The tone of the 2024 presidential race is in the spotlight after Republican nominee Donald Trump was targeted in what the FBI called another apparent assassination attempt.
He and his running mate, JD Vance, have blamed their Democratic opponents for what they characterise as their inflammatory language. The Republican candidates and their supporters have also received criticism from Democrats for their rhetoric.
The finger-pointing has led to increased scrutiny of the language and insults used by both campaigns about the other side.
Each has an active and aggressive social media presence that reaches millions of Americans, and frequently paints their opponents in derogatory terms. Trump utilises his Truth Social account to make – or promote – some of the most vitriolic attacks on Democrats.
In the end, however, the candidates are most responsible for their own spoken words. Here are nine quotes from interviews, speeches and campaign events this year that help illustrate how the political messages on both sides have – and have not – shifted over time.
BBC
