Radio Atlantic The Modern Political Assassin
15 snips
Sep 26, 2024 
In this engaging discussion, Tom Nichols, a professor emeritus and staff writer for The Atlantic, examines the changing nature of political assassins. He delves into the recent attempted assassination of Donald Trump by individuals without strong political ties, raising questions about modern motivations for violence. The conversation highlights the complexities behind political grievances, the psychological factors driving individual actions, and the significance of rhetoric in today's political landscape. Nichols encourages listeners to rethink stereotypes about assassins and political violence.
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1975 Assassination Attempts
- In 1975, two assassination attempts were made on President Gerald Ford within 17 days.
- One attacker was a Manson family member, and the other had political motivations related to Vietnam.
Political Assassin Stereotype
- Past assassins often had political motivations, shaping our perception of assassins.
- We tend to find politically motivated assassinations more comprehensible and less frightening.
Modern Assassins
- Recent assassination attempts on Donald Trump involved individuals with unclear motives.
- Their lack of clear political beliefs makes these cases similar to mass shooters.
