Due to Trump’s rhetorical strategy on having a “strong” foreign policy and claiming to deal with terrorism swiftly and harshly, is it plausible at this point near election time, if a significant terrorist attack occurred. Could Trump rhetorically use such an occurence to his advantage?
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/09/18/terrorism-the-ugliest-election-x-factor.html
If Trump were to let his personality dwindle in the face of such a situation, whether a recurrence of the Orlando shootings or another theater shooting, Trump’s previous staunch stance against terrorism could prove to be a valuable asset to his campaign. I say this very conditionally, in hope that our country remains safe. However, this late into election season, this is really the only way the man can win. Dissatisfaction with Hillary’s tenure as Secretary of State, combined with Trump’s strategy of tough foreign policy, could sway some voters who wish to feel secure at home to vote for Trump. Though Hillary demonstrated much of her experience and knowledge of foreign policy during the debate, including her stance on swiftly dealing with terrorism, Trump could salvage a small victory and gain some support if he uses the strategy that Hillary has not previously dealt with terrorism, that he would not have let xyz event happen on his watch, and that it would have been dealt with harshly.
https://i.imgflip.com/vto5n.jpg
Though a lack of experience and expertise on the subject of foreign policy is clear, Trump, combined with the gender bias against women and that men are stronger and more decisive, could absolutely utilize such an event to his advantage. People fear domestic insecurity more than anything else, and if Trump rhetorically promotes safety and plows against Hillary’s transgressions during her term as Secretary of State, this could win him some much needed support in these last few weeks.
You make a valid point that Trump would very easily be able to use a terrorist attack to his advantage rhetorically. It is his job as the challenger to frame everything in terms of a “loss frame,” and to make the public believe that we are less safe, less protected, and less strong. Plus, given his constant emphasis of the need to build a wall and keep immigrants (read: Muslims) out of the country, a terrorist attack would further bolster his claims. I think you’re also correct that he may appear stronger on this front than Hillary Clinton (in spite of her indisputably better foreign policy experience) because of society’s gender bias. Trump has a lot of elements working for him, but a terrorist attack is not likely to occur on a large enough scale to tip the election at this point.
http://www.dailywire.com/news/9243/3-reasons-why-terrorist-attacks-boost-trump-and-ben-shapiro#