– The political situation in the USA is so polarized that it is unfortunately not surprising with such an assassination. It is very good that he survived, says Løkke to NTB on Sunday morning.
The US expert says the assassination will probably have major consequences for the election campaign in favor of Trump. He believes that the images from the election campaign meeting have already created strong reactions and create a strong contrast between the presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
– The image has already become iconic. It makes him look like a strong leader, which creates a strong contrast to Biden who looks like a weak and old leader whom voters believe is too old to do the job as president, Løkke believes.
– Trump is probably well helped by this image, he adds.
Donald Trump was shot in the ear during a campaign rally.
Photo: / AP
A few hours following the assassination attempt, Løkke already learns that conspiracy theories abound regarding the incident. These too may have consequences for the ongoing election campaign.
– There are many who believe that Biden might be behind it. Now it is critical to get all the information regarding the assassin, he says.
On Sunday morning Norwegian time, the FBI identified the man as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park in Pennsylvania. According to the Washington Post, Crooks was registered as a Republican and refers to the state’s electoral register.
– There are many Republicans who don’t like Trump either, says Løkke.
Excited regarding the effect
US expert Hilde Eliassen Restad is ready.
– Trump is, following all, an authoritarian, illiberal political actor who will certainly use this for all it’s worth. He has already said that this will only strengthen his case, and he will make his supporters think that everyone is out to take them, says Restad to NTB.
Restad is an associate professor at Oslo Nye Høyskole and has followed American politics for many years. In 2022, she wrote the book “The American Paradox” where she went into detail regarding democracy in the USA.
Restad is excited regarding the effect the assassination will have on the election campaign, but believes it will have no direct effect on the election in November.
– Now we have to look at the measurements in the coming week. This may increase sympathy, but not necessarily how many people will vote for him, she says.
#expert #election #campaign
2024-07-16 00:34:40