While some commentators are hesitant to point to a clear winner in Monday night's Republican presidential debate on CNN, some claim the real winner was the tea party movement -- a co-sponsor of the event.

Many pundits contend there has been no other movement in recent decades that has challenged the political establishment like that of the tea party movement. Levi Russell, communication director of the Tea Party Express, says the partnership with CNN provided an important platform to communicate significant principles.

"Well, going back a couple of years ago, no one would have ever guessed that we would have a prominent role to play in choosing the next president of the United States -- so we're very excited," he tells OneNewsNow.

In a OneNewsNow poll on Tuesday, more than 85% of respondents agreed that the tea party movement will be a major player in determining the GOP presidential nominee next year.

Some political observers questioned the decision by Tea Party Express leaders as to why the organization partnered with CNN -- rather than the more conservative-leaning Fox News Channel -- to air Monday's debate. Russell contends Fox News viewers typically already agree with many of the tenants of the tea party movement -- and that teaming with CNN offered an opportunity to reach a different audience...