What Democrats can learn from the 1968 Chicago convention
On August 28, 1968, the Democratic National Convention opened in Chicago. The convention was held at the International Amphitheatre, and it was one of the most chaotic and violent in American history.
The nomination of Hubert Humphrey
The convention was called to order by Mayor Richard J. Daley of Chicago. Daley was a strong supporter of President Lyndon B. Johnson, who was seeking re-nomination. However, Johnson had recently announced that he would not seek re-election, and the convention was now open to any candidate.
The leading candidate was Hubert Humphrey, the Vice President of the United States. Humphrey was a moderate Democrat, and he was seen as the establishment candidate. His main challengers were Senator Eugene McCarthy of Minnesota and Senator Robert F. Kennedy of New York.
McCarthy was a dove on the Vietnam War, and he had the support of many young people and anti-war activists. Kennedy was a more liberal candidate than Humphrey, and he had the support of many African Americans and poor people.
The convention was deeply divided between the Humphrey and McCarthy supporters. The McCarthy supporters were angry that Humphrey had been given the nomination, and they staged protests throughout the convention.
The protests
The protests began on the first day of the convention. A group of anti-war activists marched on the International Amphitheatre, and they were met by police. The police used tear gas and billy clubs to disperse the protesters, and several people were injured.
The protests continued throughout the convention. On the second day, a group of protesters broke into the International Amphitheatre and disrupted the proceedings. The police again used force to clear the protesters, and several people were arrested.
On the third day of the convention, the protests reached their peak. A group of protesters marched on the Hilton Hotel, where the delegates were staying. The police met the protesters with overwhelming force, and several people were beaten and arrested.
The protests continued for several more days, and they eventually forced the Democratic National Convention to close early.
The aftermath
The 1968 Democratic National Convention was a turning point in American history. The convention showed the deep divisions within the Democratic Party, and it helped to fuel the anti-war movement. The convention also led to the resignation of Mayor Richard J. Daley, and it helped to pave the way for the election of Richard M. Nixon as President of the United States.
What Democrats can learn from the 1968 Chicago convention
There are many lessons that Democrats can learn from the 1968 Chicago convention. First, the convention showed the importance of unity. The Democratic Party was deeply divided in 1968, and this division led to the convention’s failure. Democrats must learn to work together if they want to be successful.
Second, the convention showed the importance of listening to the people. The Democratic Party ignored the concerns of its young people and anti-war activists in 1968, and this led to the protests. Democrats must listen to the people if they want to stay in power.
Finally, the convention showed the importance of standing up for what you believe in. The Democratic Party made a mistake in nominating Hubert Humphrey in 1968. Humphrey was not the candidate that the people wanted, and he lost the election to Richard M. Nixon. Democrats must have the courage to stand up for what they believe in, even if it is unpopular.
The 1968 Democratic National Convention was a dark day in American history. However, there are many lessons that Democrats can learn from the convention. By learning these lessons, Democrats can avoid the mistakes of the past and build a more just and equitable future.
