Far from being a boring rematch that would turn many Americans off politics, the 2024 presidential election has seen intense twists and turns and terrifying developments.
From his shocking performance at the CNN debate in late June to his decision to drop out of the race in late July, no one expected President Joe Biden’s campaign to implode in less than a month. Democrats went from literal panic over Biden’s candidacy to new excitement over the appointment of Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.
The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump was unexpected, but it has unified Republicans around him, with many in the party expressing a kind of sacred reverence for his near-death experience.
So we don’t know specifically what will happen in the period leading up to Election Day on November 5, or what will happen after the nation’s unique Electoral College process begins. But we do have some idea of what to expect.
August: Harris nominated, vice president selected, party convention held in Chicago. Democrats almost immediately endorsed Harris as their candidate, but they still need to formally select her. Delegates will do so in a short period before the convention, between Aug. 1 and Aug. 7, and will have a backstop to prevent any changes to the ballot.
Harris will also need to choose a running mate, which CNN’s Jeff Zeleny reports is likely to happen soon after the convention, rather than right before, as is common.
Democrats are expected to give Biden a fantastic welcome when they hold their convention in Chicago in late August. Democrats have pivoted from worrying about Biden’s electoral prospects to hailing him as a hero.
Earlier this month, Trump’s running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, turned 40. If elected, he would become the third-youngest vice president in U.S. history and the first millennial to hold national office. The Republican candidate won, and after Biden dropped out of the race, Vance became the oldest major party candidate in history to run alongside baby Trump. Boomer.
Read more about what to expect Presidential Election There are less than 100 days left.
