The 2024 presidential race was a whirlwind of political missteps, with both sides committing blunders that grabbed headlines and fueled social media discussions. From debate debacles to verbal stumbles, these gaffes provided fodder for critics and raised questions about the candidates' fitness for office. Let's revisit six of the most significant political blunders of the year.
Biden's Debate Disaster
President Biden's performance in the June 27 debate against former President Trump was widely considered a turning point in the election. His raspy voice and meandering responses sparked concern among Democrats and fueled speculation about his ability to lead. The Biden campaign attributed the vocal issues to a cold, and the president later admitted to having a "bad night." However, the damage was done, and the debate fueled calls for him to withdraw from the race, which he ultimately did in July, endorsing Vice President Harris.
President Biden during the first presidential debate of the 2024 elections. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
Biden's "Garbage" Comment
Just days before the election, President Biden made a remark that energized Republicans and drew comparisons to Hillary Clinton's "basket of deplorables" comment in 2016. Following a Trump rally where a comedian made disparaging remarks, Biden, in a conference call, referred to Trump supporters as "garbage." The White House attempted to clarify the statement, but the comment quickly became a major talking point in the final days of the campaign.
Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe speaks during a Trump rally. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)
Harris's "The View" Misstep
Vice President Harris's appearance on "The View" in October provided a pivotal moment in the campaign. When asked what she would have done differently than President Biden, Harris struggled to answer, stating that nothing came to mind. This response was seen as a missed opportunity to distinguish herself from the Biden administration and was seized upon by the Trump campaign.
Vice President Kamala Harris on "The View." (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)
Walz's "School Shooters" Comment
During the vice presidential debate, Kamala Harris's running mate, Tim Walz, made a verbal stumble that quickly went viral. While discussing his evolving stance on assault weapons, Walz stated that he had "become friends with school shooters." While he likely meant to say he had befriended parents of school shooting victims, the poorly phrased comment generated confusion and criticism.
Sen. JD Vance and Tim Walz after their debate. (Michele Crowe/CBS via Getty Images)
Trump's Haley-Pelosi Mix-Up
In a January rally, former President Trump appeared to confuse Nikki Haley, then a Republican primary opponent, with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He incorrectly attributed to Haley the responsibility for security failures during the January 6th Capitol riot, a matter he had previously blamed on Pelosi.
Harris's Word Salads
Throughout the year, Vice President Harris faced scrutiny for a series of confusing and convoluted statements, often referred to as "word salads." These verbal stumbles became a recurring theme and provided ample material for her critics.
These are just a few of the notable political gaffes that shaped the narrative of the 2024 election. These missteps highlighted the intense pressure and scrutiny faced by candidates on the national stage.
