Following a recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally, Democrats have pivoted from their usual criticisms to calls for unity.
This unexpected event has left both parties scrambling to recalibrate their political strategies and rhetoric.
Central to President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign has been the portrayal of Trump as a threat to democracy.
Biden frequently highlights Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, suggesting the former president seeks to establish himself as a dictator.
The convention in Milwaukee this week was another stage for Democrats to label Republicans as “MAGA extremists” for nominating Trump.
However, the events of Saturday led Democrats to pause their campaign advertising and join Republicans in denouncing political violence.
In a prime-time address from the Oval Office, Biden strongly condemned the attempted assassination, stating, “I’ll continue to speak out strongly for our democracy, stand up for our Constitution and the rule of law, to call for action at the ballot box, no violence on our streets. That’s how democracy should work.”
Despite this, the severity of the attack — which resulted in one death and nearly k*lled Trump — necessitates a reassessment of the Biden campaign’s rhetoric and strategy.
Tom Schreibel, a national committeeman for the Republican National Committee, believes this incident will force both parties to tone down their political discourse.
He referenced previous episodes of violence, such as the 2017 shooting of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and the recent hammer attack on ex-Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, emphasizing that the current climate of political hostility affects the entire nation.
Politically, the assassination attempt poses a distinct challenge for Democrats.
Republicans are already blaming Biden for the shooting, citing his recent remark about putting Trump “in a bullseye” following a debate.
Although the assassin’s motive remains unclear, Democrats risk appearing partisan while Trump calls for national unity at his nominating convention.
In response, the Biden campaign has scaled back its activities, canceling a Monday trip to Texas and a panel conversation in Florida on abortion rights involving Vice President Kamala Harris.
The immediate task for Biden will be to elevate the stakes of the election without attracting further scrutiny over his remarks. Trump, too, faces criticism if he reverts to divisive rhetoric, having previously referred to his political opponents as “vermin.”
Evan Power, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, believes the shooting will invigorate Trump’s supporters, who already view him as a martyr for the conservative cause. Despite trailing Trump in several battleground states, Power predicts that this incident will strengthen the movement, arguing that Democratic rhetoric made Trump a target.
However, GOP pollster Frank Luntz doubts that the assassination attempt will significantly boost Trump’s appeal among independent voters, suggesting any bump will likely be temporary.
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