The people to watch in 2024 ahead of America’s election

By James Bennet

Time was when American politics served up electrifying or at least surprising nominees to be president: Barack Obama, barely three years out of the Illinois state legislature, storming past Hillary Clinton; John McCain overcoming the scorn of conservatives; Donald Trump doing that thing he did in 2016; and even, lest you forget, Joe Biden, once counted out because of his age and past centrism, clearing the field in 2020.

Now comes the 2024 political cycle, a triumph of recycling. President Biden and former President Trump are preparing to star in a sequel most Americans do not care to see. That means that eyes will be on the vice-president, Kamala Harris, as well. Because Mr Biden is the oldest president ever, and would be 82 at his second inauguration, voters will scrutinise Ms Harris with unusual care.