David Brooks celebrates the decline in political news viewership

In 2024, the United States experienced a turbulent political landscape characterized by significant events affecting key figures, including Joe Biden. Earlier in the year, Biden was the presumptive Democratic nominee but faced a series of legal challenges and political setbacks that culminated in a tumultuous end to his career. In September 2023, he was found liable for defamation in a case involving E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of sexual abuse. Following this, classified documents were discovered in his Wilmington residence, adding to the scrutiny surrounding his presidency. Biden's statement regarding the necessity of knowing when to 'move on to life's next chapter' reflects his acknowledgment of the challenges he faced amidst the political climate. The political arena was further impacted by the convictions and indictments of other figures, including Donald Trump, who became the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime this year. Following Hunter Biden's conviction in June 2024 on gun-related felony charges, tensions within the Biden family escalated as Joe Biden publicly stated he would not pardon his son. Trump’s persistent legal troubles, stemming from his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, contributed to the polarized climate. In addition to Biden's challenges, the political landscape shifted dramatically following the November elections. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced his departure, paving the way for North Dakota Senator John Thune to assume the role of Senate Majority Leader in January 2025. Amidst these developments, several electoral candidates, including Nikki Haley, withdrew from the race after disappointing results in primaries, further complicating Biden's position as the elections progressed. As political contests unfolded, Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee for president during the Democratic National Convention, marking a historic moment in U.S. politics. She faced Trump in their only debate, drawing sharp contrasts on critical issues such as abortion and economic policies. Notably, the Arizona Supreme Court's ruling on an 1864 near-total abortion ban raised significant debates during this contentious political cycle. By the end of the year, Biden's leadership and decisions were heavily scrutinized, illustrating how his administration's challenges mirrored wider societal divisions and shifting views on political engagement.