In the minute-by-minute media cycle and the quick snippet news delivery of social media, the gravity of Saturday’s assassination attempt seems to be lost. From the Republican convention and the naming of JD Vance, a Teamster’s speech and fmr. President Trump’s appearance to the shift in coverage and critiques by Democrats of it all – it doesn’t seem that America paused to consider how close the country was to absolute chaos and tragedy. Yes, the assassination of a political leader is a tragedy no matter what your partisan leanings.
It’s not surprising in a quicker, shorter and more shallow way we move through daily life – that a “what’s next” feeling isn’t the attitude. Afterall the disinterest of many Americans in our current political dynamic, why not just turn the channel, and move on. That said, while investigation takes time (weeks) - conspiracy theories and snarky posts take only seconds. Reflecting to understand the moment and the weight of our times could serve the hyper-partisans well. It could also serve the media well. The stakes of the election, and a few inches that nearly changed our country forever – deserves more than a 24-hour news cycle.
I guess we're kinda taking our cues from Trump himself given he chose to not alter the Republican National Convention schedule one iota despite his coming within literally centimeters of no longer being with us. He seems to have the type of personality of not wanting to dwell on such weighty issues, hence he buries himself in his work (or in this case, his campaign for presidency). He also appears to possess a dogged determination of achieving his very ambitious goals (whether it's accumulating tremendous wealth or winning a presidential election). There's certainly nothing wrong with being the proverbial Energizer bunny, but it isn't the most healthy way to deal with personal trauma. I'm guessing such denials played a significant role in the demise of each of his first two marriages.
Aside from all that, I'm concerned that American citizens have become so desensitized to all the chaos that has been occurring nonstop for nearly a decade that we perseverate on an assassination attempt of a presidential candidate for little more than 48 hours. After that, too many folks are ready to consign such a gargantuan story line to history, almost like a footnote. But, again, had Trump not turned his head ever so slightly as the bullet was on its trajectory, he would've been killed instantly. It's not hyperbole to suggest that a full fledged civil war would have broken out. And yet, because of that subtle head shift, we're already back to the nonstop lunacy and finger pointing that has seemingly become the new normal in American politics.
Once again, any restoration to normalcy is going to require an intervention that transcends politics.
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