Former President Donald Trump was escorted off the stage by U.S. Secret Service agents after an assassination attempt on Saturday, July 13, 2024. The incident has left the nation in shock and has raised several critical questions about the future of American politics and the upcoming presidential election.
Will Biden Make a Grand Gesture?
In the wake of this violence, President Joe Biden faces a critical moment to demonstrate his leadership. With Trump now seen as a victim of a shocking attack, Biden’s response will be scrutinized closely. Will he make a significant gesture to unify the nation and show his commitment to being a president for all Americans? Biden is scheduled to speak at 1:30 p.m. today, and his actions will be pivotal in shaping the national narrative.
How Will Trump Reemerge?
The Trump campaign has announced that the show will go on, with plans to continue in Milwaukee and culminate in Trump’s acceptance speech on Thursday. The big question is how Trump will leverage this moment of national sympathy. Will he attempt to broaden his appeal to a wider audience, possibly through a major televised interview with a prominent network interviewer? This could be a strategic move to garner support beyond his usual base.
Will the MAGA Rally Ever Be the Same?
Saturday night’s rally was a classic Trump event—big, loud, and attended by thousands in rural America. Given the circumstances, there are now serious concerns about the safety of future rallies. Will the Trump campaign and the Secret Service reconsider holding such large public events? Or will Trump insist on continuing his signature campaign style despite the risks?
Does This Affect Trump’s VP Calculations?
A running mate announcement was expected as soon as last night, but the attempt on Trump’s life could change his approach. Will this near-death experience influence his choice for a vice-presidential candidate? Additionally, how will it impact the theatrics of what was anticipated to be an “Apprentice”-style reveal?
Will Democrats Talk Differently About Democracy?
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, some Republicans blamed leftist rhetoric labeling Trump a “threat to democracy” for inciting violence. This raises the question of whether Democrats will tone down their criticism and how the January 6th insurrection will be discussed moving forward. The discourse around democracy and political violence is likely to shift in light of these events.
Will This Be a Political Slam Dunk for Trump?
The incident has certainly energized the GOP, as the image of Trump defiantly raising his fist on stage has resonated strongly with his supporters. This moment has “electrified and emboldened” the party, according to our Jonathan Martin, while it has simultaneously sobered Democrats. However, not all Democrats are convinced that this will significantly alter the tight polling race. As one Democratic aide put it, fence-sitters remain skeptical of both Trump and Biden, seeing Trump as erratic and Biden as too old.
What About Biden’s Prospects?
For Democrats, the critical question is whether this incident will halt or intensify the movement to replace Biden on the ticket. Prior to the shooting, Biden was already showing defiance in discussions with key Hill caucuses. The coming days will reveal whether this tragic event will solidify his position or spark further debate within the party.
As the nation grapples with the implications of this assassination attempt, the political landscape remains fraught with uncertainty. The responses of both Trump and Biden in the coming days will be crucial in determining the direction of the 2024 presidential race.
