The New Playbook: Lessons from the 2024 Election

With the conclusion of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Americans are left reflecting on a race that has redefined aspects of modern campaigning and voting. This historic election introduced new methods of voter engagement and technological advances in outreach strategies that have reshaped the electoral landscape. But one question remains: What will the outcomes mean for the future of American democracy?

The Baker Institute Presidential Elections Program’s postelection conference explored key issues surrounding the 2024 presidential election. Experts from across the political spectrum discussed the defining aspects of this election, such as the accuracy of election forecasts, the evolving role of artificial intelligence, and the legal disputes over the casting and counting of votes. Distinguished speakers from both parties also reflected on the broader political landscape, offering insights on how the 2024 election will shape U.S. governance and policy for years to come.

This event was free and open to the public. Food was provided throughout the day.

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Agenda

8:45 am	Morning Session I — How Accurate Were the Opinion Polls and Forecasters? The accuracy of opinion polling faced significant criticism during the last two U.S. presidential elections. But were the polls accurate in 2024? Moderated by: Mark P. Jones, Ph.D., Fellow in Political Science, Baker Institute for Public Policy; Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies and Professor, Department of Political Science, Rice University Nichole Bauer Associate Professor of Political Communication, Louisiana State University Jim Henson, Ph.D. Executive Director, Texas Politics Project, Department of Government, The University of Texas at Austin Sean Trende Senior Elections Analyst, RealClearPolitics
10:15 am	Morning Session II — How AI Affected the 2024 Elections Many critics worry that artificial intelligence’s (AI) ability to create and spread misinformation presents one of the biggest challenges facing U.S. democracy. This panel will include AI experts who will discuss how this advancing technology affected the 2024 presidential and congressional elections. Moderated by: Moshe Vardi, Fellow, Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute for Public Policy; Karen Ostrum George Distinguished Service Professor in Computational Engineering, Rice University Daniel Cochrane Senior Research Associate, The Heritage Foundation Ali Swenson National Political Reporter, AP News
12:00 pm	Lunch Discussion Major Garrett Chief Washington Correspondent, CBS News Karl Rove Former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush; Political Contributor, Fox News; Columnist, Wall Street Journal
1:15 pm	Afternoon Session I — The State of Legal Challenges As discourse on and actions of legal scrutiny and challenges to election outcomes have increased in recent years, the 2024 election cycle continued this trend. This panel will explore debates on and the state of legal challenges surrounding the election at the time of our program and what might occur between now and the inauguration on Jan. 20. Moderated by: Michael Adams, Ph.D., Director Executive Master of Public Administration, Texas Southern University Doug Chapin Senior Fellow, Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis (PEPA), Fors Marsh Rebecca Green, J.D. Associate Professor of Law and Co-Director, Election Law Program, William & Mary Law School Michael Li Senior Counsel, Democracy Program, Brennan Center
2:45 pm	Afternoon Session II — The Past, Present, and Future A panel of analysts and journalists will discuss the key events and results from the 2024 election, examine the current state of U.S. politics, and explore potential developments for the 2026 midterm and 2028 presidential elections. Moderated by: Julie Mason, Radio Talk Show Host, Julie Mason Show; Former Board Member, White House Correspondents Association Molly Ball Senior Political Correspondent, The Wall Street Journal Erin Covey U.S. House Editor, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter Reid Epstein Reporter, The New York Times Jacob Rubashkin Deputy Editor, Inside Elections