Pan...these "tea parties" are absolutely a "conservative thing".
Look at the
website for this "New American Tea Party" organizing these events.
...sponsored by the American Spectator, the Heartland Institute, Americans for Tax Reform, the National Taxpayers Union, Americans for Prosperity, and the Young Conservatives Coalition.
Not a conservative thing?
And its not all that surprising that with Rush's (and Drudge's et al) nationwide promotion, they can get 4,000 people at some of their rallies.
Those being duded are the ones who dont see it for what it is.