By Michelle Cottle
The political landscape of 2024 concludes where it began: with Donald Trump in the limelight. No other candidate has experienced a year comparable to his: $350 million in mandated payments resulting from a civil fraud lawsuit, $83.3 million from a defamation lawsuit, 34 felony charges in a hush-money scandal, two assassination attempts, and the grand total of 312 electoral votes. As always, Trump thrived under a distinct set of standards compared to his peers.
Nevertheless, he wasn’t the sole remarkable figure in politics this year. Individuals, groups, pets, memes, and vibes — so much exceptionalism to acknowledge. You’re likely to have your own favorites among the bests, worsts, and oddities. Let’s evaluate how they compare with my selections.
Most Infuriating Withdrawal: Joe Biden
A significant portion of the 2024 presidential race was connected to Biden’s choice to seek reelection and subsequently resign too late to benefit anyone. There’s substantial blame to share, but the key takeaway is that Biden lingered too long, failing to serve the country effectively and diminishing his own legacy — which included significant achievements like overcoming the pandemic, realizing infrastructure week, and confirming 235 federal judges. Just a thought for other elected officials who cling to their positions. Occasionally, age signifies more than just a number.
Hottest Influencer: Joe Rogan
I bet no Democratic candidate will overlook his podcast next time around.
Most Ill-Timed Friendship: Donald Trump and Elon Musk
Which moniker do you prefer: Elonald? Donelon? Whatever works. The globe’s richest individual is understandably ecstatic after securing himself a presidential bestie. However, Musk is an even wealthier, stranger, more privileged media magnet than the president-elect himself. Place your wagers on when Trump will tire of splitting the limelight. Nobody confines Donnie to a corner.
Most Unready: Kamala Harris
She wasn’t equipped to lead Team Blue — a harsh truth that went beyond having just a few months to adapt to being at the head of the ticket. Regrettably, just trying your hardest doesn’t suffice in this interview.
Biggest Quick Flash: Tim Walz
As Harris’s unexpected vice presidential selection, the Minnesota governor’s cheerful Midwest-warrior persona infused the race with freshness and enjoyment for a brief moment. His phrase that entered political vernacular — “weird!” — was indeed fitting. And his interaction with piglets was next level. But did anyone genuinely perceive him as a significant figure in the forthcoming Democratic Party?
Understated MVP: Susie Wiles
Trump’s campaign manager steered the ship through all sorts of chaos. The major question now is: Can she conjure that same magic as the chief of staff in the White House?
Most Likely to Ruin Prom Night: Matt Gaetz
I didn’t require a House ethics report to recognize this guy as pure Florida swamp slime. That said, I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to mention that the committee uncovered “substantial evidence” that the former congressman “regularly compensated women for engaging in sexual activities with him,” was involved with “a 17-year-old girl” in 2017, and had cocaine and other illegal substances on multiple occasions. (He denies any misconduct.)
Most Likely to Encounter a Bad New Year: Mike Johnson
Such a slim House majority. Such a divided Republican conference. Such a controlling president with a meddlesome sidekick. Before even assuming power, the Trump-Musk administration transformed the speaker’s bipartisan strategy for government funding into a circus, with numerous Republicans disregarding the MAGA king’s directive to halt the debt ceiling. Assuming Johnson holds onto the gavel, the approaching months promise to be even more … stimulating for him.
Wickedest Meme: JD Vance’s grandmother’s couch
If you know, you know. If you don’t, you can look it up, as I cannot bring myself to elaborate.
Most Disturbing Yet Engaging Smear: “They’re eating the pets”
Like much of what issues from Trump’s mouth, this falsehood regarding Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, was shocking. But it also struck a chord with certain voters and kept the subject of immigration at the forefront.
Most Tone-Deaf Campaign Slogan: “The politics of joy”
C’mon, folks, pay attention to the atmosphere.
Creepiest Election Metaphor: Tucker Carlson
His rant about how a second Trump term would be akin to “Dad” returning home “angry” and ready to punish a “bad girl” — no. Simply, no.
Most Articulate Communicator: Pete Buttigieg
The transportation secretary remained unparalleled in his capacity to cheerfully clarify intricate policy ideas and ideological stances to antagonistic audiences, while dismantling misinformation and politically charged attacks. #FoxWhisperer.
Most Uneasy Communicator: Katie Britt
A mix of Stepford wife, Marilyn Monroe, and a distraught hostage, the Alabama senator’s rebuttal to the 2024 State of the Union address resembled a sequence from the horror film “Smile.”
Most Visionary: Dean Phillips
The Minnesota congressman’s challenge to Biden for the Democratic nomination was extraordinarily lofty, but he wasn’t incorrect in addressing the urgency of the situation.
Best Positioned to Board the MAGA Train: Eric Adams
New York’s mayor has numerous legal dilemmas and has cloaked himself in a thick, self-righteous mantle of political victimhood, indicating he is likely aiming for a position with Team Trump. Game recognizes game.
Breakout Stars: Childless Cat Ladies
They sparked a million memes and enlisted Taylor Swift to their cause, even if they ended up being more hiss than claws.
Cringiest Outfit Misstep: Hulk Hogan
During all the excitement at the Republican National Convention, the wrestling icon tearing off his shirt encapsulated the blend of spectacle, nostalgia, and cheeseball machismo that perfectly embodied Trumpian sentiments.
Most Likely to Lead Trump Fraternity Hazing: Pete Hegseth
Beware of men who casually disrespect women.
Most Likely to Be Hazed: Vivek Ramaswamy
DOGE or no DOGE, this individual is just so exasperating.
Let’s conclude here. Congratulations to all our 2024 winners. For the others, it’s best to get an early start on setting yourselves apart in the upcoming year. It looks to be a spectacular one.
