What will the Trump assassination attempt mean for the US presidential election?
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump reacts as he is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Coming less than four months before the Nov. 5 election, the assassination attempt against Republican candidate for the US presidential election Donald Trump could have a far-reaching impact.
It could boost Trump's candidacy against sitting president Joe Biden, in some ways, but increase the turmoil in others.
The election campaign was already fraught as Biden faced calls to step aside after a dismal debate performance against Trump in June.
Here are some potential scenarios:
The campaign has already been acrimonious and the country is polarized. Two out of three Americans said they were concerned about violence after the election in a Reuters/Ipsos poll in May. The Department of Homeland Security said on Saturday it was coordinating with the campaigns to ensure adequate security. Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, who has been rumored to be a potential running mate for Trump, said after the shooting that Biden's rhetoric was responsible. Security was tightened at Trump Tower.
The party's convention gets under way on Monday in Milwaukee, where later in the week Trump's nomination will be formalized and he unveils his pick for his vice-presidential running mate. It's likely more voters will watch Trump's convention speech, even if only out of curiosity and sympathy. The party faithful at the convention are expected to shower Trump with extra and heartfelt enthusiasm. On Saturday night, the party said Trump was looking forward to the convention.
The day's imagery showed Trump strong and defiant. As he was swarmed by Secret Service agent, Trump had blood smeared on his face, and he pumped his fist in the air appearing to mouth the words "Fight! Fight! Fight!" Some people in the crowd stood, cheered and clapped. Posting on X, Trump's son, Eric Trump, said, "This is the fighter that America needs" with a picture of the candidate with his fist raised.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Democrats including Biden were quick to condemn violence. A Biden campaign official said the team was pulling down television ads as quickly as possible in response to the seriousness of the incident. It's likely Democrats will not want to be viewed as targeting Trump at this sensitive moment.
Soon after the attack, Trump won high-profile endorsements from Tesla founder Elon Musk and billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman. Supporters of the former president have viewed him as unfairly villainized by his opponents and prosecutors in the criminal cases against him. The assassination attempt could potentially reinforce Trump's narrative that he is a victim, prompting some undecided voters to rally to his corner.
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