Illinois Gov. Pritzker downplays 1968 Dem convention risks: ‘Different ballgame’
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker sought to quell concerns about the potential for violence at this week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago, insisting that the tumultuous events of the 1968 convention would not repeat themselves. Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Pritzker addressed the worries that thousands of expected protesters might cause disruptions similar to those seen during the last Democratic convention held in Chicago, which was marked by intense civil unrest.
The 1968 Democratic National Convention is infamous for its chaos and violence, largely fueled by widespread opposition to the Vietnam War. The convention saw fierce debates over delegate seating, party platform language, and escalating anti-war protests that eventually erupted into riots. This unrest contributed to the Democrats losing that presidential election to Richard Nixon.
Fast forward 56 years, Pritzker emphasized that the situation is markedly different. He pointed out that both the political climate and law enforcement capabilities have evolved significantly since then. “It’s a whole different ballgame. Here we are 56 years later, we’ve got a very, very different situation in the Democratic Party,” Pritzker told CNN. He highlighted the unity within the party around the current candidate, contrasting it with the fractious environment of 1968.
Pritzker reassured that modern technology and improved policing strategies are in place to manage any potential disruptions. “The Democratic Party, honestly, has coalesced around this candidate. That was not the case in 1968. Policing is all different now, and we’ve got technology at work,” he added. He stressed that the issues currently motivating protests, such as foreign policy disagreements over the Israel-Hamas conflict, are quite different from the draft-related protests of the past.
Chicago, which has hosted numerous Democratic and Republican conventions, will see a large number of protests throughout the week. Some observers have drawn parallels between the 1968 convention and this year’s event, noting similarities such as the city location, the passing of the presidential baton, and significant party divisions over foreign policy. The ongoing debate within the Democratic Party over support for Israel has led to heightened tensions, with many voters expressing their dissatisfaction by identifying as “uncommitted.”
Despite these concerns, Pritzker remains optimistic. He acknowledged that while some protesters might act out, most are expected to be peaceful. “If they’re troublemakers, they’re going to get arrested and they’re going to get convicted. But the fact is that the vast majority of people who are protesting — and we’ve seen this before — are peaceful protesters,” he said. He promised that their voices will be heard and their safety ensured.
Amidst the convention preparations, Pritzker’s earlier frustrations with President Biden’s performance had surfaced, particularly after Biden’s debate performance against former President Donald Trump triggered some discontent among Democrats. Although Pritzker stopped short of calling for Biden to step aside, he voiced concerns about the party’s need for a more electrifying candidate, highlighting the reverence many have for Biden’s long-standing public service.
In contrast to his cautious optimism about the convention, Pritzker is currently facing criticism from a $700,000 attack ad sponsored by the National Black Empowerment Fund. The ad accuses him of failing to deliver on promises made to black communities in Illinois, particularly regarding jobs in the legal cannabis and green energy sectors and equitable funding for public schools. The ad suggests that his tenure has not lived up to expectations for racial equality, and it portrays Pritzker as out of touch with the needs of the black community.
As the convention unfolds, the tension between ensuring a successful event and addressing the criticisms of his record will be a key challenge for Governor Pritzker.
