Here is what might happen — or maybe not — in 2024:
JANUARY — Alabama defeats Washington for college football national championship. Supreme Court overturns Colorado’s ouster of Donald Trump from GOP primary ballot but rejects Trump’s argument that he has immunity from criminal prosecution. Former president easily wins Iowa caucuses, but Ron DeSantis does better than expected and claims the “Big Mo.” In New Hampshire primary stunner, independents help Nikki Haley edge Trump, with Chris Christie third and DeSantis fourth. Trump claims fraud. President Joe Biden wins Democrats’ nonbinding primary on write-ins but with only 58 percent. Congress fails to renew government spending, shutting six agencies. Israel declares victory in war against Hamas.
FEBRUARY — Speaker Mike Johnson averts full-scale shutdown by accepting another bipartisan funding measure, including aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and the border. Conservative critics introduce resolution to oust him, but it fails, due to Democratic abstentions. Trump routs Haley in South Carolina primary; DeSantis, a distant third, drops out. Biden approval hits new low at 31 percent.
MARCH — With Super Tuesday victories in California, Massachusetts, Texas and eight other states, Trump extends lead over Haley. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ousted, replaced by opposition leader Benny Gantz. Trump clinches GOP nomination with victories in Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio as his trial for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection begins in Washington. New York jury convicts Trump of paying “hush money” to former porn star before 2016 election.
APRIL — Washington jury convicts Trump on three of four counts; Trump claims vindication in acquittal (and appeals the three convictions). His lead over Biden increases to 8 points. Group awards its nomination to second place finisher Liz Cheney. Across-the-board government spending cuts take effect as Congress fails to resolve its yearlong impasse.
