Getting Shot Is Not the Same as Getting Elected

Teddy Roosevelt was shot during the election of 1912 — and lost. But science says something besides history may play a bigger role in 2024.

Teddy Roosevelt speaking from his car in Milwaukee shortly before an assassination attempt during the 1912 presidential election. Public domain photo via Wikimedia Commons

Shortly before the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13th, I came across recent science that shed light on the incident as well as current predictions about the 2024 presidential election.

But before I get to that, I want to say this. I feel personally offended by Saturday’s attempt to assassinate Donald Trump. A violent attack against any candidate is an attack on each of us. It is also an attack on the very fabric of our nation.

I agree with everyone who says it’s time to turn down the volume on hateful, destructive rhetoric as investigations uncover more information. About the shooter, his motives, his connections, his mental condition — as well as the security failure that allowed a gunman to get within 148 yards of the former president.

I also condemn any attempt to score political points from the terrible incident that injured Trump, took the life of an innocent spectator, as well as the 20-year-old shooter, and critically injured two others.

As for those who are saying Trump will win the election because of the shooting — history says, “Not so fast.”