Echoes of 1968 at the DNC in Chicago
Digest
This podcast delves into the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, a pivotal event in American history marked by intense political divisions and social unrest. The episode begins by setting the scene, highlighting the backdrop of the Vietnam War and the deep divisions within the Democratic Party. It then focuses on the protests that erupted outside the convention hall, exploring the role of the Yippies, the city's response under Mayor Daley, and the escalation of violence between protesters and police. The podcast further examines the events that unfolded inside the convention hall, including the debate over the Vietnam War, the nomination process, and the heated exchange between Mayor Daley and Senator Ribacoff. The episode concludes by discussing the aftermath of the convention, including the police brutality against protesters, the media coverage, and the impact on the 1968 presidential election, where Richard Nixon ultimately emerged victorious. The podcast also explores the parallels drawn between the 1968 DNC and the 2024 convention in Chicago, examining the similarities and differences in the political climate, protest tactics, and security measures.
Outlines
The 1968 Democratic National Convention: A Look Back
This chapter delves into the tumultuous 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, exploring the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the divisions within the Democratic Party, and the protests that erupted outside the convention hall.
The Protests and the Violence
This chapter focuses on the protests that took place outside the convention hall, highlighting the role of the Yippies, the city's response under Mayor Daley, and the escalation of violence between protesters and police.
The Convention's Internal Turmoil and Aftermath
This chapter examines the events that unfolded inside the convention hall, including the debate over the Vietnam War, the nomination process, and the heated exchange between Mayor Daley and Senator Ribacoff. It also discusses the aftermath of the convention, including the police brutality against protesters, the media coverage, and the impact on the 1968 presidential election, where Richard Nixon ultimately emerged victorious.
Echoes of 1968 in 2024
This chapter explores the parallels drawn between the 1968 DNC and the 2024 convention in Chicago, examining the similarities and differences in the political climate, protest tactics, and security measures.
Keywords
Vietnam War
A protracted armed conflict that took place in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1954 to 1975. It involved the communist forces of North Vietnam and the Viet Cong against the government of South Vietnam, supported by the United States and other anti-communist allies.
Democratic National Convention
A quadrennial event held by the Democratic Party in the United States to nominate its presidential and vice-presidential candidates. It is a major event in American politics, attracting significant media attention and public interest.
Yippies
A countercultural youth movement that emerged in the 1960s, known for its radical activism, anti-establishment views, and use of humor and theatrics to challenge authority.
Mayor Richard J. Daley
The mayor of Chicago from 1955 to 1976, known for his strong-arm tactics, his control over the city's political machine, and his handling of the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests.
Richard Nixon
The 37th president of the United States, known for his role in the Watergate scandal, his foreign policy initiatives, and his conservative political views.
Hubert Humphrey
The 38th vice president of the United States, known for his liberal political views, his support for civil rights, and his role in the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Eugene McCarthy
A Democratic senator from Minnesota, known for his anti-war stance, his challenge to President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1968 presidential election, and his role in the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
George McGuffern
A Democratic candidate for president in the 1968 election, known for his strong anti-war stance and his nomination by Senator Abraham Ribicoff.
Abraham Ribicoff
A Democratic senator from Connecticut, known for his liberal political views, his support for civil rights, and his nomination of George McGuffern at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Q&A
What were the key issues that divided the Democratic Party in 1968?
The Vietnam War was the most divisive issue, with some Democrats supporting the war and others advocating for withdrawal. Other issues included civil rights, poverty, and social change.
How did Mayor Daley's response to the protests contribute to the violence?
Daley's refusal to grant permits for protests and his use of police force to suppress demonstrations escalated tensions and led to violent clashes between protesters and police.
What were the main factors that contributed to Richard Nixon's victory in the 1968 election?
Nixon's campaign focused on law and order, appealing to voters who were concerned about rising crime rates and social unrest. He also benefited from the divisions within the Democratic Party and Hubert Humphrey's perceived weakness on the Vietnam War.
How do the parallels between 1968 and 2024 highlight the enduring issues in American politics?
The comparisons between the two conventions highlight the ongoing debates over social justice, political polarization, and the role of protest in American democracy. They also underscore the importance of understanding historical context in analyzing current events.
Show Notes
This is an episode from the Vox daily news podcast, Today, Explained. Host Noel King spoke with OTM regular, Rick Perlstein. As a historian of US politics he is often called upon to draw comparisons between today’s events and those of the past. This year in particular, the echoes with 1968 are unavoidable: the DNC is again in Chicago, there are protests outside (this time its about Gaza, then it was the Vietnam War).
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