Intense clashes between anti-war protesters and police on college campuses are causing concern among Senate Democrats. They fear that the growing anger over President Biden’s approach to the war in Gaza could potentially overshadow their party’s presidential nominating convention in late August.
Democratic lawmakers are preparing for potential chaos in Chicago after seeing images of police arresting over 100 protesters on Columbia University’s campus, which included the daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.).
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Arrests have been made at this campus, along with several others across the country.
“I believe that if the situation in Gaza does not undergo a significant change, it could potentially lead to dire consequences,” cautioned a Democratic senator, who preferred to remain anonymous while highlighting the increasing concern within the party.
The lawmaker jokingly advised, “If you’re going to the convention, make sure you wear your body armor.”
Several Democratic senators have vivid memories of the violent confrontations that took place during the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. They recall how the nomination of Vice President Hubert Humphrey as the party’s presidential candidate was overshadowed by disturbing images of police tear-gassing protesters and using clubs to beat them.
Senator Peter Welch, a Democrat from Vermont, expressed concern that the protests at this year’s convention might overshadow the official proceedings, just as they did over 50 years ago. As someone who attended the convention as a protester against the Vietnam War, Welch understands the importance of expressing dissent, but also recognizes the need for the convention to effectively carry out its intended purpose.
“I was among the individuals who opposed the Vietnam War. Although I believe that the demonstrations may have caused more harm than good, it is difficult to suppress the fervent opinions of those who are deeply passionate about war. Therefore, I do have concerns,” he expressed.
When questioned about the possibility of the protests turning violent, Welch expressed his sincere hope that such a scenario could be avoided, emphasizing the negative consequences it would bring.
He expressed his belief that engaging in violence will ultimately undermine the goals and objectives individuals seek to achieve.
Welch, along with two other members of the Senate Democratic caucus, opposed a $95 billion emergency foreign aid package. Their objection stemmed from the inclusion of military aid to Israel, as progressive critics argue that it would support the ongoing military offensive in Gaza.
Protest organizers are anticipating a turnout of up to 30,000 individuals in Chicago to express their opposition to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. This is nearly three times the number of protesters who assembled in Grant Park in August 1968.
There are concerns among Democratic officials about the expected turnout in Chicago, questioning whether the protest will attract as many people as anticipated. Previous protests have seen smaller crowds, leading to doubts about the projected attendance.
The convention in 1968 took place in a national atmosphere that was significantly more tense. It was held just a few months after the tragic assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy.
In 1968, the number of American troops deployed in Vietnam reached its highest point, with a peak of 549,000 soldiers on the ground.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has assured that Chicago will be ready to handle the protests. However, this statement offers little solace to Democrats who have vivid memories of Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley’s commitment to maintaining peace during past protests. Daley had famously deployed a staggering force comprising 12,000 police officers, 5,000 National Guardsmen, and 7,500 regular army troops.
The clashes of 1968 resulted in injuries to hundreds of demonstrators and dozens of police officers.
Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.) expressed his anticipation of protests during this year’s convention.
“They have had a considerable impact so far,” he stated, referring to the protests taking place on college campuses and in cities across the nation. “It is my hope that we can effectively handle the situation. Our goal is to safeguard our Constitution while also ensuring the safety of convention attendees and local residents.”
Durbin expressed his concern about a potential flashback to 1968 when asked about it.
“We are proactively considering how to manage security,” he stated. “The federal government is making a larger investment in these conventions compared to previous years.”
The convention has been designated as a national special security event by the Department of Homeland Security, a designation typically reserved for events like Super Bowls, inaugurations, and other large-scale gatherings.
Secret Service personnel are responsible for ensuring the safety of members of Congress and other Democratic delegates at political conventions. To effectively carry out their duties, they begin planning security measures in advance, often more than a year before the event takes place. This involves close coordination and collaboration between federal, state, and local officials to create a comprehensive security plan. By working together, they aim to provide a safe and secure environment for all attendees.
“The freedom to make your voice heard is fundamental to American democracy and has been a fixture of political conventions for decades,” emphasized Matt Hill, a spokesperson for the Democratic Convention.
“The safety of our delegates, guests and visitors remains our utmost concern, and we fully endorse the continued collaboration between federal, state, and local officials and partners in ensuring the security of the city, while also respecting individuals’ rights to engage in peaceful protests,” Hill emphasized.
Anti-war protesters are increasing their efforts to exert pressure on Democratic lawmakers by targeting them at political dinners, town hall events, and even their homes.
Approximately 200 demonstrators were taken into custody after they obstructed traffic during a protest in the Prospect Heights area of Brooklyn, near the residence of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
On the second night of Passover, a crowd of protesters gathered in Grand Army Plaza, rallying against the Senate’s decision to provide $15 billion in new military aid to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They stood united under a banner that resembled a traditional Seder plate, with a powerful message inscribed: “Jews say stop arming Israel.”
When questioned about the protests in close proximity to his residence, Schumer reaffirmed his dedication to delivering humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and ensuring the reduction of civilian casualties.
Several Senate Republicans, including Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, have urged President Biden to deploy military personnel to college campuses in order to ensure the safety of Jewish students.
Around 50 protesters supporting the Palestinian cause caused a disruption at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Portland during the annual Wayne Morse Gala, which is the Oregon Democrats’ primary fundraising event of the year.
According to Ross K. Baker, a political science professor at Rutgers University, Democrats have valid concerns about the convention, especially considering the ongoing protests at the university.
The divisions within the Democratic party over the war pose a potential threat to Biden’s reelection bid. This is reminiscent of the 1968 presidential campaign, where the anti-war movement caused a significant split within the party. Ultimately, this division contributed to Humphrey’s loss to President Nixon in the general election.
“Our officers are currently undergoing training in preparation for upcoming large demonstrations. This training is based on the principles of constitutional policing, with the primary focus being on ensuring public safety,” he stated.
Senate Democrats are facing a challenging situation due to the widespread and disruptive protests across the country. They are aware that a significant number of younger voters, whose participation is crucial for the party to maintain control of the White House and Senate, feel disenchanted with President Biden’s approach to the war.
According to a recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena College, it was found that 45 percent of registered voters under the age of 30 express more sympathy towards Palestinians in the ongoing conflict, while only 15 percent align themselves more with Israel. This indicates a significant disparity in the perception and support for the two sides among young voters.
In a December Times/Siena poll, it was discovered that 72 percent of registered voters under the age of 30 expressed some level of disapproval, either moderate or strong, regarding President Biden’s approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Despite months of pressure from the administration, the tactics of the Israeli military and the ability of humanitarian groups to provide essential supplies to Gaza remain largely unaffected by the Netanyahu regime.
According to the World Health Organization, the situation in Gaza’s largest hospitals is dire. Due to military strikes on healthcare facilities and ambulances, only 10 of these hospitals are partially operational. Additionally, the limited availability of medical supplies has further exacerbated the already challenging conditions in the enclave.
Last week, Biden signed into law a package that allocated $9.15 billion for providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and other vulnerable populations across the globe.
According to Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.), he acknowledges the diligent efforts of President Biden in urging the Netanyahu government to provide a humanitarian response that aligns with the growing concerns expressed by the administration and people across the United States.
He stated that the objective is to ensure that the Netanyahu government complies with American international law.
When questioned about the protests occurring at college campuses and town hall events, Markey acknowledged, “I continuously listen to their voices.”
