The failed attempt to assassinate Donald Trump should come as no surprise.
Those who follow the former president’s statements and those of his Democratic rival Joe Biden, and who read the studies and opinion polls may well have suspected that serious political violence was likely before the US presidential election in November.
Warnings of a “civil war” in the United States are not baseless. The high viewing figures for a movie depicting just such a scenario may be down to incredible cinematography, but they more likely tell a story about the mood and fears of the US.
The United States is not united. The campaign trail statements of Biden and Trump show this precarious balance.
Yet throughout history, even when presidential candidates or former presidents faced assassination attempts, the election focus remained on the political issues of the time, both domestic and foreign.
A personal focus
The resilience of this democratic system has consistently relied on its intrinsic institutions to safeguard against chaos. These institutions ensure that the presidency and the nation persevere, even if individual politicians are felled.
Today, a focus on the political issues of the day seems like a pipe dream. A distinguishing element of this electoral battle is its focus on personal attributes, whether on Biden’s age and suspected ill health, to Trump’s convictions and sexual partners.
Typically, democratic debates centre on ideas, policies, and prospects. Today, Americans only hear about candidates’ personalities, abilities, patriotism, and eligibility, with insults such as “enemy” and “traitor” thrown around.
