As anyone over the age of 20 knows, years can come in strange packages. Some can be put in the “Thank God that’s over” bucket, while others are worth savoring. For many, the year 2024 felt more like a whirlwind than 366 24-hour increments that ticked by slowly. Most of those in the conservative camp believe it ended well, but getting to that joyful denouement was one long, strange trip. Before we wave goodbye to this most unusual year, it seems like an apropos time to reflect upon what happened and – perhaps more significantly -- what did not. Here are my top five unforgettable political moments of 2024:
Democracy Did Not Die (in Darkness)
Despite apocalyptic warnings from those on the left, the Republic survived. We were repeatedly told that this was the most critical election of our lives, and while that can be sincerely debated, the outcome was a clear, decisive win by those who put America first. Even before the new president and Congress enter their respective elected offices, the winds of change are blowing. Diversity, equity, and inclusion appear to be waning in popularity. Retailers are putting their trans bathing suits in mothballs – even Vladimir Putin is signaling he’s ready to sit down and talk. Yes, indeed, change is on the horizon.
There But for the Grace of God
Not one, but two, attempted assassinations of a presidential candidate took place. The first one occurred in the back woods of Butler, PA, when a bullet whizzed by and caught the ear of President Trump. One rally-goer was shot and killed, and several others were injured. That Trump escaped a fatal injury is nothing short of miraculous.
But perhaps even more startling was his immediate reaction to being gunned down. He rose from the ground while fighting off the Secret Service, stood up with a fierce expression on his face, and told everyone present and millions more that would watch the event on video to “Fight, fight, fight!”
Who does that?
It was an extraordinary moment in American political history. That image of a defiant man who had just turned 78 came in stark contrast to his opponent at the time. In fact, it was only eight days later that the sitting president – Joe Biden – would officially announce his withdrawal from the US presidential contest.
2024 – The Year Democrats Had a Change of Heart
It would be an understatement to say that one of the two major parties switching out presidential candidates midstream is unusual. In recent memory, perhaps only Robert F. Kennedy being gunned down after he won the California primary could be considered as big an event for the Democratic Party. But even then, Kennedy was in the primary stage of the election, not the general.
Doubts about President Biden’s cognitive condition following the debate with former President Trump caused him to crater in the polls. Anxious party apparatchiks felt they had to find another candidate, and up popped Vice President Kamala Harris. This occurred despite the fact that her previous attempt at running for the Democratic Party’s nomination for president fell flat as voters just weren’t that interested. Under the category of “change isn’t always good,” Harris found herself on the short end of the electoral college and was soundly defeated by Donald J. Trump.
Pro-Palestinian and Anti-Semitic Protests
Under the heading “strange,” was watching thousands of people in heavily populated American cities and on college campuses protesting people of Jewish descent in general and Israel in specific. Jewish students feared for their lives; on one college campus, some were locked in an administration building to hide from the angry mob. The US has long been a place of refuge for the Jewish people, and such a spectacle was difficult to comprehend. Worse still, university officials were unwilling to stop the mobs. Public pressure forced several Ivy League presidents to resign, but the sight of thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters parading through the streets of the United States will long be remembered.
RFK, Jr. Joins Team Trump
Anyone old enough to remember the era of Camelot had to be staggered by the bizarre tableau of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. accepting thunderous applause at a Trump rally. After being treated with hostility by the party his family practically owned in the 1960s, Mr. Kennedy joined Team Trump. As fireworks shot off in the background, the former president could be heard coaxing Kennedy to enjoy his popularity in MAGA land. To paraphrase the once and future president, go ahead, they’re really good people. And with that, Make America Healthy Again was born.
As we say arrivederci to 2024, we carry with us these memories and many more of your favorites that were not mentioned here. And while there is no telling what American politics has in store for us, we can safely say that under the second administration of President Trump, it’s not likely to be boring.
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