In a TV program, a broadcaster made a comment saying, "This could become a positive appeal." This indicates that the speaker believes it would not be good if Trump's overcoming the attempted assassination would work in his favor in the election. Does that mean it would have been better if Trump had been assassinated or politically damaged? Such a statement seems extremely dangerous as it could even incite terrorism.
Certainly, there is a possibility that voters might see Trump, who survived the assassination attempt, as a tough and lucky individual or a brave person who does not yield to terrorism, and this could work in his favor in the election. But is that something to be feared?
In reality, Trump has already appeared at the Republican convention and was greeted with great cheers from his supporters.
In other words, contrary to the terrorists' intentions, something opposite occurred. It is generally desirable for the opposite of what terrorists intended to happen after a terrorist attack.
If, after a terrorist attack, things go as the terrorists intended, even if the target is not assassinated, in a sense, it could be considered a successful terrorist act. A society where situations can be changed as desired by terrorism will only encourage the occurrence of more terrorism. Making it clear to those who would plot such events that "neither public opinion nor society nor situations will move as desired" is what will deter terrorism.
Therefore, if we value democracy, at least in the initial reports, instead of fearing that "Trump will gain an advantage in the election, which ≒ means not going according to the terrorists' intentions," we should criticize the fact that an incident aiming to disrupt the election, a very important system for democracy, and the individuals (or organizations) who caused it.
Regardless of whether it benefits or does not benefit a person who does not align with one's political beliefs or ideology, I believe that acts of violence that interfere with elections have a more negative impact on democracy and should be criticized. According to a report by the Mainichi Shimbun, a similar incident in the United States involved the following post on Facebook, which seemed to condone terrorism.
A staff member of Democratic Congressman Thompson (elected from southern Mississippi) posted on Facebook, "Please receive shooting training so that you don't miss next time." This was reported by US media.
Statements that could incite terrorism are extremely inappropriate.
