Initially seen as a potential flashpoint, the protests surrounding the Democratic National Convention have largely fizzled out, becoming more of an afterthought than a genuine concern—at least for now. Despite predictions of large, possibly violent demonstrations, the crowds have been smaller than anticipated, with the marches remaining predominantly peaceful.
A robust law enforcement presence has effectively created a buffer zone, keeping any potential chaos far from the United Center, where Democrats are focused on celebrating Vice President Harris’s presidential nomination.
Smaller-than-expected crowds and robust police presence keep potential chaos away from the United Center
Some Democratic lawmakers, like Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), noted that they’ve barely noticed the protesters, underscoring how the situation contrasts sharply with the alarming warnings issued in the weeks leading up to the convention. Those warnings intensified following the assassination attempt on former President Trump and the chaotic protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. However, so far, the demonstrations in Chicago have been subdued.
Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) attributes this relative calm to several factors, including shared concerns within the Democratic Party about Israel’s military actions, which have resonated with many of the protesters’ demands. Harris’s more nuanced stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, compared to President Biden, may have also helped ease tensions. While some isolated incidents of unrest have occurred, they’ve had little impact on the convention’s proceedings, marking a stark departure from the infamous 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
