9 Political Issues That Fizzled Out This Year
This year was marked by both new beginnings and endings.
TroibNews 
As year-end obituary summaries emerge, honoring individuals who left a mark on the world both significantly and subtly, we opted for a different approach this year. We invited PMG reporters to investigate the political trends that have become obsolete or significantly diminished in 2024.
From campaign strategies to the influence of pop culture on politics and the fundamental principles of American law, they shed light on how the events of 2024 have contributed to the fading relevance of several key elements within our political landscape.
Join us as we reflect on nine concepts that may not resurface.
**Celebrity endorsements** have been a staple in presidential campaigns since Frank Sinatra's "High Hopes" became the anthem for John F. Kennedy in 1960. Vice President Kamala Harris took this to new heights in 2024, enlisting an impressive array of Hollywood talents—from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Bad Bunny. Vogue even published a list of 37 celebrities who backed Harris. In contrast, President-Elect Donald Trump attempted to rally support through endorsements from figures like Jason Aldean and Kid Rock, but he fell short. “We don’t need a star because we have policy,” Trump proclaimed at a Pittsburgh rally. While he did win without the star-studded campaign Harris boasted, her celebrity endorsements may have backfired, reinforcing perceptions of her as an out-of-touch elite. In a divided nation with diminishing cultural unity and rising anti-elite sentiments, even influential figures like Taylor Swift struggle to sway voters. —Adam Wren
**Equal justice under the law** is a principle integral to our legal system, famously inscribed at the Supreme Court's entrance. However, Donald Trump’s journey through the American legal system has revealed significant disparities in this principle, illustrating the notion that while all defendants are equal, some are afforded preferential treatment. The Supreme Court’s decision in July, which granted Trump extensive immunity for actions taken while in office, underscored this inequality. His impending return to power further undermines the four criminal cases against him, affirming that the ideal of equal justice remains more of a myth than a reality. — James Romoser
**Traditional canvassing**, which involves face-to-face interactions to rally voters, has become increasingly ineffective. Potential voters may be home, but they don't answer their doors, and the trust required for meaningful engagement is in short supply. With many people forming political opinions through online interactions rather than direct conversations, time-honored tactics like door knocking and phone banking seem less potent in a world dominated by digital engagement. — Michael Kruse
**DEI Programs** (diversity, equity, and inclusion) surged in importance in the wake of various social justice movements, but have now been stifled by conservative legislation targeting state-funded initiatives. Activists have leveraged recent Supreme Court rulings to dismantle DEI in the corporate sector as well. Following her loss, Democrats are left unsure how to address these issues, particularly as companies like Walmart and Ford retrench their diversity efforts amid growing resistance. — Darius Dixon
**Relying on Abortion to Turn Out Voters** was a strategy that had previously bolstered Democratic success, especially in 2022. However, in the 2024 elections, while abortion-related measures passed in several states, voters still favored Republicans who opposed abortion rights. The issue failed to achieve the expected level of mobilization, as economic concerns and other topics took precedence. Many strategists suggest that the presence of abortion rights measures may have inadvertently eased anxieties among Republican voters regarding the implications of bans. The effectiveness of utilizing abortion as a rallying point for Democrats appears to have diminished. — Alice Ollstein
**Trusting the “Experts”** became less reliable during the 2024 cycle as the political landscape shifted unexpectedly. Conventional wisdom often predicted outcomes that failed to materialize, illustrating that sometimes the true indicators of political sentiment can diverge from established data. Influencers and those conveying the “vibe” of the electorate increasingly eclipsed traditional analyses, raising questions about whether experts will regain their footing in future political forecasting. — Alex Keeney
**The Kennedy Mystique** seems to be fading after decades as America’s glamour political dynasty. This year, public perception was tarnished by a scion revealing questionable political motivations and another becoming a social media influencer. Another attempted to leverage familial connections within the Trump administration, contributing to a realization that the allure surrounding the Kennedy family is starting to wane. — Ian Ward
**The “Misinformation” Industry** has been tested as falsehoods pervaded political discourse, especially with Trump intensifying his long-standing campaign against truth. The credibility of organizations dedicated to combating misinformation is declining, impacted by Trump's electoral success, his administration's intentions to limit the use of the term “misinformation,” and the resistance from tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg. The backlash from even some liberal activists has further complicated the landscape, leading to warnings that an era of unchecked misinformation may lie ahead. — Derek Robertson
**Politics on SNL** has traditionally influenced public perceptions of politicians, but the quality of its political satire has significantly declined in recent years, culminating in 2024. Following a reliance on celebrity guest appearances rather than regular cast members to spoof candidates, the sketches often lacked creative depth and originality. Amidst the absurdities of contemporary politics, it seems SNL might have struggled to find engaging humor. — Bill Kuchman
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
From campaign strategies to the influence of pop culture on politics and the fundamental principles of American law, they shed light on how the events of 2024 have contributed to the fading relevance of several key elements within our political landscape.
Join us as we reflect on nine concepts that may not resurface.
**Celebrity endorsements** have been a staple in presidential campaigns since Frank Sinatra's "High Hopes" became the anthem for John F. Kennedy in 1960. Vice President Kamala Harris took this to new heights in 2024, enlisting an impressive array of Hollywood talents—from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Bad Bunny. Vogue even published a list of 37 celebrities who backed Harris. In contrast, President-Elect Donald Trump attempted to rally support through endorsements from figures like Jason Aldean and Kid Rock, but he fell short. “We don’t need a star because we have policy,” Trump proclaimed at a Pittsburgh rally. While he did win without the star-studded campaign Harris boasted, her celebrity endorsements may have backfired, reinforcing perceptions of her as an out-of-touch elite. In a divided nation with diminishing cultural unity and rising anti-elite sentiments, even influential figures like Taylor Swift struggle to sway voters. —Adam Wren
**Equal justice under the law** is a principle integral to our legal system, famously inscribed at the Supreme Court's entrance. However, Donald Trump’s journey through the American legal system has revealed significant disparities in this principle, illustrating the notion that while all defendants are equal, some are afforded preferential treatment. The Supreme Court’s decision in July, which granted Trump extensive immunity for actions taken while in office, underscored this inequality. His impending return to power further undermines the four criminal cases against him, affirming that the ideal of equal justice remains more of a myth than a reality. — James Romoser
**Traditional canvassing**, which involves face-to-face interactions to rally voters, has become increasingly ineffective. Potential voters may be home, but they don't answer their doors, and the trust required for meaningful engagement is in short supply. With many people forming political opinions through online interactions rather than direct conversations, time-honored tactics like door knocking and phone banking seem less potent in a world dominated by digital engagement. — Michael Kruse
**DEI Programs** (diversity, equity, and inclusion) surged in importance in the wake of various social justice movements, but have now been stifled by conservative legislation targeting state-funded initiatives. Activists have leveraged recent Supreme Court rulings to dismantle DEI in the corporate sector as well. Following her loss, Democrats are left unsure how to address these issues, particularly as companies like Walmart and Ford retrench their diversity efforts amid growing resistance. — Darius Dixon
**Relying on Abortion to Turn Out Voters** was a strategy that had previously bolstered Democratic success, especially in 2022. However, in the 2024 elections, while abortion-related measures passed in several states, voters still favored Republicans who opposed abortion rights. The issue failed to achieve the expected level of mobilization, as economic concerns and other topics took precedence. Many strategists suggest that the presence of abortion rights measures may have inadvertently eased anxieties among Republican voters regarding the implications of bans. The effectiveness of utilizing abortion as a rallying point for Democrats appears to have diminished. — Alice Ollstein
**Trusting the “Experts”** became less reliable during the 2024 cycle as the political landscape shifted unexpectedly. Conventional wisdom often predicted outcomes that failed to materialize, illustrating that sometimes the true indicators of political sentiment can diverge from established data. Influencers and those conveying the “vibe” of the electorate increasingly eclipsed traditional analyses, raising questions about whether experts will regain their footing in future political forecasting. — Alex Keeney
**The Kennedy Mystique** seems to be fading after decades as America’s glamour political dynasty. This year, public perception was tarnished by a scion revealing questionable political motivations and another becoming a social media influencer. Another attempted to leverage familial connections within the Trump administration, contributing to a realization that the allure surrounding the Kennedy family is starting to wane. — Ian Ward
**The “Misinformation” Industry** has been tested as falsehoods pervaded political discourse, especially with Trump intensifying his long-standing campaign against truth. The credibility of organizations dedicated to combating misinformation is declining, impacted by Trump's electoral success, his administration's intentions to limit the use of the term “misinformation,” and the resistance from tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg. The backlash from even some liberal activists has further complicated the landscape, leading to warnings that an era of unchecked misinformation may lie ahead. — Derek Robertson
**Politics on SNL** has traditionally influenced public perceptions of politicians, but the quality of its political satire has significantly declined in recent years, culminating in 2024. Following a reliance on celebrity guest appearances rather than regular cast members to spoof candidates, the sketches often lacked creative depth and originality. Amidst the absurdities of contemporary politics, it seems SNL might have struggled to find engaging humor. — Bill Kuchman
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
