Democrats step back from Biden after Trump assassination attempt, but uncertainty remains

President Joe Biden has suspended all political activity, including ceasing political advertising, out of respect for Trump and in response to the tragic events. The pause has prompted introspection among Biden allies and party activists, who are grappling with the potential impact of this dramatic turn of events on the presidential race.

“There are more questions than answers at this point,” a top Democratic strategist and close ally of Biden acknowledged. “I don't think anybody knows exactly how this is going to play out, even this week. There are so many unknowns,” The Hill reported.

The debate over Biden's candidacy, particularly his age and mental acuity, has been temporarily put on hold, according to several Democratic sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because the sensitivity of the topic was acknowledged in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.

While talk of Biden potentially dropping out of the race has dominated recent headlines and debates, many Democrats, from lawmakers to donors, have chosen to remain silent on the issue for now.

“This is not the right time,” commented one Democratic donor who had previously expressed doubts about Biden. “That doesn't mean it won't come back in a few days or next week. But it would be extremely insensitive to debate Biden right now.”

“We're all going to have to hold our breath and see what happens,” the donor said.

Amid the sombre atmosphere following the assassination attempt, attention has shifted from internal Democratic deliberations to broader concerns about how the incident could reshape the political landscape as the Republican National Convention approaches.

Another Democratic strategist predicted that the focus on Saturday's tragic events “will reduce the public noise, but I don't think it will slow down the private conversations.”

“I've seen enough data to show that my guy is running behind. And the state-by-state numbers are really tough.”

Political observers believe that with national attention focused on the attempted assassination of Trump, pressure on Biden to withdraw from the race may ease in the short term.

“Time is ticking, and right now a lot of Democrats won't pay attention because the whole country is caught up in an assassination attempt,” said Julian Zelizer, a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University. “Some would assume it would be very difficult to destabilize the ticket.”

Still, Zelizer cautioned that underlying issues for Biden remain and could get worse, especially if Trump emerges from the event with renewed political vigor.

On Sunday, three national polls painted a mixed picture for Biden, showing him holding steady against Trump despite recent challenges. However, the aftermath of the assassination attempt could significantly change this dynamic.

With the Biden campaign still on hold, Republican strategist Susan Del Percio predicts a rapid shift in focus as news of Trump's vice presidential pick and the start of the Republican convention continue to dominate headlines.

“I'm concerned about the question of what Republicans will do and say, because Democrats will be more careful and they will be more responsible with their words,” he said.

“I can't imagine the first day of the convention not having some fierce and nasty language used about Joe Biden,” she said. “That could provoke a response from the Biden campaign. Honestly, that's what would spur re-engagement.”

Since Trump's assassination attempt, Biden has played the role of chief comforter, maintaining a stance of national unity even with his old rival. This approach was underscored by Biden's briefings inside the Situation Room and a planned address to the nation from the Oval Office.

Despite the temporary interruption to campaigning, strategists believe Biden's leadership during this crisis will strengthen his candidacy.

One strategist commented, “It helps Biden's argument. He represents stability. He's managing the crisis. And in a way he's answering the argument about his mental acuity.”

“And that creates a contrast with Trump,” the strategist said. “You can't count on Trump being steady for that long. And when Trump starts trumping, it's game on,” The Hill reported.