Actually, the article (I just read it), isn't talking about Tea Party activists at all. It was a poll of people that claim to sympathize with Tea Party ideals.

These are pretty much mainstream Republicans that were polled. These aren't the people that actually go to the marches, carry the signs, flock to Sarah Palin and form militias. They just want a forum to rage against the government and blame them for the state of the country.

It was also interesting that they oppose big government, but favor Social Security and Medicare, the 2 largest government social programs.