
The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, dramatically escalates political tensions in a society that neither wants nor can afford such escalations. Former presidents and various political and media figures have appropriately expressed sympathy for Mr. Trump and condemned the violence. Yet, these might not be enough to avoid further—and more consequential—political violence. Many have pointed to America’s toxic politics as a contributor to the July 13 shooting. The degree to which political partisans describe their rivals as evil enemies hell-bent on destroying the country rather...