Most 'serious' election since American Civil War: US election will determine 'future of US system'

As division trumps unity in US election rhetoric, FRANCE 24's Genie Godula is joined by Scott Lucas, Political Analyst and Professor of International Politics at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin. Donald Trump and Joe Biden have both stressed "unity" in the wake of the stunning assassination attempt on the Republican presidential contender, but any shift to a more civil political discourse is likely to be short-lived. For months, the two campaigns have shredded the other's candidate with a ferocity that exceeds the already bruising nature of US political races, and observers say there is little chance of that dynamic being altered in any significant way. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, both men struck a moderate tone and avoided language that could escalate the febrile political atmosphere. Biden called on Americans to "lower the temperature" in an address from the Oval Office, and Trump said it was "more important than ever that we stand united." The two men even spoke to each other on the phone -- after refusing so much as to shake hands at their televised debate last month.