In a national address, President Biden calls for a reduction in political tensions following the assassination attempt on Trump, urging unity ahead of the upcoming election.
On July 14, 2024, US President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office, calling for a reduction in political rhetoric following the assassination attempt on his Republican rival, Donald Trump. Speaking after the July 13 shooting at a Pennsylvania rally, Biden urged Americans to “cool it down” and reminded them that violence is not the solution to political disagreements.
Biden condemned the heated political climate, saying, “We can’t allow this violence to be normalized. The political rhetoric in this country has gotten very heated. It’s time to cool it down.” He emphasized that political differences should be resolved through the democratic process, specifically at the ballot box, rather than through violent acts.
The shooting, which left Trump wounded but not seriously injured, marked a critical moment in the already divisive political landscape, just months before the November election. Biden’s address, which was broadcast live, underscored the importance of unity in a time of heightened political tensions. He referenced past instances of political violence, such as the January 6 Capitol attack and the 2022 assault on Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, stressing that “violence has never been the answer.”
Biden’s speech came as the political race for the presidency was intensifying. His appearance in the Oval Office allowed him to project strength and leadership, although his performance was scrutinized for occasional verbal missteps, which became a focal point for conservative media.
In the wake of the shooting, Biden’s campaign chose to suspend aggressive ads targeting Trump, instead focusing on a message of unity. He urged Americans to “recommit” to a peaceful future and stated that hate should have “no safe harbor.”
Both Biden and Trump have called for calm after the shooting, despite their ongoing political rivalry. Trump, who was at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee just after the incident, echoed Biden’s call for unity, urging the nation to stand together and reject “evil.”
The shooting has further polarized the upcoming election rematch between the two men, both of whom have faced scrutiny over their rhetoric and its potential consequences. The US Secret Service, meanwhile, has reassured the public that it is prepared to secure the Republican National Convention, which is expected to be a focal point in the next phase of the presidential campaign.
