This year’s US election campaign has been marked by unprecedented events, including court cases, violence, and notable missteps. As candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris approach Election Day on November 5, here are five pivotal moments that have shaped the race.
– Trump the Felon –
On May 30, Donald Trump made history as the first former US president to be convicted of felony charges, facing 34 counts related to falsifying business records. This conviction stemmed from efforts to conceal a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. During a dramatic six-week trial, Daniels revealed intimate details of their alleged encounter, pulling Trump away from the campaign trail. Despite the conviction, nothing in US law prohibits Trump from running for office, and Republican support for him remains steadfast, even as he navigates three additional criminal cases.
– Debate Drama –
Hope for a strong Democratic campaign took a hit on June 27 when President Joe Biden, the presumptive nominee, delivered a lackluster debate performance against Trump. The 81-year-old president struggled with his words, raising doubts about his fitness for a second term. While Biden dismissed the performance as a “bad night,” concerns among donors grew, with some threatening to withdraw funding unless he stepped aside. Polling data following the debate indicated a growing lead for Trump, despite the White House’s insistence that Biden would not withdraw.
– Assassination Attempt –
The campaign reached a shocking climax during a Trump rally in Pennsylvania on July 13 when gunfire erupted. Trump, initially startled by the sounds, was seen touching his ear and collapsing to the stage, while Secret Service agents quickly surrounded him. The chaos unfolded as the gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead by the Secret Service. Trump emerged with a minor injury and later declared, “I took a bullet for democracy,” galvanizing his supporters and cementing one of the most memorable moments in recent political history.
– Biden Says ‘Bye’ –
In a dramatic turn of events, President Biden announced on July 21 that he would not seek reelection, making him the first sitting president since 1968 to opt out of a second term. This decision was influenced by mounting concerns over his viability against Trump. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who subsequently secured the Democratic nomination, becoming the first woman of color to lead a major party ticket. Harris’s nomination revitalized the Democratic base, helping to regain ground in swing state polls.
– Trump’s Second Scare –
Trump faced another alarming incident on September 15 during a golf outing in Florida when a Secret Service agent fired shots to thwart what the FBI described as an assassination attempt. Although Trump was unharmed, the incident, involving a gunman named Ryan Routh, underscored the unpredictable and often dangerous climate of US politics. Trump attributed the scare to the “provocative rhetoric” of Biden and Harris, while Democrats condemned political violence, highlighting the escalating tensions as Election Day approaches.
As the campaign continues, these moments reflect the heightened stakes and volatility in the race leading up to November’s critical vote.
