Trump targeted in apparent assassination attempt at golf course, says FBI

After decades without political violence directed at a major-party presidential candidate, the US has now experienced two apparent assassination attempts in the space of two months.

Americans have had to adjust to “new normals” in politics – large and small – on a seemingly regular basis in the past few years.

The national discourse has coarsened, partisan divisions have sharpened and become more entrenched, and the standards for candidate behaviour have eroded.

Given the national epidemic of gun violence, these kind of attacks are perhaps another, inevitable new normal.

But for now, it is still shocking.

“Violence has no place in America,” Vice-President Kamala Harris has said in a statement.

Details of the apparent assassination attempt – the identity and motivation of the assailant in particular – will ultimately determine the impact this has on American politics.

But, for the moment, it seems like – the vice-president’s comments notwithstanding – this kind of violence is increasingly part of today’s America.