Harrington on Holdem TT hand - I disagree with the master

[Masquerade]

From HoH volume 1 Part 3, Example 3

"Relatively early in a major tournament. You have $23,000. The other chip stacks at your table vary from $5,000 to $28,000. The big blind has $19,000." Blinds 300/600 Ante 25.

Youve recently won the blinds with a $2,000 raise four times. You make the same raise of $2,000 with TT and the big blind goes allin. It's $17,000 to call and if you lose you'll be left with $4,000.

After some discussion, with particular reference to the recent "steals" as perceived by the other players, Harrington recommends calling. But is this really good? Is the big blind really allining 88 or 99 pre-flop "early in a major tournament" when he has a biggish stack. I think you're usually going to be shown a higher pair and otherwise a lot of AK's. Who calls with TT here?