Even before the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, American politics was already in flux. However, recent dramatic developments have accelerated this turmoil in ways few anticipated. As President Joe Biden's position weakens, Trump appears to be gaining unstoppable momentum. Internal Democratic polling shows Biden losing ground in 14 crucial states, including five he won in 2020—Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. His support is also wavering in Colorado, Minnesota, Maine, New Mexico, Virginia, and New Hampshire, exacerbated by his poor debate performance.

The Democratic Party remains deeply divided, with increasing concerns among its members that Biden's debate performance undermines his ability to defeat Trump and could jeopardize other Democrats' chances in November. Calls for Biden to step aside are growing, with senior party figures like Rep. Adam Schiff expressing doubts about Biden’s ability to win against Trump, who is seen as a threat to democracy.

Meanwhile, Trump is thriving in the spotlight of the GOP convention, where former critics such as Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, and Marco Rubio have rallied behind him. The imagery of Trump with a bandage and his supporters chanting "Fight, fight, fight!" presents a stark contrast to the ongoing debate about his role in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Confusion within the Republican Party is evident, especially highlighted by J.D. Vance, a former Trump critic, who faced backlash over his multicultural background. The Republican Party is struggling to reconcile its anti-immigration stance with Vance’s personal background.

The intense political polarization in the U.S. has led to fundamental challenges for both parties. The ongoing vitriol and lack of reconciliation persist even after the assassination attempt. Despite the Republican convention's focus on unity, the party remains heavily aligned with Trump's views, leaving little room for dissent. Following the attack on Trump, Vance noted that the rhetoric of the Biden campaign, portraying Trump as an authoritarian, might have fueled the violence. Trump's role in escalating political tensions is overlooked by his supporters.

Although President Biden urged Americans to avoid violent rhetoric and maintain peaceful debate, it's unclear if his message is resonating. Trump’s ability to connect with middle America's sense of grievance continues to overshadow Democratic efforts to shift the narrative. The image of a defiant Trump, contrasted with a faltering Biden, underscores the challenges facing the Democratic Party. With November still some months away, the dynamics of the U.S. presidential race are still evolving. The recent upheavals have fundamentally altered the political landscape, leaving a significant impact on American politics regardless of future developments.