NBC's Chuck Todd Says Tea Parties Haven't 'Caught On'

NBC - one of the networks that has virtually ignored the Tax Day Tea Party protests against taxation and government spending - finally mentioned it on "Today" April 15.

The network's chief White House correspondent, Chuck Todd tacked his criticism on to the end of a glowing report about President Obama's economic speech from April 14. He cited "White House aides" who called Obama's speech "a modern-day fireside chat," but Todd said "it also had the feel of an economics class."

After such positive remarks about Obama, Todd dismissed the grassroots movement as "so-called tea parties."

Todd said, "Republicans, meanwhile, are struggling to make use of the day politically. There's been some grassroots conservatives who have organized so-called ‘tea parties' around the company-country hoping the historical reference will help galvanize Americans against the president's economic ideas."

He continued to write off the protests saying: "But I tell you, the idea hasn't really caught on. The RNC has jumped in. A few other radio hosts have jumped in but it hasn't galvanized the party the way they would hope."

"Today" host Matt Lauer didn't challenge Todd's appraisal of the tea party protests despite the fact that there are over 500 protests scheduled across the country today and people will be gathering in every Congressional district.

Todd also didn't provide any statement from Tea Party organizers or supporters.