In the wake of two recent assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, media outlets such as CNN have expressed concerns that these incidents might inadvertently bolster his political support. Commentators from the network have highlighted the risk that failed attacks could shift the political landscape, potentially helping Trump gain sympathy votes just as the 2024 presidential election nears.
One of the key voices raising alarms on this issue was Juliette Kayyem, a former Homeland Security official, who appeared on CNN to address the ramifications of these assassination attempts. Kayyem described the situation as “unfortunate,” noting that such violent incidents in a heated political environment can be manipulated for electoral advantage. She explained that the safety threats posed by these attempts, which ought to be condemned universally, are now becoming political tools. The concern stems from the possibility that the assassination attempts might rally Trump's base, as violence directed at him can be spun to portray him as a victim of left-wing extremism.
QUESTION: Why was MSNBC filming Trump on his golf course moments before he was shot? How did they know to be there? Who told them? Remember, CNN hadn't covered a Trump rally live until the Butler Rally. Is it weird left-wing media seems to be there every time?
h/t @foundring1 pic.twitter.com/ycAaEzoaYX
— @amuse (@amuse) September 16, 2024
CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer echoed similar concerns, stating that Trump’s campaign could seize on these assassination attempts to energize his supporters. He pointed out that the Trump team might leverage the violence against him to stoke anger and frustration among his base, potentially benefiting Trump in key swing states where elections can be decided by small margins.
These concerns are not limited to CNN. Other media outlets have also noted the potential political impact of the failed attempts on Trump’s life. Commentators on platforms like HotAir criticized how the mainstream media is framing the situation, with some suggesting that the narrative is being twisted to blame Trump’s own rhetoric for provoking the attacks. The media reaction has sparked outrage among Trump supporters, who argue that blaming Trump for the violence against him is both absurd and unjust.
Should I buy CNN and ABC and replace the biased journalists?
This isn't democracy. They won't even cover the assassination attempt on Trump today. pic.twitter.com/Mi3yZffuUK
— Elon Musk (Parody) (@ElonMuskAOC) September 15, 2024
In one particularly jarring moment during the discussion, Kayyem stated that the very existence of assassination attempts on Trump could serve as a "sword or shield" in the political arena, a comment that drew backlash from conservatives. Many interpreted her remarks as a tacit acknowledgment that such violent acts, while horrifying, could ultimately play into Trump’s hands politically.
The suspect involved in the latest assassination attempt, identified as Ryan Routh, was arrested after being found near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course with an AK-47-style rifle. Reports indicate that Routh had a history of criminal activity and was a known donor to Democratic causes, fueling accusations from Trump supporters that the political left is inciting violence against the former president. However, the mainstream media’s coverage of the incident has been viewed by some as tepid, further fueling claims of bias.
As Trump continues his campaign trail following these assassination attempts, he has not shied away from addressing the incidents publicly. Instead of downplaying the threats, Trump has used the moments to further his message, presenting himself as a fighter against the radical left and the political establishment. With the 2024 election drawing closer, it remains to be seen how these events will shape voter opinions and influence the final outcome.
Ultimately, the political ramifications of these assassination attempts reflect the deeply polarized state of American politics. While some fear that such violence could escalate tensions, others argue that the incidents are exposing the toxic climate created by extreme rhetoric on both sides of the aisle. As Trump’s opponents seek to minimize his chances of regaining the White House, incidents like these may only serve to embolden his most ardent supporters.
