US presidential elections 2024: 7 'don't miss' moments in the extraordinary campaign

‘Trump Guilty’ dominated headlines globally as Donald Trump became the first-ever US president convicted of felony crimes. On May 30, he was found guilty of 34 counts, including falsifying business records to hide a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels before his 2016 election win. Daniels shared explicit details about their encounter during the trial. (Photo: X)

Democratic hopes were dealt a blow after President Joe Biden's poor performance during the first presidential debate against Donald Trump on June 27. The 81-year-old stumbled over his words and appeared forgetful, raising concerns about his mental fitness for re-election. While Biden dismissed it as a "bad night", post-debate polls showed Trump gaining ground.

On July 13, Donald Trump's election rally in Pennsylvania turned chaotic after a popping sound was heard, creating panic, and injuring the former president in the ear. Moments after the shooting, Trump, who took refuge behing the podium, stood up and silently mouthed “Fight, fight, fight!” to the cheering crowd, raising his fist. The image, withing minutes became iconic. The gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by the Secret Service on the spot. (Photo: Reuters)

President Biden on July 21 announced via X that he would not seek re-election. Vice President Kamala Harris, the first female, Black, and Asian-American to hold the role, received Biden's endorsement to succeed him. Within two weeks, she officially secured the Democratic nomination, becoming the first woman of colour to lead a major party ticket. (Photo: X)

During the first presidential debate on September 11, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris clashed over key issues. Trump defended his record on the economy and national security, while Harris criticised his handling of the pandemic and social justice. The debate showcased their stark differences, with Harris emphasising the need for change and accountability. As the candidates exchanged heated remarks, the debate highlighted the high stakes of the upcoming election, drawing significant attention from voters and the media alike. (Photo: Reuters)

Donald Trump’s golf game on September 15 in Florida was interrupted by gunfire from a Secret Service agent who stopped an assassination attempt. Trump was unharmed, marking the second scare in two months. The shooter, Ryan Routh, did not aim at Trump but fled after a security agent noticed his rifle pointed through a tree line. Trump blamed the incident on the ‘provocative rhetoric’ of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

JD Vance and Tim Walz debated on October 1 as they avoided taking a clear stance on whether Israel should strike Iran preemptively. Walz sidestepped and criticised Trump’s leadership, while Vance defended Trump’s foreign policy, admitting his past criticisms were wrong. Both candidates targeted their running mates: Walz attacked Trump’s failure to build the border wall, and Vance blamed Kamala Harris for the immigration crisis. (Photo: Reuters)