Unfortunately, the assassination attempt of former President and current presidential candidate Donald Trump is not all that foreign in U.S history. The specter of presidential candidate assassinations is a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in the pursuit of power in any form of government. Such dire events not only derail campaigns but also leave an indelible mark on the political landscape, and alter the course of a nation’s history.
From Theodore Roosevelt’s brush with death at the hands of John Schrank, to the profound national trauma induced by the assassinations of both John and Robert F. Kennedy, the stories of these targeted leaders underscore the volatile intersection of ideology, security, and ambition. The grave consequences of these incidents reach far beyond the immediate impact on the campaign
Theodore Roosevelt
In the turbulent political atmosphere of 1912, Theodore Roosevelt emerged as the Progressive Party candidate, having broken away from the Republican Party. This decision followed a contentious Republican National Convention where Roosevelt felt the nomination had been unfairly secured by incumbent President William Howard Taft. Roosevelt’s bold move to run under the Progressive Party, often referred to as the “Bull Moose Party,” was the primary 3rd party example in history class. This new party alignment highlighted his commitment to progressive reforms and directly challenged the traditional two-party system .
John Schrank
The assassination attempt on Theodore Roosevelt was carried out by John Schrank, a former saloonkeeper with a troubled mental state. On October 14, 1912, Schrank shot Roosevelt in Milwaukee, just before the candidate was due to deliver a speech. Schrank, who had been stalking Roosevelt across multiple states, was motivated by a delusional belief that Roosevelt’s pursuit of a third term was a threat to the country. This belief was reportedly reinforced by visions of the deceased President McKinley, whom Schrank claimed had identified Roosevelt as his murderer in a dream.
“Bull Moose” Campaign
Despite being shot, Roosevelt proceeded to deliver a speech, famously declaring, “It takes more than that to kill a bull moose.” His decision to continue speaking even after the attack garnered widespread public sympathy and admiration. Imagine we had Twitter then? Getting shot and finishing the speech might would’ve won him the election. Especially if the scenario was the two current candidates. One could only forecast it would’ve received the same applause as Donald Trump’s fist pump notifying the crowd he was okay. The “Bull Moose” campaign itself was marked by Roosevelt’s aggressive advocacy for extensive social and economic reforms, which included stronger government regulation of business, social justice initiatives, and the promotion of labor rights.
The immediate aftermath of the assassination attempt saw Roosevelt refusing immediate medical treatment to complete his speech, an act that was widely covered and commended in the press. However, the long-term effects included increased security measures for presidential candidates and a reevaluation of the vulnerabilities associated with political campaigning. Although Roosevelt did not win the election, his campaign left a lasting impact on American political ideology and one for the history books.
Robert F. Kennedy
The first live on television, Robert F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign was marked by its intense media coverage, showcasing the powerful role and high profile last name. His ability to connect with voters through the screen was pivotal, yet it also exposed him to greater risks. The assassination of Kennedy, just moments after claiming victory in the California primary, left an impact on the national psyche. This happened just five years after Robert’s brother and the 35th President, John F. Kennedy, was also assassinated.
Sirhan Sirhan
Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian-Jordanian immigrant, was convicted of Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination, which occurred on June 5, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Sirhan’s attack on Kennedy, driven by his opposition to Kennedy’s support for Israel (a conflict that still affects the world today) marked a significant moment of political violence influenced by international affairs.
Kennedy Family Legacy
The assassination of Robert F. Kennedy was a pivotal moment in the Kennedy family’s public service narrative. Following John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Robert’s death further compounded the national trauma. His role as Attorney General and later as a U.S. Senator showcased his commitment to civil rights and opposition to organized crime, which left a lasting legacy in American politics. The Kennedy family continued to influence U.S. politics, with members serving in various political roles, reflecting a continuing legacy of public service and political engagement. Unfortunately, the worst continued for another generation.
George Wallace
On May 15, 1972, during a campaign rally at Laurel Shopping Center in Maryland, George Wallace, the governor of Alabama and a presidential candidate, was shot by Arthur Bremer. The attack left Wallace paralyzed from the waist down, with one of the bullets lodged in his spinal column. Despite the severity of his injuries, which required a five-hour operation and several units of blood to stabilize his condition, Wallace survived. This incident drastically altered his physical capabilities and inevitably affected his political career.
Arthur Bremer
Before the shooting, he had been seen at previous Wallace rallies displaying erratic behavior. On the day of the attack, Bremer, dressed in patriotic colors and wearing a campaign button. Blended in with the crowd at the Wheaton Plaza before following Wallace to Laurel Shopping Center. That is where Bremer fired multiple shots at Wallace, severely wounding him and three others in the process. Bremer’s trial revealed that he sought notoriety, and was found to be legally sane despite claims of schizophrenia.
Campaign Outcome
The immediate aftermath of the assassination attempt saw Wallace’s campaign continue, albeit under drastically changed circumstances. While he managed to recover enough to remain a political figure, his presidential aspirations were effectively ended by the shooting. Wallace did run for the presidency again in 1976 but withdrew early due to lack of significant support, a direct consequence of ongoing public concern over his health. His later years in politics were marked by a shift in his stance on racial issues, moving away from his previous segregationist views.
Donald Trump
The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally was orchestrated by Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park. Crooks, who had previously attracted law enforcement attention due to his suspicious behavior at the event, acted alone, according to the FBI. Like the public hasn’t heard that same song and dance before. He was armed with an AR-style rifle, believed to have been purchased by his father. Crooks’ background includes a history as a registered Republican and a donation to a liberal campaign group. As of right now, we do not know his political motive or ideology.
Secret Service Scrutiny
The incident led to intense scrutiny of the Secret Service’s protective measures. Everyone is wondering how this could even happen. Spectators at the rally first noticed Crooks’ strange behavior, which included pacing near security checkpoints and eventually climbing a ladder to a vantage point. Despite these early warnings, Crooks managed to fire a shot at Trump before being neutralized by Secret Service snipers. This negligence by the SS has the conspiracy theorists in maximum overdrive.
How it Will Impact 2024 Election
The recent assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump has significant potential impacts on the 2024 Presidential campaign. This incident has bolstered Trump’s political standing among supporters. Since Trump survived, the memes have been off the charts. The event will likely influence Trump’s campaign and he will use it to his advantage. It is scary to note the necessitates of heightened security measures for Trump and other candidates. Even leading for a push for RFK Jr. to get Secret Service protection.
The public opinion regarding the 2024 presidential election is notably polarized. Amid doubts about President Joe Biden’s mental sharpness, former President Donald Trump currently leads in the race. That lead is only growing since the attempt on his life. However, there is broad dissatisfaction with the 2024 campaign among voters. A significant majority of voters express dissatisfaction with the presidential candidates, with Biden’s supporters showing more discontent than Trump’s. Additionally, many voters would prefer to see both Biden and Trump replaced as candidates. That seems to be a dying narrative as this shooting may have deepened the message across his base. Those who are not in his base now have a reason to stand behind him. The threat of radicalism has directly impacted him and that is his story to tell.
The Show Goes On
Throughout American political history, the specter of presidential candidate assassinations and attempts carries different impacts. Each incident, from Roosevelt’s demonstration of resilience to Kennedy’s televised tragedy, reflects critical turning points of American history. The assassination attempts not only halted the momentum of these campaigns but also prompted a closer examination of the security measures and the political atmosphere that could provoke such extreme actions.
The narratives of resilience, vulnerability, and the pursuit of power amidst threats to safety are is the message today. As history shows, the threats faced by these figures either triumph or derailment. Regardless, they serve as chilling reminders of the stakes involved in the pursuit of the highest office in the land where many citizens predicted what we saw on Saturday July 13th, correctly.
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