The shooting incident involving former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate in the U.S. presidential election, has shaken the election strategies of both candidates' camps. Both sides, which had been busy disparaging each other, are now undergoing a complete course correction.
On the 14th (local time), the U.S. daily The Washington Post (WP) reported that following the assassination attempt targeting former President Trump the previous day, both the Democratic and Republican parties, shocked by the event, have begun adjusting their election strategies to alleviate public concerns.
The most significant change is expected to be the message delivered by former President Trump, who survived the assassination attempt dramatically, at the Republican National Convention starting on the 15th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In a post on the social media platform Truth Social after the shooting, Trump condemned the shooter and violence, stating, "At this moment, it is more important than ever that we unite and show our strength and determination as true Americans."
Several hours later, he posted again with the message "UNITE AMERICA!" emphasizing 'unity,' a stark contrast to his previous overt criticisms of his opponent, President Joe Biden.
WP reported that Trump surprised his campaign staff by ordering that this message of unity be prepared for the Republican National Convention.
In an interview with the conservative outlet The Washington Examiner published the same day, he revealed that he rewrote the speech he had prepared in advance for the convention, signaling a shift from the previous negative campaign strategy. The original script, which focused on criticizing the Biden administration, was discarded.
Another notable change is the addition of former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who competed against Trump in the Republican presidential primary, as a speaker at the convention.
Analysts suggest that Haley’s inclusion, despite her sharp opposition to Trump, may be related to Trump’s 'unity efforts' following the shooting incident.
The Biden campaign has also made a major strategic shift toward policy-focused campaigning by halting attack ads against former President Trump after the shooting.
Following the shooting, President Biden repeatedly emphasized in a national address that "unity is the hardest goal to achieve, but there is nothing more important right now." WP noted that the shooting has placed Biden in a dual role: as the sitting president warning against political violence and as a presidential candidate competing against a target of that violence.
However, with the Republican National Convention scheduled for this week, the Biden camp may resume active campaigning later in the week. The Biden team is reportedly seeking ways to criticize Trump, whom they view as a "threat to democracy," while also conveying a message of consolation.
WP predicted that the tone and atmosphere of this presidential campaign will largely depend on former President Trump’s demeanor at the upcoming Republican National Convention.
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