Republican politicians looking to get ahead electorally have a new task in 2018: Not only must they align themselves with the policies of President Donald Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE, they must also refrain from criticizing his personal behavior.

That's the overall message so far for Republicans, veteran GOP pollster Ed Goeas argued in a recent panel discussion on Hill.TV's show "What America's Thinking."

South Carolina Rep. Mark Sanford Mark SanfordOn The Money: Business world braces for blue sweep | Federal Reserve chief to outline plans for inflation, economy | Meadows 'not optimistic' about stalemate on coronavirus deal Trump critic Sanford forms anti-debt advocacy group Republicans officially renominate Trump for president MORE was the latest Republican officeholder to learn this lesson after he lost a party primary election last week.

"If you look to his voting record, he's supporting the Trump policies but he did not communicate that well," Goeas told host Joe Concha.

"What America's Thinking" airs weekdays at 1pm ET on Hill.TV.