As a film enthusiast with a keen interest in American politics and history, I must admit that the parallels between the 1968 Democratic National Convention (DNC) and the current one are striking, to say the least. Having grown up watching documentaries like “Medium Cool” and reading about the chaotic events of that time, it’s surreal to see some of those same circumstances play out more than five decades later.
Over the following four evenings, the skies above Chicago will be clear and azure, providing a backdrop as Democrats convene to share their ideas about the future of America, which they’ll broadcast live on television.
As a devoted moviegoer, I can’t help but notice the lingering shadows that seem to follow this year’s Democratic National Convention in the city of winds. These clouds, heavy with history dating back more than half a century, have been a constant presence since the last time Democrats gathered here for a DNC. The ghostly echoes of the past were palpable as delegates and attendees arrived in town on Sunday.
As a devoted film enthusiast, reflecting upon the tumultuous year of 1968, I can’t help but be captivated by the enduring impact of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) held in Chicago. Within the convention walls, Democrats were locked in a fierce battle to find a unanimous candidate for nomination, following the unexpected decisions: President Lyndon B. Johnson’s choice not to seek re-election on March 31st and the tragic assassination of his presumptive Democratic successor, Robert F. Kennedy, on June 6th in Los Angeles. These two events unfolded within a single week, leaving an indelible mark upon America’s political landscape and sparking profound social change.
Standing outside the venue, I witnessed firsthand the brutal tactics of Chicago police as they indiscriminately attacked college students and protesters, leaving many with fractured skulls, all in the name of maintaining order during the Vietnam War protests. This heavy-handed approach by law enforcement ignited nights of rioting at the Democratic Convention, an event that would forever be associated with a perceived leniency towards crime and defense. For those interested in delving deeper into this historical event, I highly recommend watching Haskell Wexler’s 1969 docudrama “Medium Cool” for a more detailed account of these turbulent times.
In a somewhat chilling resemblance, this year’s lively national political conventions have been frequently compared to the 1968 DNC. It’s worth noting that the Democratic Party chose Chicago as their convention venue over a year ago, which adds an uncanny similarity when considering the events of 1968.
A quick review of some of the parallels:
- Incumbent president pulls out of the race unexpectedly? Check.
- Top candidate faces assassination attempt/actual assassination? Check.
- Anti-war protestors gather by the thousands to pressure Democrats to disavow war overseas? Check.
As a movie critic, I’m intrigued by the ongoing narrative unfolding in the political landscape, particularly the influence of the Gaza war protestors and U.S. support for Israel on the Democratic Party this election season. Last Sunday, a sizeable group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators peacefully paraded down Chicago’s bustling Michigan Avenue without incident, adding another chapter to this evolving storyline.
A significant change, it’s worth noting, is the solidarity among political parties that has emerged in support of Vice President Kamala Harris following President Joe Biden’s departure from office.
A major factor that made the chaos at the 1968 Democratic National Convention echo throughout the nation was the parallel with a contemporary theme: the fusion of television and technology. In 1968, broadcast television networks were significantly advancing their capabilities in delivering live, nationwide coverage.
As a movie enthusiast looking back at history, I can still remember the thrill of those days when, as part of the Democratic National Committee, we were rushing film reels for next-day development and broadcast. It’s hard to imagine now, but that added a sense of urgency to the news coverage. The year was a whirlwind, a relentless roller coaster of events – assassinations (like that of Martin Luther King Jr on April 12), an intensifying war in Vietnam, urban riots, and political unrest that echoed across the nation.
In that tumultuous year, President Johnson surprised the media with an unexpected announcement during a Sunday night televised speech about the Vietnam War – he would not seek re-election. The following day, Johnson visited Chicago to deliver a speech to the National Association of Broadcasters. With humor, it was said that Johnson had attended the “wrong convention” in Chicago, as reported by EbMaster at the time.
Maybe influenced by his post-term position, Johnson openly expressed his frank opinions regarding the impact of TV on the White House resident to the gathering at NAB.
“Johnson stated that modern technology, particularly electronic media, significantly amplifies human capabilities. However, he pointed out that this tool doesn’t automatically resolve our communication challenges. While it offers the potential to elevate our nation to the level of a well-organized New England town meeting, there are still remaining issues in our communication. Johnson suggested that broadcasting, at times, may even make these problems more complex because it can isolate leaders within a ‘time capsule.’ This means they must shorten their messages, which could lead to a brief, seemingly unrelated phrase being broadcast as a complete story.”
Johnson had a knack for speaking clearly yet persuasively. His cautionary words to broadcasters at the time when television news started eclipsing print as the main source of American information were remarkably insightful.
“Your commentary has an additional layer of ambiguity, unlike traditional newspapers, television broadcasts are more fluid. There’s no permanent archive that historians can review later with the benefit of hindsight to assess questions like, ‘Was he fair today?’ ‘Was his impartiality maintained?’ ‘Was he honest all along…’ Therefore, as guardians of public trust, you must strive for justice. You must protect and uphold our media from actions that sow discord, from prejudice, bigotry, and the corruptive influences of partisanship in any form. The integrity, responsibility, and freedom – the freedom to uncover the truth and let it set us free – must always be preserved, safeguarded, or strengthened within our media.”
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2024-08-19 21:19