Welcome to Chicago, where history has a way of repeating itself, often with a side of chaos. In 1968, the city saw police clash with Vietnam War protesters outside the International Amphitheatre, a spectacle that did nothing to help then-Vice President Hubert Humphrey’s faltering campaign. Fast forward to 1996, and the scene at the United Center was far more cheerful—Democrats danced to the “Macarena” while Bill Clinton sailed toward a second term.
Now, in 2024, the Democrats are back in Chicago, and while the scene might seem polished, don’t be fooled. Vice President Kamala Harris is set to accept the Democratic nomination at the same venue, but outside, a storm is brewing. Anti-Israel activists are ready to protest against what they view as President Joe Biden’s one-sided support for Israel, a stance Harris has endorsed as part of the administration.
Talmage Boston, author of How the Best Did It: Lessons From Our Top Presidents, warns that this convention might face similar turmoil to the 1968 event. He predicts that the protests could mirror those of the past, with demonstrators making their presence felt outside the convention center. Despite the mainstream Democratic support for Israel, these protests are expected to stir up significant unrest.
On the flip side, some believe the convention could still serve as a boost for Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz. Brian Rosenwald, a political historian, thinks Harris might benefit from the spotlight, which could shift focus away from Biden’s controversies. If Harris handles the convention well, she could gain crucial momentum for the election.
However, the choice of Chicago as the venue might not have been the best strategic move. The memories of the 1968 convention are hard to shake, and the risk of history repeating itself looms large. The media will undoubtedly focus on the protests outside, which could overshadow the more controlled narrative inside.
So as the convention unfolds, keep an eye on how it all plays out. The ghosts of past Democratic conventions are never too far behind, and this year’s event might just be another chapter in Chicago’s turbulent political history.
