As the sun set on 2024, it brought to a close an eventful year filled with unexpected events. The far-from-smooth elections, Taylor Swift securing her musical throne, and Mother Nature showing her wrath through scorching summer heat and destructive storms were among the year’s highlights. The unpredictability of the year was further emphasized with Joe Biden’s untimely retreat after a disastrous debate performance, recurrent threats to the former president Donald Trump’s life, and the inexplicable downfall of Red Lobster’s due to an endless shrimp crisis. This reflective piece aims to analyze the year in review, spotlighting our successes and failures in addressing the nation’s major events.
One of the best examples of ill-fitting leadership was Joe Biden deciding to run for presidency once again. Clearly, that didn’t pan out well for him. The year started on a hopeful note with promising Republican contenders like the former governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, and Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis. Yet we saw Trump triumph over all. Despite my reservations about Trump’s chances of winning the November elections, he proved me wrong and won indeed, largely implying that Biden’s run for presidency was a flawed move.
It was easy to be wrong about Donald Trump. Even though I predicted a successful conservative run in the elections, I didn’t expect Trump to secure victory in not just the election but swing states too. With unexpected higher conservative voters in historically red states like Texas and Florida, my estimations about Trump were debunked.
The skepticism around Trump further intensified when he announced JD Vance as his running mate. Initially, I perceived the Ohio senator as a substandard pick. As events unfolded, I had to admit my error in judgement. I’ve always maintained that conservative ideologies are beneficial for America, but was unsure if Trump could convince the nation. Clearly, I underestimated him.
For someone who studied at the Donald J. Trump School of Humility and Self-reflection, 2024 proved to be a year when my predictions didn’t quite hit the mark. Having reviewed all my columns, I can safely say that I didn’t get everything right.
During 2024, I composed over a hundred columns, out of which one glaringly inaccurate prediction stands out. I made a failed prediction regarding U.S District Judge Aileen Cannon who dismissed all charges in Florida against President-elect Donald Trump and expected she would face judicial review for this. It turns out, the scrutiny of her decision is yet to occur after a lengthy four years.
Dominating the internet Oceans in 2024 were certain memes that falsely appeared to vest enormous power in online viral campaigns. Where we faltered was in assuming that they would translate directly into votes. Moreover, the lack of attention towards young men by her campaign, as compared to Trump’s, was a serious miscalculation. This oversight eventually cost her victory in the elections. Lack of time was an additional factor that worked against her, about which I believe I am correct.
Another point worth mentioning is about a topic that is close to my heart: the issue of America’s overworked and underappreciated teachers. In August, as children returned to classrooms, I reiterated this point in one of my pieces. The horrific school shooting incident in Madison, Wisconsin bore stark evidence of this reality. Teachers are expected to double up as protectors in an environment increasingly fraught with risk. With the absence of substantial legislative measures aimed at curbing gun violence, we are continuing to lose good educators. This bleak reality isn’t something that can be easily erased.