26 charts that helped explain 2024 in politics

ABC News - Dec 26th, 2024
Open on ABC News

In 2024, visual journalists and reporters at 538 worked tirelessly to capture the year's pivotal moments through a series of 26 charts. These visualizations covered a wide range of topics, from detailed election forecasts to the public's stance on key campaign issues. The charts provided insights into the closely contested presidential election, the Republican victory in the House, and the challenges facing both major parties. Notably, the data highlighted the intricacies of the gender gap in voting and the global trend of incumbent party losses.

The significance of these visualizations extends beyond mere data presentation; they offer a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape in 2024. The work of 538 sheds light on the strategies of key players like former President Trump, current President Biden, and Vice President Harris. Additionally, the charts explore the operational dynamics within Congress, the implications of major Supreme Court decisions, and the contentious issues such as the border bill and student loan forgiveness. This extensive data-driven analysis underscores the complexities of governance and electoral politics in a year marked by significant political shifts.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a visually engaging overview of the 2024 political landscape, utilizing data-driven insights to capture key themes of the year. It excels in clarity and visualization, effectively breaking down complex information into digestible segments for readers. However, it lacks depth in source quality and transparency, as the reliance on 538's internal data and analysis without external validation raises questions about impartiality. While the article attempts to cover a broad spectrum of political issues, it could benefit from a more balanced representation of perspectives and a clearer disclosure of potential biases. Overall, the article is informative but would be strengthened by addressing these areas of concern.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article appears to be factually accurate in its depiction of the 2024 political landscape, providing data-driven insights and forecasts from 538. However, the absence of specific data points, quotes, or external verification of the claims made limits the ability to fully assess the accuracy. For instance, while the article references 538's election forecasts and analyses, it does not provide direct links or detailed explanations of the methodologies used, leaving readers without the means to verify the information independently. The use of phrases like 'Trump's win' and 'Republicans won the House' suggests factual occurrences, yet without supporting evidence or sources, the factual accuracy remains partially obscured.

6
Balance

The article covers a wide range of political themes from the 2024 elections, but it exhibits some imbalance in the representation of perspectives. There is a noticeable focus on Republican narratives, such as 'Trump's win' and 'Republicans won the House,' with fewer references to Democratic viewpoints. While it mentions issues pertinent to Democrats, like student loan forgiveness, it lacks depth in exploring counter-narratives or diverse opinions. The repetitive focus on Trump's campaign activities and GOP primary dynamics suggests a potential bias or favoritism. To improve balance, the article could include more voices from different political spectrums and provide a more comprehensive exploration of Democratic strategies and viewpoints.

8
Clarity

The article is effectively structured and uses clear, concise language to present complex political data and themes. The use of visualizations and interactives enhances the clarity, making intricate information accessible and engaging for readers. The logical flow from forecasts to post-election analysis and campaign issues ensures a coherent narrative throughout. However, there are instances of repetitive phrasing, such as listing similar article titles, which could confuse readers. The tone remains neutral and professional, free from emotive language. Overall, the article excels in clarity, though it could improve by reducing redundancy and ensuring each section provides distinct and valuable insights.

5
Source quality

The article mainly relies on 538's internal data and analyses, which, while reputable, limits the diversity and credibility of the sources presented. Although 538 is known for its data-driven approach, the article would benefit from incorporating external sources, such as academic studies, expert opinions, or reports from other news organizations, to enhance the reliability and depth of the information. The lack of attributed sources or citations for specific claims, like the gender gap analysis or Cabinet woes narrative, weakens the source quality. Potential conflicts of interest could arise from relying solely on a single organization's data, underscoring the need for a broader range of authoritative sources.

6
Transparency

The article provides some level of transparency by referencing 538's forecasts and analyses. However, it falls short in fully disclosing the methodologies or potential conflicts of interest that might impact its findings. For instance, while it discusses '538’s 2024 presidential election forecast' and other predictions, it does not elaborate on how these forecasts are developed or the data sources used, leaving readers without sufficient context to understand the basis for claims. Additionally, the article does not address any affiliations or biases that might influence the reporting. Enhanced transparency could be achieved by offering more detailed explanations of the data analysis processes and disclosing any potential biases or conflicts.