A joint group of researchers hailing from Northeastern University, Harvard University, Rutgers University, and Northwestern University surveyed over 24,000 individuals across the 50 states and D.C. between November 3rd and November 30th. The survey found that while 97% of Democrats believe the election results, only 61% of Republicans do.
San Jose State University Professor Emeritus Larry Gerston told KCBS Radio that there usually isn’t this kind of pushback on an election.
He said that there exists a “rather large swath of voters,” mostly republicans, he noted, “who believe that the election was rigged.”
According to the survey 85% of republicans believed that there was fraud, compared to only 38% of Democrats. Another 81% of Republicans (and only 34% of Democrats) agreed that non-citizens were involved.
“There is no doubt about it that President Trump has tapped into a reservoir of contempt and animus,” said Gerston, who continued that “he’s done it very successfully.” Another rally was held in the Capitol on Saturday by President Trump’s supporters, many of whom deny the results of the election.
Gerston wondered how parties will adjust to the changing political climate, especially the GOP. Although he’s not sure that the party will move in the direction of President Trump’s ideals, he noted that it’s important to remember the election was still relatively close.
In November, President Trump received just over 74 Million people's votes. President-elect Biden received 81 Million.
Electors will officially cast their votes tomorrow, and on January 6th Congress will count and certify these results in a joint session. Experts expect some republicans to challenge these results, but Gerston said he expects Joe Biden to be sworn in as president on January 20th as planned.