The 2024 summer politics season has given the country many unforgettable moments. With election season just around the corner, it is imperative to recap the important political events from the summer.
Two weeks after the start of summer break, on June 27th, the first presidential debate of this year’s election was broadcasted from Atlanta, Georgia. On the stage was the Democratic Party’s nominee at the time, incumbent President Joe Biden, and the Republican Party’s nominee, former President Donald Trump.
This debate was the first of its kind here in the United States. No audience was allowed, and the candidates’ microphones were muted when it was not their turn to answer a question. This was done so that no candidate could interrupt the other while speaking.
The candidates were asked questions about various topics including the economy, women’s reproductive rights, immigration, and the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Opinions from the debate’s viewers seemed split on social media. Some viewers focused on President Biden’s inability to comprehend and answer questions properly. Meanwhile, other viewers shifted their focus to Donald Trump’s inability to answer questions honestly.
Later, on July 13th, during one of Donald Trump’s political rallies in Butler, Pennsylvania, shots were fired from a nearby roof.
The shots fired were headed for Trump’s forehead. However, only one bullet managed to make contact with him, injuring one of his ears.
The audience was mesmerized by the way Trump reacted after his ear was shot. He mouthed the word ‘fight’ three times while keeping his fists in the air. The audience called this moment patriotic.
Secret Service agents were quick to neutralize the culprit on the roof. The culprit was 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. He was killed by the Secret Service a few minutes after his shots were fired.
A 3D analysis conducted by a TikTok simulation page found that if Trump had not tilted his head the second he did, the bullet would have penetrated the back of his head. Thus, killing the former President.
Trump became an overnight sensation after the attempted assassination. His approval ratings and support increased significantly.
Two days later, on July 15th, the Republican National Convention (RNC) began. The RNC is held to host delegates from each state and U.S. territories to formally pick the Republican nominee for the upcoming election.
At the RNC, Donald Trump announced who his running mate (Vice President) would be. Trump picked Ohio Senator JD Vance as his VP pick. Vance is known in Congress for being far-right or very Republican.
Trump was formally nominated as the Republican nominee after obtaining 2,387 votes of the 1,215 needed to be nominated.
Then, amidst the Democratic Party’s concerns over their candidate’s ability to run for re-election, on July 21st, President Joe Biden dropped from the race. In his letter, Biden wrote about his gratitude for his time in office and then endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, for president.
However, this was not a surprise to the American people. There had already been speculation that the current president would no longer seek re-election during the weeks leading up to his announcement.
People used social media to express their concerns over Biden’s poor performance during those weeks. Some expressed that for Democrats to win this election, they would need a new presidential candidate.
Then, on the same day as Biden’s announcement, his VP, Kamala Harris, began her presidential campaign. Her campaign raised $200 million during the first week of her campaign.
There were people on social media who were ecstatic about the announcement. Some believed it was a win-win; Harris is a younger, female candidate.
Two weeks later, on August 6th, Harris announced her pick for VP. She chose Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz as her running mate. Walz is known for supporting women’s reproductive rights and minority groups in his state.
Then, on August 19th, at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Harris and Walz were both voted as the Democratic Party’s nominees for the upcoming election on November 5th.
When asked about her thoughts on this year’s election, 12th grader, Alejandra Tran said, “Like, I’m gonna vote Independent because I just don’t like Trump or Kamala, but, like, I honestly think that this is better than a Biden vs. Trump rematch.”
The fight for the White House is officially between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. However, as we wait for election day to pull up, let’s tune in to Trump and Harris’ debate on September 10th.
