Republican Voters Aren’t Radicalized

George Hawley’s comprehensive analysis argues that claims of mass GOP radicalization are overstated: extremists exist but are a small minority, and rank‑and‑file Republicans’ policy views have stayed relatively moderate and consistent. He shows, for example, that Tea Party‑era voters favored cutting discretionary spending while protecting entitlements, contradicting sensational portraits of an 'extreme' base. — This challenges a prevailing media and political storyline and suggests both parties—and newsrooms—should recalibrate strategy and messaging to the actual GOP electorate rather than its fringe.