A Critical Moment in the Lead-Up to the 2024 Presidential Race
Insights from “2024: How Trump Regained the White House and the Democrats Lost America,” scheduled for release on July 8, 2023, offer a detailed account of the tense days before the 2024 election cycle.
The Uncertainty of the Republican Vice Presidential Pick
As the Saturday prior to the GOP convention in Milwaukee approached, Donald Trump faced the challenge of selecting his running mate. With only days remaining, his options narrowed to Senators Marco Rubio and JD Vance. Several advisors, including Susie Wiles, urged Trump to make a swift decision, fearing prolonged indecision could harm the campaign. Trump, however, relished the suspense, enjoying the anticipation of a dramatic, live reveal during the convention-a classic Trump tactic to generate excitement and media buzz.
That morning, Trump was more focused on the political chaos unfolding among Democrats, particularly Joe Biden’s recent debate performance, which seemed to weaken his standing. Trump’s team was aware that the timing of the VP announcement could influence the narrative, but Trump preferred to keep everyone guessing. He had just met with Rubio the night before; the meeting was cordial but lacked the chemistry he sought. An additional meeting with Vance was arranged, with Vance being flown from Covington, Kentucky, to Mar-a-Lago via private jet for a more in-depth discussion.
The Vance Meeting: A Routine Check or Something More?
The encounter in Trump’s office above the ballroom lasted over an hour. No food or drinks were served-just a straightforward rapport check. Previous conversations had covered Vance’s Silicon Valley background, his past criticisms of Trump, and his legislative record. The meeting was uneventful, characterized by casual chatter about current events and the upcoming convention. Meanwhile, most of Trump’s team was already in Milwaukee, preparing for the convention, with only a handful remaining to support him at a rally that evening in western Pennsylvania.
Despite some Vance supporters believing the Ohio senator might debut as Trump’s running mate at that rally, no formal invitation or decision was made. Trump returned to Ohio still undecided, telling aides, “I think I’m going to go with him,” but choosing to delay the announcement until the convention.
Biden’s Morning in Rehoboth Beach
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden awoke at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, amid mounting concerns about his reelection prospects. Later that afternoon, he participated in a Zoom call with nearly 100 members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, representing the most left-leaning members of Congress. The meeting started politely, with Biden emphasizing his support for a new initiative to reform the Supreme Court. However, as members pressed him on campaign concerns, Biden’s responses grew defensive.
Representative Delia Ramirez of Illinois raised issues about the ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza, criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s apparent disregard for international calls for a ceasefire. Biden responded sharply, suggesting that Netanyahu was hoping for Trump’s reelection and was an obstacle to peace. When Ramirez asked for guidance, Biden invited her to email him-an unusual gesture that highlighted the tense atmosphere.
Midway through, an aide handed Biden a note: “Stay positive. You are sounding defensive.” Some attendees left the call feeling that Biden’s core message was that he was the authentic progressive, with Gaza being the primary concern for many voters.
The Moderates’ Dilemma
Following the left-wing caucus, Biden faced a different audience: the moderate New Democrat Coalition. Many of these lawmakers represented swing districts and were increasingly anxious about Biden’s declining popularity. The first twenty minutes of the session saw Biden defending his record, but his rambling and incoherent remarks sparked concern among participants, with some messaging privately that his campaign was faltering.
The White House insisted that questions from certain members should be vetted, but internal tensions persisted. Jason Crow, an Army veteran and January 6 Capitol attack survivor, was asked to pose a question on national security. His message was blunt: “Despite your successes, many voters doubt your ability to win a second term,” he read from a prepared note. Biden’s response was fiery, dismissing the criticism and defending his foreign policy achievements, including NATO expansion and alliances with Japan and Korea.
The exchange grew heated, with Biden personally confronting Crow about his military service, comparing it to his own son Beau’s service, and asserting his global leadership. The intensity of the confrontation was audible to others in the house, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was surprised by Biden’s outburst. The meeting ended with Schumer urging Biden to consider the reality that many in his caucus doubted his electability, citing internal polling that suggested only a 5% chance of victory.
A Young Man’s Dangerous Obsession
In Pennsylvania, a 20-year-old man named Thomas Matthew Crooks prepared for a potentially catastrophic act. He requested his father’s AR-15, claiming he was heading to the gun range-a routine activity for him. However, Crooks had meticulously planned something far darker. He had researched the upcoming conventions, registered to attend Trump’s rally in Butler, and packed a drone, improvised explosive devices, and 50 rounds of ammunition into his car.
As thousands gathered at the Butler Farm Show fairgrounds, Crooks remained outside security, observing the scene with a drone. He noticed a sniper stationed in a nearby factory window, identified as Sergeant Greg Nicol, who had also spotted Crooks lurking suspiciously. Nicol’s report of a young man with a rangefinder and a backpack was relayed to authorities, but the information failed to reach the Secret Service agents responsible for the rally.
Later, Crooks was seen fleeing the factory complex, carrying a backpack. Police and snipers tracked him, and a confrontation ensued when he was spotted on the roof of the factory. As officers approached, Crooks pointed a rifle at a detective, prompting a rapid response that prevented a tragedy.
The Assassination Attempt and Its Aftermath
The rally’s climax was interrupted by gunfire, as the crowd was captivated by Trump’s speech. Suddenly, the stage was filled with chaos: gunshots rang out, and Trump was struck. The crowd panicked, and Secret Service agents tackled him to the ground. Wiles, a campaign aide, was quick to react, urging everyone to take cover.
In the chaos, Trump was rushed to a hospital, where doctors confirmed he had been shot but was expected to recover. His aides found him with a blood-stained bandage on his ear, joking about the severity of the injury. Despite the trauma, Trump remained resilient, making light of the situation and engaging in conversations with friends and family from his hospital bed.
The incident drew attention from unexpected quarters, including calls from celebrities like Sylvester Stallone and tech billionaires Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos, who expressed concern and admiration for Trump’s composure. Trump’s team coordinated efforts to ensure his safety and plan the next steps in his campaign.
The Political and Personal Fallout
Following the attack, Trump’s focus shifted to recovery and strategic planning. He considered inviting Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose anti-vaccine stance could appeal across party lines, to visit him in Milwaukee. Meanwhile, Biden faced internal doubts about his ability to secure a second term, with Senate leaders urging him to reconsider his candidacy.
In a private moment, Biden confided in Schumer, asking whether Vice President Kamala Harris could win the presidency. Schumer’s honest response was that she might have a better chance than Biden himself, and he strongly advised Biden not to run again. The two shared a candid, if somber, farewell before Biden prepared to attend church, reflecting the mounting pressures on his campaign.
In Summary: As the 2024 campaign unfolded, the nation faced a series of pivotal moments-from the suspense of the VP selection and Biden’s internal struggles to a shocking assassination attempt on Trump. These events underscored the volatile political landscape and the unpredictable nature of the race ahead.