TIME Magazine has revealed its shortlist of candidates for the TIME Person of Year for 2024, which will be announced later today. Last year, the coveted title went to pop sensation Taylor Swift. Who will take it this year? The top ten were announced on NBC’s Today Show. Let’s have a look at who made the list.
TIME Magazine Shortlist Revealed
Kamala Harris
On 21st July, President Joe Biden ended his campaign for re-election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Over the next 107 days, Harris launched a historic presidential campaign, aiming to become the first female President of the United States.
Harris focused her campaign on reproductive rights, criticising former President Donald Trump for overturning Roe v. Wade. She also highlighted Trump as a threat to democracy. However, on 6th November, Harris conceded the race to Trump.
Harris previously appeared on TIME’s Person of the Year cover in 2020 alongside Biden when they defeated Trump and Mike Pence.
Kate Middleton
The Princess of Wales dominated headlines this year, sparking discussions about privacy and public health. In January, Kate Middleton underwent a planned abdominal surgery and took a break from royal duties until Easter.
Rumours circulated about her absence, but Middleton ended speculation by revealing her cancer diagnosis in March. By September, she announced the completion of her chemotherapy treatment.
Middleton made TIME’s Most Influential People list in 2013 and was a runner-up for Person of the Year in 2011.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk, known for disrupting industries, stepped further into politics in 2024. The Tesla CEO endorsed Trump, attended rallies, and amplified pro-Trump content on his social platform, X (formerly Twitter).
Following Trump’s victory, Musk’s influence grew. Trump appointed him to co-lead a commission to reduce federal regulations and workforce. Musk, the world’s richest person, was TIME’s Person of the Year in 2021.
Yulia Navalnaya
Yulia Navalnaya emerged as a symbol of defiance and resistance after her husband, Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, died in prison in February. She accused President Vladimir Putin of orchestrating his death and vowed to continue her husband’s fight.
Navalnaya met with global leaders, including Joe Biden, as Russia’s war in Ukraine escalated. TIME included her in its 100 Most Influential People list for 2024.
Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced both influence and controversy. He intensified military operations against Hamas following the October 2023 attacks, which killed 1,200 Israelis.
By September, Netanyahu expanded the conflict into Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah leaders. The Gaza death toll reached over 44,000, drawing international condemnation. In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Hamas leaders.
Jerome Powell
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell played a pivotal role in managing the U.S. economy this year. Despite Trump’s criticism of the Fed’s policies, Powell stood strong.
Voters prioritised economic stability during the 2024 election, placing Powell’s decisions under scrutiny. He previously featured on TIME’s Most Influential People list in 2019 and 2020.
Joe Rogan
Podcaster Joe Rogan had a defining year. His show, The Joe Rogan Experience, remained Spotify’s most-listened-to podcast for a fifth consecutive year, attracting millions of listeners per episode.
Netflix aired his stand-up special, Burn Your Boats, in August. Rogan’s three-hour pre-election interview with Trump influenced many voters, making him a polarising figure.
Claudia Sheinbaum
In October, Claudia Sheinbaum made history as Mexico’s first female President and first Jewish leader. Her campaign prioritised poverty reduction amid rising organised violence and economic struggles.
When Trump threatened tariffs on Mexican goods, Sheinbaum promised a firm retaliatory response, asserting Mexico’s sovereignty. TIME included her in its Climate Leaders list this year.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump achieved a remarkable comeback by winning the 2024 U.S. Presidential election. For the first time, he secured the popular vote and swept all swing states, energising young male voters.
His win followed a historic year, during which Trump was convicted of 34 fraud charges. He promised sweeping economic reforms, including tariffs on major trading partners. Trump was previously TIME’s Person of the Year in 2016.
Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, faced intense scrutiny over social media’s role in spreading misinformation. In 2024, Zuckerberg testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee about social media’s impact on young people.
Despite controversies, Meta’s platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, maintained dominance. With a net worth of $210 billion, Zuckerberg ranks as the world’s fourth richest person. He was TIME’s Person of the Year in 2010.
Who Do You Think Will Win The Coveted Title?
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