The attempted assassination of Donald Trump could fuel more political polarisation and "spill over into more violence", an academic says.
University of Otago professor of international relations Robert Patman told the Otago Daily Times he watched Mr Trump’s whole speech live yesterday and was "deeply shocked ... but not surprised" by what had transpired.
It was so worrying because, four months before the presidential election, there was "no guarantee" the country could come together, unite, and start taking measures to prevent a repetition — despite the shock of the attempt on Mr Trump’s life, he said.
"I do think it’s not going to be easy for America to unite in the wake of this shocking event and I think it’s symptomatic of a political system that’s in deep trouble.
"I fear that it’s going to fuel even more polarisation, and unfortunately, I don’t think we can rule out further violence.
"This sort of polarisation has reached fever pitch and it could just spill over into more violence."
Prof Patman said he was "pessimistic" America could come together in the wake of this shocking episode — due to its inability to deal with gun control, social media exacerbating existing tensions and a degree of political polarisation which was "unprecedented" since 1945.
The divide between the two parties was "massive", and both were taking the view this was a "must-win election".
Mr Trump had given a "good, measured statement" yesterday and the episode in which he survived could boost his campaign, Prof Patman said.
Many families in America had unfortunately experienced gun violence, and people could empathise with him for going through that experience.
But he did not think an upsurge in popularity would shape the election.
"We’re four months out, and I think a lot will happen between now and then."
Prof Patman said President Joe Biden had responded quite well to the event and believed he had "struck the right tone for many Americans".
While it was no secret some donors of the Democratic Party were "quite unhappy" about President Biden’s recent debate performance — which was "shockingly poor" — Prof Patman believed the party would stick with him as its presidential nominee.
Yesterday’s event might actually advertise President Biden’s qualities as someone who was experienced, knew how to deal with a crisis and it might have deflected some of the pressure on him to stand down, he said.
"Although in the short term I think Mr Trump will benefit from it, I don’t think it will necessarily harm Mr Biden."
