As summer approaches, Joe Biden’s top advisers are keenly aware of the potential ghosts of the 1968 DNC in Chicago. However, they face two pressing modern-day challenges: determining how far to go in replicating their virtual 2020 convention to mitigate disruptions, and navigating the dynamics with the city’s rookie mayor, who openly sympathizes with protesters.
Some in Biden’s circle are aggressively pushing for a hybrid convention production, combining in-person speeches from the president, party leaders, and rising stars with pre-recorded testimonials and videos from across the country. The goal is to maximize viewership on television and online while minimizing live programming and opportunities for protests at the United Center.
Senior Democrats are discussing whether to conduct party business, such as rules and platform votes, before the convention or move it to McCormick Place, their other Chicago venue. Conveniently, Biden’s advisers may have a reason to move up such housekeeping if the Ohio Legislature does not relax its ballot certification deadline before the August convention, potentially requiring the DNC to nominate the president before the event begins.
Reviving the pre-taped delegation roll call from each state, as in 2020, is also under consideration. While memorable, it would eliminate potential hot mic spontaneity and disruptions from delegates.
However, the challenge lies in meeting the expectations of attending delegates and donors financing the convention, who anticipate the traditional in-person experience.
With campus protests over the Gaza conflict raging and Biden facing disruptions at many events, Chicago organizers are plotting how to preempt heckling opportunities and quickly address any demonstrators who gain entry.
William M. Daley, the former Commerce secretary and son and brother of Chicago mayors, has urged top Biden officials to install a capable convention chair who can restore order as needed, with potential options including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Convention planners are also considering different chairs for each night to share the burden and showcase the party’s talent.
Democrats are alarmed by the prospect of disorder both outside and inside the arena, as either display could provide fodder for their political opponents.
“The mayor owns the street, but the party owns the inside,” Daley said. “What happens inside the hall is reflective of our party.”
While acknowledging the historical significance of the 1968 convention, Democrats point out that the number of “uncommitted” delegates – those potentially protesting Biden’s handling of Gaza – will only be in the dozens, unlike the clashes of previous conventions.
However, some strategists are concerned about the evolution of modern protests, with savvier demonstrators and potential bad actors determined to provoke reactions. Organizers plan to drown out any protesters with chants and block banners.
Equally complicated is handling protesters beyond the United Center walls, given the dynamic with Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former activist who has yet to fully transition from organizer to mayor.
Johnson, who defeated incumbent Lori Lightfoot last year, has sympathized with protesters’ right to demonstrate and questioned the appropriateness of police responses, raising concerns among Democrats about his handling of potential unrest during the convention.
Complicating matters further is Johnson’s strained relationship with Governor JB Pritzker, who lobbied heavily for the convention but has disagreed with the mayor on various issues.
With the demise of the traditional Chicago political machine, Democrats are leaning heavily on Pritzker and his team to navigate the convention challenges, as the governor has already prevailed in a proxy war with Johnson over who would run the host committee.
While Pritzker has expressed openness to calling in the National Guard if requested by the city, both he and veteran Chicago political figures emphasize the importance of upholding free speech while preventing disruptions that impede others or involve acts of vandalism.