Political violence is never justified. Thankfully, former President Trump is safe, but reports are that one in the audience is dead, and at least two others are injured. The suspected shooter was killed and we may never know his motive.
President Biden has suspended campaign advertising.
How do you feel the assassination attempt will impact the presidential race?
I believe it's too soon to predict how this will impact the presidential race. The facts and eyewitness accounts are still being gathered. I do place some credence in the old adage, "Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear." It is too early to make assumptions despite the fact that social media will make them for us. Anyone who uses this crime as an enticement for further violence is committing a crime against all citizens of the US. I take no pleasure but do find irony in the fact that the same people who have downplayed the events of Jan. 6, the same people who admit to the horrible consequences of gun violence in schools and public venues in this country but make no move toward reasonable actions to curb it, can be outraged by the violence of a single act. I do not think DT or anyone else should ever have to feel threatened by violence for any reason and certainly not for their politics. And as a nation and as political campaigns, we need to view ourselves through the lens of other nations. Nothing about this makes us appear strong. DT should never have to fear an assassins bullet. Neither should any other American. But when I hear others; neighbors, former colleagues, friends, politicians and leaders speak casually about violence as a solution, Where have those seeds been sown. And by who?
I fear this experience might become a tool used by Trump and other Republicans to further villainize Democrats and political opposition. I could see this becoming a crucial part of their campaign, trying to convince swing voters that Democrats are going to kill their political opponents. They’ve used this kind of rhetoric before, they just never had an example (even if it wasn’t a Democrat who did this). At the very worst, they might use this to inspire their own violence against Democrats and other groups of people.
I fully agree with your sentiments about the potential to use this as a tool for getting swing voters. Let’s hope and pray it doesn’t become radicalization that incites more violence.
Violence is always a terrible idea and as a fellow human I feel badly for former Trump’s terror in the moment and his suffering. His reaction in the moments that followed with his fist in the air and “fight, fight, fight”, though predicable, wasn’t helpful in quelling future unrest, but could incite counter violence from a follower who perceives his gesture as a call to action.
What a great idea and if it happened, I would have some hope. From the spin that Republicans are putting on this, that doesn't seem likely. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy seemed indignant when Nora O'Donnell asked him if he thought Trump saw any connection to increasing violence and Trump's own behaviors. I fear we will continue to circle the drain.
I hope it gets the people who never have cared about the impact of these events to think that maybe now is the time to do something about guns. Now all I hear is the condemnation of violence from people who have cheered for it. Reflect and let’s finally do something about guns, hate, violence, and lack of respect for our neighbors.
One can never predict with certainty. Unfortunately, violence breeds more violence. Ardent Trump supporters will be more hardened and angry. Any campaign messages about how Trump must be stopped must now be altered for more careful, but effective wording. This year feels so much like 1968. There are likely to be more unforeseeable events. Overall, disquieting may best describe the moment.
When a party and a candidate link themselves to violence and condone violent solutions, the response is not to only those who disagree with them, but inevitably comes back to them. I am horrified by the death of the person at the rally and yet another shooting. Trump raising his arm to fight was not surprising. Ever the politician. What have we come to?
I think it will cause some of those who have enclosed themselves in their own safe little worlds that this country is greatly divided and that they should seek out reliable sources to help them decide what each party is currently promoting. Others may just be frightened and retreat even further from learning anything political. If I were a parent of a young child I would be watching how all of this is affecting my child. I can still remember how frightened I was when listening to the radio alone when the attack on Pearl Harbor was aired.
The Trump campaign will definitely use the shooting to further incite violence against anyone who does not support him. The Des Moines Register is reporting this morning that the suspected shooter was a registered Republican.
Slow down, folks, and limit your nonstop media exposure. I admit it was almost midnight when I turned it off last night, but will try to do better today. We need to stay calm. There will be plenty of time for all of us to learn more of the truth of what happened. The conspiracy theories on all sides popped up amazingly fast and do no good, while somewhat understandable. In the meantime, we must continue to work to get people registered and voted.
"There is nothing more exhilarating than to be shot at without result." --Winston Churchill. Alternatives include ". . . .focusing one's attention. . ." and ". . . adjusting one's life priorities. . ." His survival is a blessing for the USA and IMHO likely cements his victory; let's hope it affects his thoughts and priorities as well. Certainly should tune down the rhetoric from both sides.
Sadly, given what we have seen of past behavior, I don't feel optimistic about Trump's ability to have that level/type of personal insight. We can always hope. My instincts tell me we may be closer to Anthony Weldon who is credited for, "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me."
I believe it's too soon to predict how this will impact the presidential race. The facts and eyewitness accounts are still being gathered. I do place some credence in the old adage, "Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear." It is too early to make assumptions despite the fact that social media will make them for us. Anyone who uses this crime as an enticement for further violence is committing a crime against all citizens of the US. I take no pleasure but do find irony in the fact that the same people who have downplayed the events of Jan. 6, the same people who admit to the horrible consequences of gun violence in schools and public venues in this country but make no move toward reasonable actions to curb it, can be outraged by the violence of a single act. I do not think DT or anyone else should ever have to feel threatened by violence for any reason and certainly not for their politics. And as a nation and as political campaigns, we need to view ourselves through the lens of other nations. Nothing about this makes us appear strong. DT should never have to fear an assassins bullet. Neither should any other American. But when I hear others; neighbors, former colleagues, friends, politicians and leaders speak casually about violence as a solution, Where have those seeds been sown. And by who?
I fear this experience might become a tool used by Trump and other Republicans to further villainize Democrats and political opposition. I could see this becoming a crucial part of their campaign, trying to convince swing voters that Democrats are going to kill their political opponents. They’ve used this kind of rhetoric before, they just never had an example (even if it wasn’t a Democrat who did this). At the very worst, they might use this to inspire their own violence against Democrats and other groups of people.
I fully agree with your sentiments about the potential to use this as a tool for getting swing voters. Let’s hope and pray it doesn’t become radicalization that incites more violence.
Violence is always a terrible idea and as a fellow human I feel badly for former Trump’s terror in the moment and his suffering. His reaction in the moments that followed with his fist in the air and “fight, fight, fight”, though predicable, wasn’t helpful in quelling future unrest, but could incite counter violence from a follower who perceives his gesture as a call to action.
*former President Trump
How about a joint appearance with Biden and Trump calling for Unity?
This is just way too good of an idea.
What a great idea and if it happened, I would have some hope. From the spin that Republicans are putting on this, that doesn't seem likely. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy seemed indignant when Nora O'Donnell asked him if he thought Trump saw any connection to increasing violence and Trump's own behaviors. I fear we will continue to circle the drain.
I hope it gets the people who never have cared about the impact of these events to think that maybe now is the time to do something about guns. Now all I hear is the condemnation of violence from people who have cheered for it. Reflect and let’s finally do something about guns, hate, violence, and lack of respect for our neighbors.
One can never predict with certainty. Unfortunately, violence breeds more violence. Ardent Trump supporters will be more hardened and angry. Any campaign messages about how Trump must be stopped must now be altered for more careful, but effective wording. This year feels so much like 1968. There are likely to be more unforeseeable events. Overall, disquieting may best describe the moment.
When a party and a candidate link themselves to violence and condone violent solutions, the response is not to only those who disagree with them, but inevitably comes back to them. I am horrified by the death of the person at the rally and yet another shooting. Trump raising his arm to fight was not surprising. Ever the politician. What have we come to?
I think it will cause some of those who have enclosed themselves in their own safe little worlds that this country is greatly divided and that they should seek out reliable sources to help them decide what each party is currently promoting. Others may just be frightened and retreat even further from learning anything political. If I were a parent of a young child I would be watching how all of this is affecting my child. I can still remember how frightened I was when listening to the radio alone when the attack on Pearl Harbor was aired.
The Trump campaign will definitely use the shooting to further incite violence against anyone who does not support him. The Des Moines Register is reporting this morning that the suspected shooter was a registered Republican.
But gave $15 to Democrats
Slow down, folks, and limit your nonstop media exposure. I admit it was almost midnight when I turned it off last night, but will try to do better today. We need to stay calm. There will be plenty of time for all of us to learn more of the truth of what happened. The conspiracy theories on all sides popped up amazingly fast and do no good, while somewhat understandable. In the meantime, we must continue to work to get people registered and voted.
"There is nothing more exhilarating than to be shot at without result." --Winston Churchill. Alternatives include ". . . .focusing one's attention. . ." and ". . . adjusting one's life priorities. . ." His survival is a blessing for the USA and IMHO likely cements his victory; let's hope it affects his thoughts and priorities as well. Certainly should tune down the rhetoric from both sides.
Sadly, given what we have seen of past behavior, I don't feel optimistic about Trump's ability to have that level/type of personal insight. We can always hope. My instincts tell me we may be closer to Anthony Weldon who is credited for, "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me."
Love Weldon, too!
Trump isn't assured of victory.
Teddy Roosevelt was wounded in an assassination attempt during the 1912 campaign. He lost.
Unfortunately I believe this will make Trump supporters even more staunch in their support and may even swing some on the fence to vote for him.
This will propel Trump to White House
I fear you are correct.