The Growing List of Targeted American Personalities
The list of American personalities who have faced assassination attempts continues to grow. From Ronald Reagan, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Robert Kennedy to the recent attempt on Donald Trump on July 13, the trend is alarming. According to William Thay, president of the think-tank Le Millénaire, these individuals share common traits. Thay, a guest on Le Figaro, suggests that these personalities are generally divisive figures who fuel hatred among Americans. He posits that they are often seen as revolutionaries aiming to bring profound changes.
The Role of Divisive Rhetoric
Thay supports his point by citing examples like Ronald Reagan, who was considered a far-right candidate by some voters, and the Kennedy brothers, who were seen as system changers. Donald Trump, frequently accused of inciting violence, especially after the Capitol assault, fits this pattern. Thay argues that victims of assassination attempts are not necessarily violent in public discourse but are perceived as provocateurs.
Moscow's Reaction and Trump's Fascism Allegation
The recent assassination attempt on Trump has also provoked reactions from Moscow. Vladimir Putin and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov have suggested that the current US administration, led by Joe Biden, has created an atmosphere of violence. They argue that this environment has led to actions against Trump. Trump himself has described the situation as a form of fascism and communism within the US, drawing parallels with the treatment of Kremlin critic Alexander Navalny. The Kremlin further criticizes the US for its internal violence, suggesting that the political atmosphere has provoked such actions.
The Paranoid Style in American Politics
The concept of the 'paranoid style' in American politics, as discussed by Thomas B. Edsall and US historian Richard Hofstadter, highlights the use of paranoid tropes by seemingly normal individuals. This style has been significant in shaping political discourse. Trump and Putin, both seen as provocateurs, seem to thrive in this binary world of winners and losers. While Trump presents himself as a political outsider representing average Americans, Putin's fear of losing his diminishing empire drives his actions. Both leaders use provocation as a tool in their political strategies.
The Impact of Economic and Political Pressures
The economic and political pressures in the US, including high inflation, high interest rates, and a significant public deficit, create a breeding ground for tensions. Kremlin spokesman Peskov argues that the current US administration's preference for solving problems through strength, both domestically and globally, has contributed to the atmosphere of violence. The criminal trials against Trump are seen by his supporters as political witch hunts, further fueling the narrative of victimhood shared by Trump and Putin. The Kremlin's portrayal of Western liberalism as suicidal and the internal threats within American democracy highlight the deep divisions and ongoing challenges in the political landscape.
