USA Today has no clue about America! If they openly slant their poll by only polling 24% Republicans, how can they claim any credibility?
The USA Today poll published November 14th, 2006 is classic evidence of why you should never trust the liberal press, its 'polls' or any other information you get from it. It is all tainted, or 'yellow journalism' and has no credibility whatsoever!
I vote Republican. I'm registered as a Republican. But, if they put someone like Rudy as our leader or some other "moderate" I would be considered independent. People are fed up with Washington. Republicans are the only people with the ideological gumption to back up their votes. Democrats largely vote because of tradition or promised perks. Republicans vote because of ideology. When the party ceases to represent that ideology, people may seek other paths. The numbers may actually be real is my point.
You also have to consider that there may be some folks who live in some areas who, if you ask them, would say "I'm independent but tend to vote republican". These people are really republicans, but don't want to admit it because of a stigma that is out there in some places. I believe this has most to do with class issues. On the other hand, I'm sure there are many out there who say they are democrats, but will often vote republican for the same reason.
Honestly, is this much different than it is historically? A lot of people claim to be unaffiliated, and republicans have always trailed dems as declared party members.
I think the explanation is simple. Read where it says "of Americans", i.e. "all". Most other such surveys you probably read are "of Americans registered to vote."
I don't doubt that 24% of Americans self-identify as Republicans. What's so unusual about that in this political climate?