Former US President Donald Trump was reported to be “fine” on Saturday night (local time) following an assassination attempt that resulted in a bullet wound to his ear. The gunman opened fire during a scorching campaign rally in Pennsylvania and was subsequently killed by Secret Service agents.

The extreme and rare event reflects in a politically polarized society like the United States, dissatisfaction with the current election and its elderly candidates is rampant among voters. Both candidates represent starkly different policy directions, exacerbating the divide. Issues like immigration and LGBTQ rights evoke strong emotions and divergent values, leading some individuals to extreme measures. This incident is a manifestation of the US’ political fracture, vividly displayed through this assassination attempt.

The two candidates are now openly clashing, creating a tumultuous environment. In this backdrop, I foresee this incident on Trump sparking a new storm as election day approaches. This incident could significantly boost Trump’s chances of winning. It shifts the narrative from his legal troubles and moral shortcomings, making him a national hero targeted for assassination. This is reminiscent of the Chen Shui-bian shooting incident in Taiwan during the island’s leadership election campaign in 2004, where a single bullet transformed public perception. Trump’s previous controversies are overshadowed, and he is now seen as a martyr, with increased public sympathy.

The fallout from this event will create immense pressure on US President Joe Biden, who now faces dual pressures – reduced space to criticize Trump and increasing pressure from within his party to withdraw from the race. Prominent figures like Nancy Pelosi have already hinted at his possible withdrawal. The attack has amplified these pressures, making it harder for Biden to campaign effectively.

Internationally, this incident projects an image of instability within the US, eroding confidence in US governance. The fact that a president candidate is targeted for assassination suggests severe domestic turmoil, diminishing US’ standing on the global stage. Although this has not yet triggered a chain reaction, it signals significant internal strife, leading to a decline in international confidence in US leadership.

The author is director of the Center for US-China Relations at Tsinghua University.

The views don’t necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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