The Fall of the Republican Party

by Rylee Pearlman

Over the past eight years, the split between Democrats and Republicans has not only affected government but the direct lives of American citizens, as well. Seemingly, citizens were forced to have to “pick a side” and “stick to that “team.”

Has there been a shift in American politics? Back to “normalcy?”

Bipartisanship is the cooperation between the parties. Coming to the middle. Giving up this to get that. COOPERATION!

For years, the country has struggled with bipartisanship. After the election of President Trump in 2016, this divide is even more evident.

But, what’s changed under the leadership of President Joe Biden?

After his election in 2020, a total of five Republican states flipped to Democratic states (Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona), proving the transition of red to blue.

Even after the midterm election, did it seem the Republican party was falling apart? Perhaps, the fact that Republican representative Kevin McCarthy failed six times to secure enough votes to be elected Speaker of the House answers this question...

McCarthy struggled to acquire votes from fellow members of the same party. Some party members cited they have been “highly critical of the California Republican.” Marjorie Taylor Greene, who stuck with McCarthy, talked about her fellow Republicans who didn’t vote for McCarthy saying she was “furious with her colleagues for not backing

design by Rylee Pearlman

Kevin McCarthy.”

The division in the party affects the entire government, especially with innerparty fighting. After four days of undecided voting, a confrontation broke out within the Republican Party on January 6th— the first of many to come.

The tension rose as Republican Matt Gaetz refused to vote for McCarthy as Speaker of the House.

Once again, McCarthy unsuccessfuly pleaded for Gaetz’s vote. Republican House Member Mike Rogers questioned Gaetz about his refusal. The confrontation ended with Rogers being physically restrained by other party members.

As the 2024 election approaches, it is necessary for Republicans to prepare for their uphill battle. Currently, the party is split between multple candidates. So far, emerging nominees are Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, and Ron DeSantis. However, time exists for more Republicans to launch their campaign.

2020 Election Results