The most viral and bizarre moments leading up to the 2024 US Presidential Election

From gaffes, assassination attempts to surprising candidate switch, this election season has redefined political drama

As the US presidential election approaches its climax, the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is proving to be one of the most unpredictable in modern history. 

Over months of campaigns, rallies, and controversies, this election cycle has delivered a series of viral, absurd, and downright shocking moments. 

From assassination attempts to bizarre gaffes and last-minute candidate replacements, here’s a look at 20 defining moments from this chaotic campaign season.

 

Trump Becomes a Convicted Felon

Donald Trump became the first US president to be convicted of a crime when he was found guilty of 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records. His sentencing, scheduled for late November, could be significantly impacted by the election's results.

 

Biden’s Debate Meltdown

In June, Joe Biden’s shaky performance at the debate sparked widespread concerns about his cognitive health, culminating in his unexpected exit from the race weeks later.

 

Two Assassination Attempts Against Trump

Trump survived two assassination attempts: one in July when a bullet grazed his ear at a rally in Pennsylvania, and another in September near his golf course in Florida. His close calls became rallying points for his supporters, sparking a wave of merchandise celebrating his survival.

 

Hulk Hogan’s RNC Speech

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan tore his shirt off at the Republican National Convention, symbolizing Trump’s brand of American machismo. His bombastic speech celebrated Trump’s resilience in the face of violence.

 

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Strange Dead-Animal Saga

Kennedy’s campaign was marred by strange stories of dead animals, including a brain worm and an old tale of him dumping a dead bear in Central Park.

 

Biden Bows Out of the Race

Facing mounting pressure, Biden withdrew in July, passing the Democratic torch to Vice President Kamala Harris and reframing the election's dynamics.

 

Kamala and the Viral Coconut Tree Meme

Harris’ campaign took a lighter turn, leveraging social media trends and viral memes like "Kamala's Coconut Jubilee" to reach younger voters.

 

Trump’s ‘They’re Eating the Dogs’ Comment

In a particularly controversial moment, Trump falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were eating pets, sparking xenophobic memes.

 

Taylor Swift Endorses Harris

Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Harris made waves, particularly as Trump responded angrily, going so far as to declare, “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT.”

 

Trump’s Fascistic Rhetoric Escalates

Trump continued to use dehumanizing language, saying immigrants were “poisoning the blood” and calling America a “garbage can.”

 

Elon Musk Jumps Onstage with Trump

Musk made headlines for his overt support of Trump, hopping onstage with him at a rally and pledging millions in support.

 

Trump Plays Music Videos at a Rally

During an awkward rally moment, Trump ditched questions to vibe to his playlist for half an hour, leading supporters through a mix of hymns and ‘YMCA.’

 

J.D. Vance’s Awkward Donut Shop Visit

Trump’s VP pick failed to connect with patrons in a Georgia donut shop, leaving a cringeworthy impression as he awkwardly greeted staff.

 

Trump’s McDonald’s Cosplay

In a theatrical display, Trump donned an apron and served McDonald’s fries to supporters in Pennsylvania. The stunt drew mixed reactions and led to backlash for the chain location.

 

Size Matters, According to Trump

Referencing golf legend Arnold Palmer, Trump commented on his anatomy, following a history of remarks about manhood and crowd sizes.

 

Elon Musk’s Rally Appearance and “$1M Sweepstakes”

Tech mogul Elon Musk appeared on stage at a Trump rally, where he promised a $1 million sweepstakes prize for swing-state voters who signed a petition. The unusual rally appearance, which critics labeled as election interference, has further solidified Musk’s support for Trump in the eyes of his base.

 

Trump, Hitler, and Fascism Allegations

In interviews, Trump’s former chief of staff John Kelly shared his view that Trump has “fascist” tendencies, highlighting Trump’s “admiration” for Adolf Hitler. This, combined with Trump’s controversial rhetoric, has drawn widespread alarm, though Trump responded by dismissing Kelly’s credibility.

 

Republicans Call Out Trump’s Fascism

In an unprecedented move, former officials who served under Trump publicly condemned his authoritarian tendencies, with former Chief of Staff Gen. John Kelly calling Trump “fascist.”

 

Trump’s Last-Minute Merchandise Blitz 

Throughout his campaign, Trump has taken advantage of his supporters, pushing high-priced merchandise and cryptocurrencies that blur ethical lines.