Chapter 1: Historical Context

In 1912, Teddy Roosevelt faced an assassination attempt during his presidential campaign, yet he lost the election. Current scientific insights suggest that factors beyond mere history might significantly influence the upcoming 2024 election.

The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13th sparked discussions about the intersection of violence and politics. I personally felt a deep indignation regarding this violent act aimed at a political candidate. Attacks like these threaten not only individuals but also the foundational principles of our democracy.

As investigations unfold regarding the assailant, his motives, and the security lapses that allowed him to approach Trump, it’s vital to reduce the hateful and incendiary rhetoric that often accompanies such events. I denounce any efforts to gain political leverage from this tragic occurrence, which resulted in injury to Trump, loss of life, and severe injuries to others.

Some speculate that the attack will boost Trump's chances in the election; however, history tells a different story. When Roosevelt was shot while delivering a speech in Milwaukee, he famously continued despite his injury, using a blood-stained speech as a shield. Ultimately, however, he did not secure victory, losing to Woodrow Wilson.

After the attack on Trump, Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) asserted, “Trump survives the attack — he just won the election.” As Trump prepares to accept the Republican nomination in Milwaukee, he has an advantage that Roosevelt did not: the power of social media and a striking image of him post-attack that may resonate with voters.

The current division within the Democratic Party raises further questions. With debates about President Biden's candidacy, the specter of the chaotic 1968 Chicago convention looms large. If Biden is replaced, will the party overcome the stigma associated with that tumultuous event?

Chapter 2: The Role of Imagination in Elections

The first video titled "Kamala Harris Panders To Oprah Saying If Someone Breaks Into My House They Getting Shot" discusses the implications of violent rhetoric in the political landscape.

As I explored these themes, I encountered a fascinating scientific study just hours before the assassination attempt. Joel Pearson, a cognitive neuroscience professor at the University of New South Wales, conducted a groundbreaking experiment using VR technology to explore how perception is influenced by focus.

In his study, subjects wore goggles displaying conflicting images to each eye—one eye seeing a red circle and the other a green square. When the participants focused on one image, their brain effectively blocked out the other, demonstrating how our perceptions can be shaped by our thoughts.

Understanding this research is crucial as it correlates with the public sentiment observed just days before the attack, where 59% of Americans believed Trump would emerge victorious in the upcoming election, regardless of their personal preferences.

This phenomenon suggests that the power of imagination plays a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes. As comedian Flip Wilson famously said, “What you see is what you get.” Dr. Pearson’s findings could revise this to: “What you imagine is what you get.”

As the voting date approaches, it’s essential to ponder this question: What outcomes are you envisioning? Recognizing the impact of our thoughts may be the key to influencing the election's result.

The second video, "The Trump shooting has just decided the US election - or has it? | DW News Desk," delves into the implications of recent events on the political landscape and the upcoming elections.

©2024 Andrew Jazprose Hill

Thanks for reading. If you found this analysis insightful, consider supporting my work at Buy Me a Coffee. Thank you!