A Timeline of the 2024 Presidential Election

A reflection on key events during Harris and Trump’s 2024 presidential campaigns

Dylan Nguyen and Aprameya Rupanagunta • October 29, 2024

Trump

5/10

In an interview with CNN at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, Trump made several controversial statements regarding various political situations. Trump claimed that he deserved the credit for overturning Roe v. Wade, that the 2020 election was rigged and stolen from him and he advocated to pardon the individuals imprisoned as a result of the United States Capitol attack.
5/30

Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts in the court case The People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump, surrounding Trump falsifying business records to cover up illegal payments to pornographic actress Stormy Daniels following a sexual encounter.
6/27

The first 2024 presidential debate occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, between Trump and former president Joe Biden. The debate was known for Biden’s poor performance, where Biden responses to questions were unclear throughout the debate. While the two candidates took different strategies to debating, Trump verbally attacked Biden’s personal character, calling him “weak” and claiming that Biden was respected little by other global leaders.
7/13

Trump was shot and wounded in an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. In the attempt, the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fatally shot Corey Comperatore and injured two other rallygoers. Trump suffered an injury to his right ear but continued his campaign events. Supporters cited the attempt as a metaphor for Trump’s inevitable victory in the election.
7/18

The Republican Party officially selected Donald J. Trump as their nominee for the 2024 presidential election at the 2024 Republican National Convention. Trump accepted the nomination. On July 15, the first day of the convention, Trump announced JD Vance as his running mate for vice president.
8/5

Trump engaged in a live-streamed 90-minute conversation with influencer Adin Ross at Trump’s house in Florida to appeal to young voters. Ross gifted Trump a Tesla Cybertruck wrapped in a photo of Trump after his first assassination attempt and a gold Rolex. The gifts were later returned to Ross as they violated the Federal Election Commission Regulations.
9/10

The second 2024 presidential debate between Trump and former vice president Kamala Harris took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Unlike the first debate, the moderators fact-checked both candidate’s claims and news organizations like CNN later cited Trump as having over 30 false statements. Harris was considered the winner by various news organizations, and conservative representatives criticized Trump for his performance.
9/15

Just two months after his first assassination attempt, Trump became the target for a second assassination attempt at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. No shots were fired, as suspect Ryan Wesley Routh was intercepted by the Secret Service.
10/19

At a pro-Trump rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Tesla CEO Elon Musk pledged to award $1 million to petition signers each day until Election Day. Over the past few months, Musk has donated over $75 million to Trump’s campaign, founding the America Political Action Committee (PAC) to support him. In exchange, Trump has vowed to elect Musk as chair of the Federal Efficiency Commission.

Harris

7/21

Following the first presidential debate of the 2024 presidential election between Biden and Trump, many Democrats criticized Biden’s poor performance, calling for him to drop out of the race. On July 21, Biden announced the end of his candidacy in a letter posted on his X account. Shortly afterwards, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who accepted his endorsement in a statement that was met with mixed reactions from Democrats all over the country.
7/21

As mixed reactions about Harris’ candidacy erupted on social media from the general public , popular artist Charli xcx, who had recently released her studio album “Brat,”’ tweeted "kamala IS brat,"marking the beginning of a social media trend that played a key role in Harris’ campaign and popularity amongst younger democrats over the next few months. Click here for more coverage
8/6

After weeks of anticipation from Democrats , Harris announced Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, as her running mate at a rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is “the kind of vice president America deserves,” Harris said.
8/7

Harris held a rally in Detroit, Michigan where a group of Pro-Palestinian protesters chanted during her speech, "Kamala, Kamala you can't hide! We won't vote for genocide." Harris responded with “Everyone’s voice matters. But I am speaking now. I am speaking now.” The protesters were later escorted out of the venue by the campaign staffers
8/19-22

On Aug 22, Harris officially accepted the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination on the last day of the Democratic National Convention. Beginning on Aug. 19, many influential figures, including President Joe Biden, Oprah Winfrey, Hilary Clinton and the Obamas, took the stage to endorse Harris over the four days the convention was held.
9/10

The second presidential debate of 2024 took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was hosted on ABC news. The debate covered pressing issues such as immigration, affordable housing and the Jan. 6 case. After the debate, the public consensus was that Harris had a stronger performance. According to a variety of news outlets, Harris was more energetic and optimistic whereas Trump was unprofessional.
10/16

In an interview with Fox News’ chief political anchor, Bret Baier, Harris covered issues such as immigration and transgender care. The 25-minute interview was widely considered combative and as CNN calls it, “testy,” due to the constant interruptions made by Baier.

About the Contributors

Dylan Nguyen, Head of Design

Dylan Nguyen is currently a senior and Head of Design for El Estoque. His hobbies include listening to R&B soul, binging comedy dramas and setting up last-minute hangout plans with friends.

Aprameya Rupanagunta, Staff Writer

Aprameya (also goes by Apru) is a sophomore at Monta Vista High School. When she isn't unnecessarily stressing over school, Apru enjoys listening to all kinds of music, reading books, and watching Gilmore Girls (it's embarrassing how many times she's watched it).