Throughout the U.S. 2024 elections, the world has witnessed a few shocking historical events that include the assassination attempt of Donald Trump, President Joe Biden dropping from the presidential race, and Vice President Kamala Harris succeeding him as the Democratic Party’s new lead candidate. According to Time Magazine, Biden’s decision to drop out of the race for re-election is a monumental move made by a current president that has not occurred since President Lyndon refused re-election back in 1968. Here is an update on the 2024 presidential elections.
On July 13, an attempt on Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump occurred during his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. The failed attempt resulted in the deaths of the shooter and one audience member, with two other people in attendance injured. Trump was shot in the right ear, and was quickly escorted off the stage by his Secret Service detail. This failed attempt shook the country and the investigations resulted in the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle, the former U.S. Secret Service director.
Another unexpected turn of events occurred on July 21, when Democratic presidential candidate and current president Joe Biden made an official statement on social media that he would be dropping out of the presidential race. Biden’s reasons for doing so are in part due to the aftermath of his failed debate with Trump that brought members of his own party to question the likelihood that he could win the elections. In a statement posted on social media, Biden wrote that, “While it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
With presidential candidate Kamala Harris formally running for the Democratic Party, surveys have reportedly concluded that Harris has been successful in gaining the support of “nonwhite voters” and that the election race is now more balanced since her entry as the lead democratic candidate. Trump and Harris are reportedly tied in the race at 42 per cent, with Harris’ platform greatly coinciding with Biden’s. Some of the goals she focuses on in her campaign include “affordable childcare, paid family leave, and expanded health care.” Harris also desires to reinstate the right for women to have abortions on a national level.
Rachel is working towards a BA with a concentration in English and Theatre. She has been employed at The Cascade since Fall 2021 as a Staff Writer and a Jr. News Editor. Currently, she is the sectional News Editor and enjoys meeting and interviewing people as well as taking long walks in nature. Rachel also likes to stay up to date on the latest trends and informs students through her fashion column entitled Campus Fashion.
