Check out Newsbusters’ coverage of the new NBC/Wall Street Journal poll (PDF). The Tea Party is “viewed quite a bit more favorably” than either the Democrats or the Republicans.

But of course, the Tea Party movement hasn’t had the opportunity and/or the reins of power to spend like drunken sailors and trample on the few precious liberties we still have in this nation. A reminder to Republicans in this ever-shifting political landscape: You have to court (not co-opt) the Tea Party crowd. Then success will follow.

Al Maurer also points out what the Tea Parties can do with their growing popularity.