The Echoes of 1968 in Today’s Political Landscape
An aging Democratic president, once a prominent figure in the Senate, has made the significant decision to withdraw from the race. The Democratic Party finds itself divided by deep ideological rifts, compounded by the weight of a troubling war overseas. Meanwhile, a polarizing Republican figure is riding a wave of reactionary sentiment, posing a formidable challenge to the Democratic tradition of electoral success. With a Chicago convention set for August, the stage is set for a mix of hope and contention.
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The similarities between 1968 and 2024 are striking. Joe Biden stands as the first president since Lyndon B. Johnson to opt out of pursuing another term. In a parallel to Johnson’s vice president, Hubert Humphrey, Kamala Harris has ascended to the forefront without securing a clear mandate through party primaries. The upcoming protests in Chicago echo the tumult of ’68, but this time the focus shifts from Vietnam to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a situation that many on the left attribute to Biden’s unwavering support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
However, it is crucial to recognize the substantial differences that distinguish these two eras. The Democratic Party today is notably more united in its support for Harris than it was for Humphrey back in 1968; this year will not witness a contested convention or a fierce battle for delegate votes. Additionally, Richard M. Nixon, characterized as a contemplative child of the working class, stands apart from the current Republican figure, Donald Trump.
Yet, one significant divergence often overlooked is the lack of recognizable leadership on today’s left, which has previously dominated the discourse and fueled movements. In 1968, the protest movements that challenged Humphrey were led by well-known figures with distinct names and faces. Today, however, there is a notable absence of prominent activists heading to Chicago. Unlike the influential voices of Tom Hayden, Abbie Hoffman, or Jerry Rubin, the current landscape lacks similarly iconic leaders.
While the progressive left boasts celebrated figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, both of whom have expressed their support for Biden, they have not attempted to mount a primary challenge akin to Eugene McCarthy’s in 1968. As dissent emerges in Chicago, it becomes increasingly difficult to identify a single widely recognized leader—either within the convention or amongst the demonstrators—who will spearhead any protests.
