Meaning: The quote in question, attributed to Karl Rove, references the origins of the Tea Party movement in the United States. It highlights a pivotal moment in the movement's emergence, pointing to a specific event and individual that set the stage for its rapid growth and influence in American politics.

The Tea Party movement, which took its name from the historic Boston Tea Party of 1773, emerged as a grassroots conservative political movement in the early 21st century. It was characterized by its opposition to excessive government spending, high taxes, and what its supporters perceived as government overreach and intrusion into the lives of ordinary citizens.

The quote draws attention to the catalyst for the Tea Party's rise, which Rove identifies as the impassioned on-air remarks made by CNBC commentator Rick Santelli on February 19, 2009. Santelli's now-famous rant took place during a live broadcast from the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, where he expressed outrage over the prospect of using taxpayer money to bail out homeowners who had defaulted on their mortgages.

Santelli's fervent denunciation of the government's intervention in the housing market struck a chord with many Americans who shared his concerns about fiscal responsibility and government intervention. His remarks resonated particularly strongly with conservative and libertarian-leaning individuals who had become increasingly disillusioned with the policies of the newly inaugurated Obama administration, as well as with the bank bailouts that had been initiated under the previous administration in response to the 2008 financial crisis.

In the wake of Santelli's televised outburst, his call for a "tea party" protest against government overreach quickly gained traction, sparking a groundswell of grassroots activism and organizing efforts. This pivotal moment, as Rove suggests, marked the true genesis of the Tea Party movement, as it galvanized disaffected citizens and provided a focal point for their frustrations and demands for change.

The movement's rapid rise to prominence was characterized by its decentralized, bottom-up structure, with local groups and activists mobilizing around shared principles of limited government, fiscal conservatism, and individual liberty. The Tea Party's influence was felt in numerous ways, from its impact on electoral politics and the Republican Party to its role in shaping public discourse and policy debates.

The quote serves as a reminder of the power of individual voices and moments of impassioned expression to ignite broader social and political movements. It underscores the role of media and communication in shaping public sentiment and mobilizing collective action, as well as the enduring impact of grassroots movements in American politics.

In summary, Karl Rove's quote captures the essence of the Tea Party movement's origins, pointing to the pivotal role played by Rick Santelli's impassioned commentary in sparking a wave of grassroots activism and political engagement. It underscores the significance of that moment in reshaping the political landscape and galvanizing a movement that would leave a lasting imprint on American politics.