Our 2024 Superlatives
FiveThirtyEight Politics
Deep Dive
How did inflation impact the measurement of 2024?
Inflation saw a 2.7% increase in prices, but despite a notable decline, Americans remained frustrated due to their perception not resetting annually.
Why did polling underestimate Donald Trump in previous years but perform better in 2024?
Polls in 2024 were notably more accurate, foreshadowing major trends in the electorate, which helped restore some trust in polling after past inaccuracies.
What was the significance of the record-breaking number of people living in countries that held elections in 2024?
Over 4 billion people, more than half the world's population, lived in countries that held elections in 2024, highlighting the global scale of democratic participation.
Why did Joe Biden win the superlative for 'most stubborn'?
Biden was seen as resistant to acknowledging widespread concerns about his age, despite polling showing persistent public doubts over many months.
What was the most overrated issue in the 2024 election?
The impact of the Dobbs decision on abortion was overrated, as it primarily influenced Democratic voters rather than being a decisive factor for the broader electorate.
What was the most important issue besides the economy in the 2024 election?
Immigration emerged as a key issue, with voters prioritizing it alongside the economy, reflecting concerns about border security and record-breaking immigration numbers.
Why did Pew Research Center win the superlative for 'most creative'?
Pew creatively used a question about nuclear submarine licenses to illustrate challenges with non-probability polls, particularly among young and Latino voters.
What was the worst trend of 2024?
Political violence, including two assassination attempts on the Republican presidential nominee, marked a concerning rise in threats to political figures.
Who won the superlative for 'most likely to succeed' in the Republican Party?
J.D. Vance was seen as the most likely to succeed Donald Trump as the leader of the Republican Party, given his performance in the debates and his ability to appeal to party elites.
What was the best frenemies pairing of 2024?
Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi, along with RFK Jr. and the dead bear, were both recognized for their memorable dynamics, making them the best frenemies of the year.
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