Beata Balogová, Editor-in-chief of Sme daily. (source: SME - Jozef Jakubčo)
You can read the original opinion here.
The assassination attempt on presidential candidate Donald Trump is the worst thing that could have happened to American democracy ahead of the presidential elections. Or anytime.
In Slovakia, we know what we are talking about when expressing concerns. Political violence affects all of society and everyone bleeds, not just the shot politician.
The attack on Trump is likely to further stir up and inflame passions, as well as divide a polarised society. It pushes aside topics that presidential candidates should be talking about, emotions drowning out arguments.
As such, facts, objective arguments and, unfortunately, also public interest are often among the first victims of attacks on public officials.
There is no doubt that when US President Joe Biden, who is facing mounting pressure to withdraw from running, said that he was glad Trump was safe and well, he meant it. Politically speaking, the attacker's bullet was more serious for him than Trump himself.
The latter, who fortunately suffered only minor injuries, will not hesitate to use this attack to weaken his critics.
Expressions of solidarity are authentic in such events. No sane person can wish for Trump to be murdered. Today, even the greater part of Slovakia understands this, since for us this assassination attempt is much more than just shocking international news.
