At events like the Republican National Convention and various rallies, ex-President Donald Trump has been hailed as a hero who narrowly dodged an assassination attempt and is seen as the leader who will usher in a new era of greatness for America. However, a different atmosphere prevailed at a recent conservative conference in Georgia hosted by radio host Erick Erickson. Dubbed “The Gathering,” this event lacked the typical red hats of the “Make America Great Again” slogan. Attendees spent their time critiquing the GOP’s direction during the Trump era. Some expressed concern over a potential Kamala Harris presidency rather than cheering for Trump’s return to power.
These sentiments could pose challenges for Trump in Georgia, a traditionally Republican state that has recently shown signs of becoming more competitive. This reflects a broader trend across several swing states where Trump’s support is not uniform, underscoring the fact that despite his strong influence over the GOP, he still faces opposition from within conservative ranks.
Critics at the conference voiced disapproval of various Trump-era policies and actions, including his approach to federal spending, abortion, international relations, allegations of voter fraud, and the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021. Former VP Mike Pence openly disagreed with Trump’s claims of election fraud and the belief that Pence could have overturned the election results. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who was called out by Trump for not intervening in the 2020 election outcome, received applause when he emphasized moving forward and focusing on future success.
Notable among the concerns raised were Trump’s “America First” ideology, particularly regarding tariffs and trade policies, with some attendees urging the party to evolve beyond Trump’s approach. Although some attendees, like Walter Michaelis, a young voter, initially supported Trump in 2016 and 2020, they now question whether he is the right choice for the party moving forward. Others, like Kent Kim, remain loyal to Trump but acknowledge hesitancy among fellow voters.
Critical to Trump’s electoral defeat were underperformances in suburban regions that traditionally leaned Republican but shifted towards Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell highlighted the challenges faced by the GOP in recent Senate races and stressed the importance of a strong conservative agenda, subtly cautioning against deviating from traditional American values in international relations.
Even staunch Trump allies like former Senator Kelly Loeffler pointed out the risk of voter turnout issues due to questioning the election process. Florida Senator Rick Scott emphasized the need for policy-focused discussions and choices in electoral races. Despite differing views within the party, the upcoming elections will test the Republican Party’s unity and the extent of Trump’s enduring influence.
