The assassination attempt on Donald Trump highlighted the deep political polarization in the United States and, according to all signs, strengthened the campaign of the undeniable Republican presidential candidate.
As the gunfire at Trump’s rally subsided and it was confirmed that he was unharmed, evaluations of the possible electoral impact of the attack began, along with speculations about the potential perpetrators. There was a false identification on social media, with many on the right convinced that the attack came from the left and its anti-Trump rhetoric.
However, by Sunday morning, all indications were that Thomas Matthew Crooks, a registered Republican but a donor to Democrats, who died after shooting at Trump, was a "lone wolf," a figure more often associated with right-wing militants.
The political-electoral environment in the U.S. reflects the country's deep divisions, with comparisons to the period preceding the Civil War of 1861-65. This issue is unlikely to be resolved despite calls for unity from political figures and groups on both sides, including Trump, following Saturday's attack.
Up to that point, the situation reflected an increasingly acrimonious public debate where the left and right blame each other for trying to destroy the country.
The attack had an immediate and apparent effect: it strengthened Trump’s image as a "strong man." The photo of him raising his fist with a defiant gesture on his bloodied face is already deemed iconic.
Moreover, it is believed to significantly boost Trump’s candidacy. The Republicans are starting a nominating convention in Milwaukee, expected to be more of a coronation for Trump, who now arrives with a quasi-heroic, survivor image
With 113 days until the election on November 5, what seemed to be a relatively even race could turn into a walkover for Trump: his contrasting image of strength against the apparent fragility of his likely rival, President Joe Biden.
Trump has sought to present himself as the "strong man" who can solve problems he claims were created by the "enemies" of the United States, especially those who disagree with him and his proposals. The authoritarian tone of his ideas is overshadowed by his campaign slogan since 2016, "Make America Great Again," and the reality of a divided country.
Now, with the image of a near-martyr and the devotion of his followers, plus the palpable evidence of an injury that, although slight, was millimeters from being fatal, the former president began calling for national unity, a message he will undoubtedly repeat on Thursday in his acceptance speech for the Republican candidacy before a national audience.
In the immediate term, betting odds indicate that Trump has a 70 percent chance of defeating Biden next November.
BY JOSÉ CARREÑO FIGUERAS
CONTRIBUTOR
jose.carreno@elheraldodemexico.com
@carrenojose1