The Rhetoric of Assassination, by R. R. Reno

By R. R. Reno, First Things, Sept. 16, 2024

Two assassination attempts in sixty days. Our political culture ought to be in shock. But it seems otherwise. Journalists certainly write their reports. Opinionators opine. Kamala Harris condemns political violence and describes herself as “deeply disturbed” by the most recent attempt on Trump’s life. Joe Biden says, “There is no place for political violence.” Meanwhile, everyone picks up where they left off, warning that Trump and his MAGA voters pose grave threats to everything true, good, and beautiful.

The day after the assassination attempt in Florida, the New York Times published a column by David French on Trump’s “deeply alarming” statements and actions. According to French, the former president made “a corrupt and lunatic request” to Ukrainian president Zelensky in 2019. French suggests that Trump conducted his foreign policy “on the basis of his personal grievances” and not in accord with America’s national interest. The column ends with a warning that Trump is a deranged madman and that “there is no one left who can stop him from doing his worst.” What are readers to conclude? …

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