On Sunday night, President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office, calling for a peaceful return to politics following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
He emphasized that politics should never become a battlefield or, worse, a killing field, urging Americans to resolve their differences at the ballot box.
Call for Unity and Mistakes in Speech
Despite a few noticeable errors in his speech, including calling the ballot box “the battle box” and referring to former President Trump as “former Trump,” Biden’s overall message of peace and unity resonated.
He stressed that competing visions in the campaign should be resolved peacefully, not through acts of violence.
The Weight of the Oval Office
Speaking from the Resolute Desk, with the American flag and presidential seal behind him, Biden aimed to add a sense of weight and formality to his words.
He highlighted the start of the Republican National Convention and his plans to return to the campaign trail, believing this election will shape the nation for decades to come.
Campaign Plans and Continued Violence
Biden announced his departure for Las Vegas on Monday, where he will address the 115th NAACP National Convention and hold a campaign event.
Meanwhile, Trump arrived in Milwaukee for the convention, where he will be formally named the Republican presidential nominee.
Biden pointed to recent political violence, including the attempt on Nancy Pelosi’s husband’s life, a kidnapping plot for Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and the January 6th insurrection, warning against normalizing such acts.
Protecting Political Rivals
Earlier on Sunday, Biden cautioned against making assumptions about the motive behind the assassination attempt and assured that every resource is being used to protect Trump.
He defended the Secret Service amidst criticism and announced an independent review of the events at the rally.
Prayers for Victims and Investigation
Biden spoke to Trump on Saturday night, expressing relief that the former president was well.
He extended condolences to the family of Corey Comperatore, a spectator killed at the rally, and promised transparency in the investigation into security measures at the event. He denounced the violence, stating it is contrary to American values.
Trump’s Response and Convention Security
Joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Biden ordered a review of security measures at the upcoming Republican National Convention.
Despite the assassination attempt, Trump announced he would proceed with his trip to Wisconsin as planned, refusing to let a potential assassin alter his schedule.
Campaign Adjustments
Following the assassination attempt, Biden’s campaign is adjusting its strategy.
He postponed a planned trip to Texas, where he was to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, and Vice President Harris postponed a trip to Palm Beach County.
The Biden campaign also paused all television ads and digital operations, with no clear timeline for resumption.
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