11/29: Voters Want Compromise Across the Aisle, But Doubt It Will Happen

Now that Republicans have won control of the U.S. House of Representatives, more than seven in ten registered voters in the U.S. — 72% — think Republicans should work with Democrats and President Barack Obama to get things done while 25% say the GOP should stand firm on their positions even if things don’t get done.  Three percent are unsure.

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Not surprisingly, most Democrats — 94% — think the Republicans should cooperate with the president and the Democrats in Congress to make progress on key issues, and 71% of independent voters agree.  Republicans divide about what they think should happen.  Among Republicans, 49% say the two sides should reach common ground while 47% report they should stand firm in their beliefs even if it causes political gridlock.

Although a majority of Tea Party supporters — 51% — want Republicans to stand firm, 45% think the GOP should work with the president and Democrats.  Four percent are unsure.

However, when it comes to what they think will happen, just 28% of voters think the Republicans in Congress will negotiate with the president and the Democrats.  Instead, 64% of registered voters believe the Republicans will hold fast to their positions.  Seven percent are unsure.

Here, a majority of Republicans — 55% — think their GOP allies will stand firm while 37% say they will compromise.  Seven percent are unsure.  Among Democrats, 69% say the Republicans in Congress will stand against their colleagues across the aisle while 25% report they will work with them.  Five percent are unsure.  Similarly, 67% of independents state House Republicans will hold their ground compared with 26% who believe they will negotiate with the president and the Democrats.  Seven percent are unsure.

Nearly six in ten Tea Party supporters — 58% — think the Republicans will remain steadfast  while about one-third — 34% — say they will work with the Democrats to get things done.  Eight percent are unsure.

Table: House Control – Should Republicans Compromise?
Table: House Control – Will Republicans Compromise?

McClatchy-Marist Poll Methodology