This Week in Politics
Attempted Trump Assassination
During a Pennsylvania rally a noise likened to a ballon popping rippled through the air. Former President Trump suddenly moves his hand to his ear, and drops down onto to the ground. Secret Service agents plummet to protect Mr Trump and swiftly move him away from the location. At the same time a sniper acts to neutralise the target, the shooter is out of action within seconds. The spectators panic and chaos erupts, people run away and seek shelter. Corey Comperatore, a rally attendee, lies dead.
"Fight, fight, fight!" - Trump says standing with blood streaming down his face and his fist held together pointing into the air.
Just a day later Mr Trump is out in public; now with some form of bandage around his ear. The Republican National Convention (RNC) in swing state Wisconsin is just around the corner. He is greeted by sways of fists held together and the now iconic words "fight, fight, fight!"
Zelensky Visits New British Prime Minister
Ukrainian President Zelensky visited 10 Downing Street and addressed the new cabinet. The new Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated his intent to continue aiding Ukraine. Mr Zelensky urged Sir Starmer to lift restrictions hindering the transport of weaponry to Ukraine. The Ukrainian president asked the PM to "show your leadership."
The RNC and Trump's VP Pick
At the RNC Trump handedly receives the nomination alongside the endorsements of prior primary rivals. Vivek Ramaswamy tells the world to vote for Trump. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the most prominent contender to Mr Trump until his campaign's bitter end, endorses the former president. Nikki Haley, whose primary voters were polled as less sure of voting for former President trump, gives him her full endorsement. Every time something goes the former president's way cheers fill the air. Lastly, actor and entrepreneur Amber Rose showcased her support in a stark contrast to earlier rhetoric.
However, Ms Rose was not the only individual with a changed outlook. Ohio Senator J. D. Vance famed for his book Hillbilly Elegy, later made with a film adaptation, and anti-Trump stance - Mr Vance was a never-Trumper - edged out other vice presidential contenders in being on Mr Trump's ticket. While Vance had an appeal among Rust Belt voters, including vital swing states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin (in order of electors), his controversial past with very harsh rhetoric directed toward the former president, and now official GOP nominee for 2024, could be used against the Republican ticket. Moreover, his right-wing status could prove fatal as the Republican ticket has no bridge candidate to moderate voters. Mr Vance's prior comments on abortion, voting rights, Project 2025, LGBTQ+ rights and Ukraine may disincentives some of the electorate. However, VP contender J. D. Vance is only meant to win the Rust Belt region in which he holds a unique position. If the GOP VP nominee can deliver Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin to Mr Trump he has not only served his purpose, however, moreover, done exceptionally well.
