Staff Reports
News flash: Democrats think Chicago is the perfect backdrop to nominate Joe Biden for another term as president, but they might want to reconsider. The Democratic National Convention will be taking place from August 19-22, bringing a swarm of significant political figures to a city that’s already got its hands full with a laundry list of problems. Here’s a peek at what Republicans will be chomping at the bit to highlight when the spotlight hits Chi-town.
First up, crime. Chicago’s got it in abundance. While crime rates have dipped slightly from their pandemic peaks, they’re still sky-high compared to the past. The Windy City frequently makes national news for its crime stories, ensuring it stays a key issue for voters. Donald Trump, running against Biden, hasn’t been shy about ripping into Chicago for its rampant theft issues. He’s painted a vivid picture of everyday items being locked up in stores like they’re precious gems. And guess what? While the convention center might be fortified like a castle, the rest of Chicago will be its usual chaotic self, with its weekend crime waves as a regular backdrop.
— Dr. Joel P. Rutkowski- President (@RutkowskiDr) June 24, 2024
Next on the docket: immigration and border security. Chicago might be a thousand miles from the southern border, but it’s become an emblem of the migrant crisis. With buses of immigrants rolling in from Texas, the city’s services are bursting at the seams. The overwhelmed system has left many immigrants without shelter and put Mayor Brandon Johnson in a tight spot as he tries to handle the mess in his second year. This influx exemplifies the border crisis extending its reach far beyond states like Arizona and Texas, thrusting it to the top of voters’ concerns as both Biden and Trump wrestle to present their stance on immigration.
Adding to the chaos is the incessant civil unrest. This year has seen no shortage of protests, paralleling the turmoil of 2020 and even 1968. Anti-Israel demonstrations have been particularly disruptive, making their mark on major cities and, unsurprisingly, Chicago hasn’t been spared. The Chicago City Council’s resolution condemning Hamas’s attacks on Israel was met with heated interruptions from protesters, a scene that’s become all too common. These demonstrations have even disrupted major hubs like O’Hare International Airport. With anti-Israel protesters planning to swarm the DNC in droves, the city might see a repeat of 1968’s infamous clashes with police and National Guard.
As Dems gather in Chicago, the backdrop of crime, immigration woes, and civil unrest offers a stark contrast to their lofty campaign promises. It’s almost poetic that the Republican National Convention will follow just a month later in Milwaukee. One wonders if the Democrats will manage to pull off their spectacle before the national narrative shifts dramatically yet again.
