gut tells me to pass on this one.

I do not believe that we should be a co-sponsor with the EXpress nor CNN. I do not trust the CNN network to put us in the best light based on history of their past broadcasts. The Tea PartY Express in my opinion has been to much influenced by the GOP and their political agendas. We should politely decline and save our money and energy for projects that we will control and that will reflect our core principles in the light we intend.
I say absolutely no.
My wife says no also!

Agree with the bulk of the respondents - there's not much upside to this and a bunch of potential downside. Let's pass.

Until the rules of the debate, in writing, and required to be signed by all sponsors, Clearly make it a Totally Non-partisan Debate, I wouldn't touch it with a 100 ft pole.. Any Political party with at least 5% of the national vote in 2010 should be able to participate with candidates...for the presidency...If this is for republicans only, let the republicans control/support it...it ain't something TEA Partiers should be supporting, because it would be Partisan

I am not sure why the Tea Party Express is not viewed in a positive light. There are so many Tea Party groups and I don't know the difference. Pleas tell us the reason they are are not viewied in a positive light so that we can make a more informed deicsion. With respect to CNN, my initial reaction is that it would give our group a chance to get their views out and make good points, but it would take someone who is experienced at debating and getting the message out in a few words because that is all we will get, a few words.

I presume this means DTP will have a representative on the panel of questioners at the debate. If so:

Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! Go for it. Stop the paranoia and confront these people head-on.

It is our duty as citizens to engage in the political debate. This is a superb opportunity to do so. We are wussies if we don't forcefully represent our views.

Don't fall for the hype that this is some kind of trap. The Left wants us to refuse so they can denigrate the movement and claim it is fractured.

The fact the DTP was invited to co-sponsor is testament to its perceived strength. It is a complement.

Turning down the invite does more harm to the public image of the DTP than it does good.

My first thought was no because it's CNN. I thought they were very left wing. During the Presidential Elections they were very Obama and really against Hillary. The commentator's were very disrespectful of the candidates they didn't like. With this being said, I think we should go for it, we have nothing to lose. If we don't go they will spin it, and possibly they will do a spin if we go. If someone does go you will need to know what questions will be asked, etc., just like any other interview/debate. It's time people really know what we are all about!!

I see little in the positive in the comments made. So I will play devil's advocate.We have several leaders in the DTP who frequent CNN on various talk shows who fair quiet well.THIS is different.THIS is an opportunity to speak up and have a say in asking TOUGH QUESTIONS! It could be a chance to show all the "crazies" who believe Tea Partiers are radicals, like the far left, that we are just "common sense" folks who are looking out for ALL Americans and NOT special interest, i.e., unions.The tea party movement has come a long way. Many believed the Tea Party would have shriveled up and disappeared by now! Look where we are today, daily we are feared by the dems. What a GRAND opportunity to show the world, YES, the world will be watching to see who will survive the tea party question. I vote YES, but it certainly would depend on the final contract, would DTP have a member on the panel? Asking their own question to avoid any mistranslations, isn%u2019t that what we are really concerned ab

What does co-sponsor mean? If it doesn't mean we have to pay for it, but will be participating, then participate. We have plenty of members who can represent us and the American people well. If you abandon the playing field, you can't win.

I think we should participate and speak up anywhere and everywhere that we can. It's not about exposure so much as getting the word out.

If this means we're going to get to ask our questions of candidates, don't pass it up.

My view is that being a co-sponsor is distinct and different from being an endorser. If that is correct, then I think the Dallas Tea Party should be a co-sponsor even though we do not endorse either CNN or Tea Party Express. This is political life-it is a tough sport. We need to be getting our name and message out into the community and after all, this is about a Presidential debate. 2012 is just around the corner! Will the Dallas Tea Party be asking questions of the candidates? We should be, as co-sponsors. The Dallas Tea Party should participate.

Given your last statement that both CNN and the Tea Party Express are viewed negatively, why would we want to align ourselves with either, much less, both?