In the United States the conservative Tea Party and progressive Occupy movements both began in the past few years. The two movements are seen as polar opposites on the political spectrum. The Tea Party is a national movement consisting primarily of older, middle-class people who tend to lean Republican while Occupy is a younger, more educated group who are politically independent and whose ideology sparked a global movement.

Despite seeming ideological and demographic differences, there are several policy areas where they agree. Both movements are highly critical of institutions, somewhat isolationist, and against debt. Could these areas create a basis for radical change?

In this episode of The Stream, we speak to Kevin Zeese (@kbzeese) organiser for Occupy Wall Street DC and co-director of It’s Our Economy; and Sal Russo (@SalRusso1), co-founder and chief strategist of Tea Party Express. Members of the Stream community also join us via Google+.

What do you think? In the US elections is there common ground between the Tea Party and Occupy? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using #AJStream.