In 2024, politics in the United States were marked by several unprecedented events. The year began with President Biden gearing up for re-election, but his mental acuity came under increasing scrutiny, leading to calls for him to drop out of the race. Biden faced backlash for gaffes and miscues, culminating in a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump. Eventually, Biden announced his decision to drop out of the race in July, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to be installed as the Democratic presidential nominee, sparking some controversy among Democrats.
The political landscape was further rocked by two assassination attempts on former President Trump in July and September. The attempts led to heightened security concerns and raised questions about the rhetoric surrounding political figures. Despite these incidents, Trump maintained his focus on his re-election effort while battling criminal charges and legal cases, including a trial in the New York v. Trump case. Trump ultimately defeated Kamala Harris in the election, securing a decisive victory and making a political comeback.
During the election cycle, anti-Israel protests erupted on college campuses across the country, with protestors demanding their schools divest from Israel. These protests were fueled by a war launched by terrorist organization Hamas in Israel, leading to instances of antisemitism and Jewish students feeling unsafe on some campuses. The protests and antisemitism on campuses became a significant issue in the presidential race and down-ballot races, with Republicans condemning the antisemitism and calling for peace to be restored.
Overall, the political landscape in 2024 was marked by a series of unprecedented events, including Biden dropping out of the race, Harris being installed as the Democratic nominee, assassination attempts on Trump, legal battles, and anti-Israel protests on college campuses. These events highlighted the divisiveness and security concerns in American politics, while also showcasing the determination and resilience of political figures in the face of adversity.
