How to Lower the Temperature While Running Against Donald Trump

Two days following the assassination attempt on Trump, the president seeks to redirect attention.

How to Lower the Temperature While Running Against Donald Trump
Amid mounting pressure from Democrats to withdraw his candidacy, President Joe Biden remains hesitant to significantly tone down his aggressive criticisms of Donald Trump, persisting in his assertion that the Republican poses a threat to American democracy.

Following the recent assassination attempt on Trump, Biden intends to shift the focus of his critiques towards Trump's policies rather than the individual himself, as suggested by four campaign officials and Democrats. They mention that certain rhetoric will be moderated.

As the campaign recommences, the president and his team aim to refrain from using the most provocative phrases attributed to Trump and his supporters, such as "bloodbath" and "America's Hitler," which have been prevalent in Democratic communications in the past.

It is uncertain whether Biden can sustain this level of message control. During an interview on Monday night with NBC's Lester Holt, just two days post the assassination attempt, Biden referenced Trump's previous remarks at a rally in March forecasting a "bloodbath" in case of his defeat.

Acknowledging the challenges post the attempted assassination, Democrats realize that Biden must navigate a difficult terrain already complicated by heightened scrutiny from various quarters following his recent debate with Trump.

Campaign Chair Jen O’Malley Dillon stated, “He’s going to draw a clear distinction between his hopeful vision for the future and continue to highlight what's at stake in this election,” affirming that Biden will push back against the Republicans’ radical agenda.

Since Saturday night, Biden and his team have been adapting to the changing campaign dynamics, suspending advertising and changing the messaging. While Biden called for an end to political violence in public speeches, he also urged Americans to lower the intensity of partisan rhetoric.

Despite rhetorical adjustments, the core message remains unchanged: The upcoming election remains crucial for democracy despite the recent tragedy.

Realizing Trump's potential to gain a positive momentum from surviving the assassination attempt and coming off a four-day Republican convention, Biden grapples with political headwinds, including declining poll numbers and calls from within his party to step down from the ticket.

In upcoming appearances and further media engagements in Las Vegas, Biden's team plans to carefully navigate rhetoric to avoid further inciting tensions in the country while emphasizing key campaign issues, including reproductive rights, healthcare, and Social Security and Medicare protection.

High-profile Democrats stress the importance of Biden's defense of democracy, which has been at the forefront of his presidency since the events in Charlottesville in 2017 and the Capitol insurrection.

Despite mounting pressure for him to exit the race, Biden's close circle and family remain optimistic about his chances, aiming to persist in the campaign and focus on conveying the threat they believe Trump represents to American democracy.

Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News