'If You Can Keep It': The Attempted Assassination Of Donald Trump
Digest
This episode of the NPR Politics Podcast delves into the aftermath of a shooting at a Donald Trump rally in Pennsylvania, where a man was killed and the former president was reportedly shot at. The podcast examines the security failures that led to the incident, the responses from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, and the potential impact on the upcoming Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee. The conversation also explores the broader issue of political violence in the United States, particularly in the context of the upcoming election. The podcast features interviews with experts on political extremism, including the founder and CEO of Moonshot, a company focused on ending violent political extremism. The episode concludes with a discussion about the importance of addressing political violence and the role of social media in spreading extremist rhetoric.
Outlines
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the topic of the Republican National Convention and the NPR Politics Podcast's coverage of the event.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Shooting at Trump Rally
This Chapter discusses the shooting that occurred at a Donald Trump rally in Pennsylvania, including eyewitness accounts and details about the security measures in place.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Biden's Response
This Chapter examines President Biden's response to the shooting, including his condemnation of the violence and the suspension of in-person campaigning.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Political Violence and Extremism
This Chapter delves into the broader issue of political violence in the United States, with a focus on the suspected shooter's age and the potential role of extremist rhetoric.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Republican National Convention
This Chapter provides an overview of the upcoming Republican National Convention, including the messaging and tone expected from speakers.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Political Extremism and Violence
This Chapter features an interview with Vidya Ramalingam, founder and CEO of Moonshot, who discusses the threats posed by political extremism and the importance of addressing the underlying drivers of violence.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Conclusion
This Chapter concludes the episode with a call to action, urging listeners to take steps to prevent political violence and to engage in constructive dialogue with those who may be susceptible to extremist rhetoric.
Keywords
Republican National Convention
The Republican National Convention (RNC) is a quadrennial event held by the United States Republican Party to formally nominate its presidential and vice presidential candidates. The convention typically features speeches from party leaders, candidates, and other prominent figures, as well as a platform outlining the party's policies and priorities.
Political Violence
Political violence refers to acts of violence that are motivated by political goals or ideologies. It can take many forms, including assassination, terrorism, riots, and armed conflict. Political violence is often seen as a threat to democracy and can have a significant impact on society.
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Trump is a controversial figure, known for his outspoken rhetoric and his populist political style. He is currently running for president again in 2024.
Joe Biden
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is serving as the 46th and current president of the United States. Biden previously served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Extremism
Extremism is a form of radicalism that involves the use of extreme measures, often violent, to achieve political or social goals. Extremists often hold extreme views that are outside the mainstream and may be willing to use violence or other illegal means to achieve their objectives.
Moonshot
Moonshot is a company focused on ending violent political extremism. The company uses a variety of methods to combat extremism, including online outreach, education, and community engagement. Moonshot's mission is to create a more peaceful and inclusive society.
Social Media
Social media refers to online platforms that allow users to create and share content, connect with others, and participate in online communities. Social media has become a powerful tool for communication, but it has also been criticized for its role in spreading misinformation and hate speech.
Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories are explanations for events that involve secret plots by powerful groups or individuals. Conspiracy theories often lack evidence and are based on speculation and conjecture. They can be harmful because they can erode trust in institutions and promote distrust and division.
Gabby Giffords
Gabrielle Dee Giffords is an American politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Arizona's 8th congressional district from 2007 to 2012. Giffords was shot in the head during a constituent meeting in 2011, an event that brought national attention to the issue of gun violence.
Steve Scalise
Stephen Joseph Scalise is an American politician who has served as the U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 1st congressional district since 2008. Scalise was shot and injured during a congressional baseball practice in 2017, an event that highlighted the dangers of political violence.
Q&A
What security measures were in place at the Trump rally where the shooting occurred?
The rally had fences up on the sides, magnetometers for security checks, and a typical security presence for Trump's outdoor rallies. However, there were concerns about the security of these rallies, particularly given the open nature of the events and the proximity of the building where the shooter was located.
How did Republican and Democratic lawmakers respond to the shooting?
Many Democrats expressed outrage, sadness, and calls for calm, while many Republicans immediately embraced the event as a reaffirmation of their message and cheered on President Trump. Some leading Republicans, including Marjorie Taylor-Green, made incendiary and divisive comments, while others, like Mike Collins, blamed the assassination attempt on President Biden without evidence.
What are the potential implications of the shooting for the upcoming Republican National Convention?
The shooting has heightened security concerns and led to a more cautious atmosphere at the RNC. Security measures have been implemented earlier than planned, and there is a heightened sense of fear among delegates. The shooting may also draw more public attention to the convention, particularly from those who were not previously interested in watching.
What are the key takeaways from the GOP platform released ahead of the RNC?
The platform is shorter than in previous years, potentially an attempt to appeal to a wider audience, including younger voters. It reflects Trump's campaign messaging, focusing on the economy, immigration, and national security. Notably, the platform omits the traditional Republican stance on abortion, instead calling for it to be left to the states, a move seen as an attempt to appeal to younger and independent voters.
What are the potential risks and opportunities for Donald Trump in the aftermath of the shooting?
The shooting could potentially provide Trump with a sympathy boost, but this is likely to be temporary. To capitalize on the situation, Trump will need to project a more unifying and moderate tone, which could potentially help him appeal to undecided voters. However, it remains to be seen whether he can sustain this approach throughout the campaign.
What are the key factors to consider when assessing the potential impact of the shooting on the upcoming election?
The shooting has highlighted the dangers of political violence and the importance of addressing the underlying drivers of extremism. It is crucial to understand the motivations of the shooter and to avoid making assumptions based on limited information. The event also underscores the need for elected officials to engage in responsible rhetoric and to avoid fueling division and hatred.
What advice does Vidya Ramalingam, founder and CEO of Moonshot, offer for preventing political violence?
Ramalingam emphasizes the importance of having direct conversations with individuals who may be considering violence, even if they are already engaged in extremist rhetoric. He stresses the need to listen to these individuals, to avoid judgment, and to offer them support and alternatives to violence. He also highlights the role of trained specialists, such as social workers and mental health practitioners, in intervening with individuals at risk of violence.
What are the key takeaways from the discussion about the role of social media in political violence?
The panelists agree that social media can play a significant role in spreading extremist rhetoric and radicalizing individuals. They emphasize the need for elected officials to be mindful of their language on social media and to avoid making inflammatory statements that could incite violence. They also highlight the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in combating the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories.
What are the key takeaways from the discussion about the need for unity and responsible rhetoric in the aftermath of the shooting?
The panelists agree that it is crucial for elected officials to engage in responsible rhetoric and to avoid fueling division and hatred. They call for a change in the tone of political discourse, particularly when discussing policy differences. They also emphasize the importance of holding elected officials accountable for their words and actions, particularly when they make inflammatory statements that could incite violence.
Show Notes
The shooting is being investigated as an assassination attempt. The former president says he was injured shot in his right ear. One person was killed, and two other rally attendees were critically injured.
We break down what we know about the shooting and the security failures that led to this weekend's events.
Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy