The “tea parties” weren’t organized by Glenn Beck. Many of these “tea parties” were planned after the first bailout in Sept. in opposition to government spending, borrowing and increasing the national debt. Santelli spoke of it on tv and the movement grew.

It is not a conservative movement but an all inclusive group of folks (blue dogs, conservatives, republicans, libertarians). Since these gatherings are held in public places, it is difficult to keep people out of the group.

Beck started something called “We Surround Them”. glennbeck.com
Groups of people met in restaurants and houses to watch a Beck airing of the show, cameras were at certain events and aired on Beck’s show.