As someone whose job is covering current events, it doesn’t get more exciting than the 2024 presidential election. Make no mistake about it: in the annals of American political history, 2024 is shaping up to be the most extraordinary ever. The current election cycle has been marked by unprecedented plot twists, putting the election in a constant state of flux. And something tells me it’s going to get even crazier.
So far, two major developments stand out: the fallout from the Trump-Biden debate last month and the shocking attempt on Donald Trump’s life last week.
The debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump was more than just another political showdown; it was a turning point in the 2024 election cycle. Biden’s performance was widely criticized as disastrous, leading to a torrent of calls from the media and within the Democratic Party for him to withdraw from the race.
Biden’s campaign was already struggling with concerns about his age and effectiveness, but that moment put his party in a position where those problems could no longer be ignored.
The fallout from this debate has been palpable. Polls reflect a growing discontent among Democrats, with key figures working behind the scenes to oust Biden, and a growing list of elected Democrats have begun to publicly express their doubts about his candidacy.
Biden’s response, however, has been one of defiance. Despite the mounting calls for him to step aside, he remains adamant about continuing his re-election bid, underscoring a deep commitment—or perhaps stubbornness—in the face of mounting adversity. What will he do? I haven’t the slightest idea. Past reports of Biden’s pending withdrawal from the race haven’t panned out. Political betting markets put his chances of dropping out at nearly 85% Friday morning, yet they’re already back down to below 80% as of this writing.
One thing is for sure: at this point, mere weeks before the Democratic Party's nominating convention, it’s anyone’s guess whether Biden is the Democratic nominee or not.
In light of recent events, the Biden-Harris campaign has released an updated version of their logo. pic.twitter.com/jiMTPi1mxr
— Matt Margolis (@mattmargolis) July 19, 2024
If Biden drops out, an open convention is likely, and that could prove to be a divisive and messy process that threatens the Democrats' ability to promptly coalesce behind an alternative.
As if the election cycle wasn’t chaotic enough, the attempted assassination of Donald Trump has added a new layer of drama and uncertainty. The attack on the former president has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, amplifying the stakes of an already high-pressure race. The implications of this event are profound, not just for Trump but for the entire electoral process.
The attempt on Trump’s life has reignited debates about political violence and its role in American democracy. It nearly put an end to calls for Joe Biden to drop out, but the movement quickly regained steam and, indeed, has reached a fever pitch.
The assassination attempt appears to have helped unify Republicans behind Trump at a time when Democrats have been crippled by division. Even some Never-Trump Republicans have rallied behind him in the wake of the assassination attempt, and polls show that his already advantageous position in the polls has gotten stronger.
The combination of a beleaguered Biden campaign and the dramatic attempt on Trump’s life has created a perfect storm of political chaos. The 2024 election is rapidly becoming a spectacle of crisis management, strategic maneuvering, and uncharted political territory that has become impossible to predict.
Even if Biden refuses to drop out, there's no doubt in my mind that more twists and turns are likely.
