New poll shows Tea Party pragmatism: They may not identify with Romney, but they think he can win

Ryan Streeter
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In last night's CBS poll, 20% of Republican primary voters who consider themselves Tea Partiers say Herman Cain best represents the values they live by, and another 17% name Michele Bachmann. Only 14% said Romney.

But when asked who stands the best chance of beating Obama, Romney wins hands down:

The headlines today about this poll focus on the dead heat between Romney and Cain, who each took 17% on the main question about who people would like to see win the nomination. But underneath their preferences, Tea Partiers have a view about what it will take to beat Obama that looks a lot more establishment than one might think.

Another interesting take-away from the poll is that 74% of Republican primary voters say they don't want to see Sarah Palin get in the race.