Santelli’s Rant That Launched The Tea Party Turns Five Years Old ... Relive it Here

Rant That Launched Tea Party – and 4 More Amazing Ones from World’s Top Ranter (NewsBusters)

CNBC’s Rick Santelli is a man who isn’t afraid to speak his mind. His Feb. 19, 2009, rant was credited with inspiring the start of the Tea Party. It’s not alone. Santelli raises his voice on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade whenever he feels that an important point of information isn’t getting enough attention.

Complete with arm waving, props and a lot more facts than liberals are comfortable with, here are what we at the Business and Media Institute have decided are the five best Rick Santelli rants of all time.

Santelli’s frustration with the system was a theme that resonated with the American people. His enthusiastic ranting gave the motivation to start an entire movement and revitalize voters worn out by the daily strain of politics. While critics mock his fiery persona, they can’t deny the impact that he has had.

Santelli helped galvanize the anger and frustration felt by those who soon became the Tea Party. Five years later, his words still serve as a benchmark in modern American politics.