A Historic (No Really) Election Cycle

Even if you spent 2024 off the grid (in which case, good for you), or not paying attention to politics (we must ask: how??), you're likely aware that this was an unprecedented year in American politics. President-elect Donald Trump sailed to victory on Election Day, despite many experts predicting it would take days or even weeks to get the final results. On the road to 270, Trump had an eventful year: He survived two assassination attempts, served fries at McDonald’s, repeated false claims that migrants were “eating dogs,” and took a ride in a garbage truck. On the other side of the aisle, Democrats struggled to convince the now 82-year-old President Joe Biden to step aside after his disastrous debate performance. Biden eventually relented, and VP Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee virtually overnight. Her campaign raised more than $1.5 billion and collected a number of star-studded endorsements, but that wasn’t enough to distance herself from the unpopular Biden admin.

This election saw major shifts in how candidates reach voters. Podcast hosts and social media influencers eclipsed journalists as the most powerful campaign messengers. Trump sat down with Joe Rogan as he courted the “bro vote,” and Harris chatted with Alex Cooper on Call Her Daddy. Then there was the historic voter gender gap. Harris hoped campaigning on abortion rights would put her in the White House, but many women split their ballots, backing state abortion amendments while supporting Trump for president. Democrats also lost ground with other key demographics, namely Hispanic men. Ultimately, Trump’s messaging on immigration and the economy struck a stronger chord with voters.

Election Memes Were Falling Out of Coconut Trees

This was the year of the meme election, and the internet had plenty of material to work with. VP Kamala Harris’s campaign tried to keep “brat summer” going for months, and her running mate Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) brought his “big dad energy.” Meanwhile, President-elect Trump’s charm offensive was a bit more unusual, as he gave shoutouts to fictional serial killer Hannibal Lecter and golfer Arnold Palmer’s manhood at his rallies. (Also, who could forget that “bizarre” rally-turned-dance-party?) Trump also started a bromance with one of the internet's most prominent memelords, Elon Musk. As for Vice President-elect JD Vance, he probably wishes he skipped that awkward donut shop visit and could take back that viral “childless cat ladies” comment. The queen of the childless cat ladies, aka Taylor Swift, was in her political era, but we’re guessing she didn’t sign off on Trump’s AI photo of her. Hulk Hogan decided the Republican National Convention was a good place to rip off his shirt. And Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R) boots were made for walking…and maybe a little something extra.

What Does Trump 2.0 Mean for the Country?

Trump has made it clear his first 100 days will focus on immigration, including plans for mass deportations. (Some states, like California and Illinois, are already resisting.) Widespread tariffs are also at the top of his agenda. Now that Republicans have locked in a trifecta of government control, it could be easier for Trump to push his policies through. Plus, he's nominated a cabinet of loyalists ready to shake up the government — and potentially stir up controversy in the process (looking at you, Pete Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.). Also worth watching: How effective Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will be.

As Trump prepares to move back into the White House, President Joe Biden is packing up. As president, Biden helped rebuild the economy in the aftermath of a global pandemic and passed significant climate legislation. However, lingering inflation, his administration’s chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, and his last-minute decision to pull out of the presidential race, not to mention the controversial pardon of his son, tarnished his legacy. The Democratic Party is also thinking about its legacy after losing the House, Senate, and the White House. A top priority? Winning back key demographics, including Hispanic men and white suburban women. (Unsurprisingly, some Democrats appear to have already positioned themselves for a 2028 run.) The midterms are two years away (sorry for the reminder), and a lot can change. 

Resources:

• Tracking Trump’s Cabinet Nominees and Where They Stand

• Where Abortion Access Stands in Every State

• This Is What’s in the 900-Page-Long Project 2025