The tensions between anti-Trump and pro-Trump forces are heightening, leaving many within the GOP concerned that the animosity could fissure the party, handing Democrats the win in 2024.
Republicans aren’t only concerned the division could lead to a loss of the White House but also of the Senate and House, giving Democrats united control over Washington.
Last week, these fears were raised by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA.), who expressed his apprehension that the Republican Party would experience a repeat of 1964 when the party split between Nelson Rockefeller and Barry Goldwater.
Speaking to the New York Times, Gingrich revealed he could envision “a [pro] Trump-Anti-Trump war over the next two years” that would guarantee President Joe Biden’s win in 2024.
But others within the GOP aren’t ready to sound the alarm just yet, since any contenders to Trump will still have to stake their ground.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) expressed doubts that the sentiment surrounding Trump within the GOP would have any negative ramifications on the party.
Instead, Graham pointed out that both parties had “tensions,” noting “dysfunctional political parties is the norm.”
But Trump’s impact on the GOP was brought into focus again on Monday (December 12) when the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, Ronna McDaniel, was questioned about Trump’s impact on the 2022 midterms and Georgia Senate runoff.
Speaking to Fox Business’s Stuart Varney, McDaniel highlighted that she wasn’t “into the blame game.”
Instead, McDaniel said it was imperative for the GOP to understand how to get Independents to support Republicans and the same with fellow Republicans supporting their counterparts.
