Confusing Comparison

I recently heard the aims of the American "Tea Party" movement compared with the Republic of Gilead as described by Margaret Atwood in A Handmaid's Tale. I was confused by this reference and for the last few days have tried to figure out why in the world this comparison was made, after a few days I still have no idea what this commentator was thinking.

In order to understand my confusion you first need to know a bit about the novel. A Handmaid's Tale is described as a work of "speculative fiction". It is set in a futuristic country set somewhere within the borders of the United States. Due to a nuclear meltdown, disease outbreaks, and terrorism the United States was destroyed and replaced by this particular republic. Additionally, the population as a whole suffers from widespread infertility- hence the name of the book. I read this book in early high school, and then again in college so I am a bit familiar with the plot, main themes, and even the tone of the book, but I am still confused. The futuristic world described by Atwood doesnt touch on the main tenants of the tea party movement.

I cant say whether or not I agree with the tea party movement, but at the same time I have yet to make up my mind I realize this comparison is dangerous and can lead to individuals discrediting the ideas explored. A Handmaid's Tale is a cautionary work of fiction not an exposé on current political movements...

I am still annoyed by the comparison. I need someone to explain it to me... any ideas?

Just in case you havent read the novel, below is a link to the wikipedia article (yes not scientific but it is a start).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Handmaid%27s_Tale