The Tea Party emerged shortly after President Obama's inauguration as a significant political force, initially influenced by fringe conservative voices. While it presented itself as a movement advocating for traditional conservative values like limited government and low taxes, its central focus was a deeper challenge to the legitimacy of Obama's presidency. This movement quickly gained traction, bringing together discontented citizens who questioned not just his policies, but also his right to hold office.

This questioning of legitimacy marked a shift from mere political disagreement to a more troubling perspective, implying that Obama's presidency was fundamentally flawed. The Tea Party's rhetoric allowed for a broader narrative that extended beyond policy debates, creating an environment where the president's very identity and authority were consistently challenged. The implications of this movement have had lasting effects on American politics and the discourse surrounding presidential legitimacy.