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