Sense on Cents

Twenty four hours ago, how many people who follow politics and the markets in America knew the name Dave Brat? I would guess not that many.

I will admit that, prior to last evening, I did not know Dave Brat or that there even was a Republican primary scheduled in the state of Virginia. What a difference a day makes. Talk of Dave Brat’s historic upset of Eric Cantor is now dominating the airwaves and social media. In the quintessential example of ‘David slays Goliath,’ Brat brought down Cantor after having raised a paltry sum of $231,000.

Is it appropriate to compare Brat’s victory to the throwing of tea into Boston Harbor?

While plenty of the established talking heads will look to quickly paint Brat’s victory with the standard political fare, I think — and hope — that Brat’s victory is a statement that “the system is broken.” Is Brat’s victory an indication that the established status quo in Washington should be nervous? Let’s navigate and see how folks are tweeting this monumental upset: (more…)