Shooting heats up race to White House

(Baonghean) - In the past few days, the bloody shooting in Orlando, Florida has become the top concern of the American and international media. Immediately, the incident became the focus of the White House race of the US presidential candidates. How will the response of the two leading candidates of the Democratic and Republican parties, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and billionaire Donald Trump, to the incident affect undecided American voters?

Unexpected challenge

As the police, authorities and the public focused on the investigation into the bloodiest massacre in American history, the two leading candidates of the Democratic and Republican parties made statements expressing their views on the incident. According to analysts, the shooting is considered an “unexpected crisis” that occurred at a sensitive and crucial stage, the final stretch of the race to the White House.

The Orlando shooting is a difficult test for presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and billionaire Donald Trump (Source: Getty Image)

Of course, both the Clinton and Trump campaign support teams have been prepared for any unexpected situations from the beginning. However, it can be said that the recent Orlando shooting is an extremely difficult test. It is both a sorrow for America, but at the same time a test for the presidential candidates as well as the psychology of voters. Analysts say that the candidates' skillful adjustment to the unexpected situation will have a significant impact on scoring points with voters at this time.

Grasping this key point, both Democratic candidate Hillary and Republican candidate Donald Trump have made clear statements and reactions.

On the Republican side, billionaire Trump immediately “took advantage of the opportunity” to affirm that his previously criticized statement about “radical Islam” was completely correct. He also emphasized: “If we are not tough and quick, we will no longer have this country, because our leaders are too weak.”

The treatment of LGBT people, gun control and the treatment of Muslims are at the heart of the competition between the two US presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and billionaire Donald Trump. (Source: BBC)

Thus, after a period of being criticized for shocking statements such as: Building a wall to separate the border with Mexico or banning Muslim immigration, the Orlando shooting seems to bring more support from the American people for billionaire Trump. Some analysts even believe that billionaire Trump suddenly has a "natural opportunity" to increase the number of voters supporting his tough policy on Muslim immigration.

Taking advantage of this, billionaire Trump also made a statement opposing President Obama's proposal to restrict and control guns, and at the same time declared that he would veto any new gun control bill. Not stopping there, right after President Barack Obama gave a speech about the incident, billionaire Trump immediately criticized that Mr. Obama did not use the phrase "radical Islamic terrorism" and demanded that the US President resign.

While billionaire Trump takes advantage of his tough policy against radical Islam, Democratic candidate Clinton continues to be loyal to her views on gun control and restrictions and a separate anti-terrorism strategy.

According to Mrs. Clinton, to prevent terrorist attacks or shootings, it is necessary to cooperate in tracking down and destroying terrorist organizations; tighten gun control and call for equality for people in the LGBT community. Not only persisting with the existing election policy, her campaign team issued a statement emphasizing that she has a comprehensive plan to fight IS, while candidate Donald Trump only makes political attacks, weak statements and self-praise. Mr. Trump also has no specific plan to "keep America safe".

Voters' Choice

It can be seen that each statement of the two candidates has its own logic and certain persuasiveness to voters. Considering the current time right after the shooting, analysts believe that the advantage may be leaning towards billionaire Donald Trump. Because the American people, in shock and panic after the Orlando shooting, will somewhat think in line with billionaire Trump's views on immigrants or radical Islam. Some even say that Mr. Trump is being "cleared" of his recent racist remarks against Mexican judge Gonzalo Curiel.

But whether the shocking statement comes with responsibility and the possibility of realization; whether the immediate outrage of voters will lead to support for billionaire Trump's criticized views on Muslims or not, these are still big questions.

Meanwhile, with candidate Hillary Clinton, will she be able to counter billionaire Trump’s accusation that she is “weak” in gun control and has to move to other countries to fight terrorism? Because Mrs. Clinton’s platform remains consistent, which is to tighten gun laws in the US, call for anti-discrimination against the LGBT community, and not support banning Muslims from entering the US to avoid extremist ideology, the risk of racism and hatred.

Who to choose and what policies to pursue now depends entirely on the American voters. Both candidates have made clear statements. However, from now until November, there will certainly be unexpected events that will test both Hillary and billionaire Trump. At this time, time and the wisdom of voters will choose the most worthy candidate for the position of the owner of the White House at the end of this year.

Phuong Hoa