It has been a little over four months since President Joe Biden was sworn into office and Republicans are a bit divided. A recent Survey Monkey poll found only 58% of Republicans view their party as united (16% say “very united” and 42% say “somewhat united”) compared to 78% of Democrats who say their party’s united (30% “very united” and 48% “somewhat united”).
Independents see Republicans as more divided as well. Only 33% see the Republican Party as united, compared to 51% who say the Democratic Party is united. Sixty-two percent of Independents say the Republican Party is divided, while only 46% say the Democratic Party is divided.
What does this mean for Republicans? There have been many news stories about tension between the Trump and non-Trump wings of the party in the post-Trump era. While much of the coverage consists of exaggerations, if the GOP is to be successful in the years ahead, it will need the supporters of President Donald Trump and more traditional Republicans who did not always agree with the former president, especially his behavior. The Republican Party needs a big tent. Figuring out how to create and keep one will determine the GOP’s success in coming elections.
