The Republican party is facing a growing internal divide, with prominent figures like Senator Mitt Romney increasingly vocal in their dissent from former President Donald Trump. This split is so pronounced that a prediction market is even placing a 42% chance on Romney endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat. This speculation comes amid a flurry of pronouncements from various Republicans distancing themselves from Trump, with former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci even boldly predicting more GOP officials will publicly denounce him.
Romney has been a vocal critic of Trump, publicly referring to him as a “failure of character.” His stances reflect a growing disconnect with the modern Republican party, which he feels has strayed from the values of historical GOP leaders like Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. While Romney has ruled out a 2024 presidential bid, his potential endorsement of Harris highlights the deepening fracture within the GOP.
This potential shift in political alliances could significantly impact the 2024 election landscape, particularly as Vice President Harris gains traction on economic issues, including among small business owners. Recent polls indicate that Harris enjoys a strong approval rating among small business owners, with many believing she understands their economic challenges. This unexpected economic competency could make Harris a more appealing candidate for moderate Republicans seeking a change from the current direction of their party.
The growing division within the GOP will likely be a key topic of discussion at Benzinga’s Future of Digital Assets event on November 19th. The event promises to provide valuable insight into the evolving political landscape and the potential ramifications of these growing divisions.
