Chicago

Chicago’s convention puts to bed the ugly baggage of 1968

The only major disruptions were caused by the rush of people who wanted to get in to see Kamala Harris.

Shia Kapos

Kamala Harris gave her acceptance speech amid a Lollapalooza atmosphere in the United Center. As delegates pack up and head home, Chicago hopes its reputation as a world-class host city has been polished.

Delegates packed in to the United Center for musical performances from P!nk and The Chicks and Beyoncé’s “Freedom” blasted from the speakers — even if the megastar herself never showed. But the biggest draw was Harris herself. Her speech drew contrasts between her and former President Donald Trump and called on voters to turn the page on the past.

“With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a new way forward, not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans,” Harris said.

The campaign now pivots toward November. A debate against Trump looms along with the attack ads he’ll hurl against Harris.

And the city of Chicago hopes this year’s Democratic convention puts an end to the ugly baggage that dogged it over the years.

Simply put, this week’s convention was no 1968.

In the months leading up to the convention, it was hard to escape comparisons to moments when anti-war protests ended in bloodshed. So many elements of today’s political atmosphere seemed to reflect those times: economic discontent, a foreign war consuming innocent lives and legions of disaffected youth dissatisfied with both parties.

To the great relief of city and state leaders, protests were prolific but largely peaceful. Migrants didn’t arrive in busloads, as the Texas governor threatened. And though there were some arrests, violence didn’t consume the events of the week.

POLITICO asked Mayor Brandon Johnson if he had been worried about how the week might go: “I don’t know what worrying gets you. So I don’t really live in that space,” he replied.

Johnson credited the work of his administration and the City Council with tamping down any disruptive protests that could mirror the events of 1968 when police used nightsticks and tear gas on protesters demonstrating against the Vietnam War. Chicago had held a perfectly peaceful Democratic convention in 1996, but that didn’t stop the hand-wringing over 2024.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling was on hand for Monday’s protest calling on the U.S. to change its policies toward Israel.

“When you consider everything people worried about from the beginning, Superintendent Larry Snelling has done a heck of a job. And for the mayor, it’s a big victory,” said public affairs consultant Thom Serafin as he waited outside of the arena floor of the United Center on Thursday.

Democrats in Chicago blame Trump for perpetually attacking Chicago’s reputation, given he’s always been quick to attack the city on issues related to crime and immigration.

“We’ve put on a world-class convention for the world to see. Whatever Donald Trump has to say about this city, I think we’ve proved this week that they’re not true,” said lobbyist Ron Holmes as he headed into the United Center ahead of Harris’ convention speech. “Chicago has shown up.”

This Illinois playbook writer hopes you enjoyed your stay. You’re welcome back anytime.