We can’t say we haven’t had practice

“Queer” used to be a slur. Then gay people took the word back, claiming it their own, as a sort of general term for the whole rainbow-hued subculture in all its freedom and fabulousness.

My first thought, learning that Chicago has snagged the 2024 Democratic National Convention, was that this is a good way for us to similarly reclaim both the adjective “Democratic” and the noun “Chicago” and make them a little less battered than they have been of late.

For years Republicans have been trying to turn “Democratic” into an all-purpose insult by chopping off the ending and pretending that the problems facing cities are there because they tend to be run by Democrats, when it’s the other way around: Cities tend to go Democratic because they have problems that need to be addressed, not chuckled over. Thus, Democrats.

This is a chance for Chicago, the poster child for urban woes, to marry itself once again to the party that for too long has seen its mantle of patriotism and efficiency stripped away, and by those bumbling shambolically toward treason.

First, a few ground rules. This isn’t our third Democratic National Convention, though that might be the default assumption. It’s our 12th, having been the host in 1864, 1884, 1892, 1896, 1932, 1940, 1944, 1952, 1956, and of course 1968 and 1996.

Associated Press

That 1932 convention is worth remembering not just because it led to the rare defeat of a sitting president. Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first candidate to show up at a convention to accept the nomination (the habit had been to sit on your front porch and feign indifference), and he did it by arriving in a shiny silver Ford Trimotor, making him the first presidential candidate to fly in an airplane, arriving to promise a “New Deal” for America.

Otherwise we have the twin bookends of 1968 and 1996 as guides. The first was a catastrophe that hardly needs explaining — masses of shaggy-haired protesters battling police. While the cops rightly get blame for that, the disaster was set in motion by City Hall. In trying to keep protests away from the site of the convention, the International Amphitheater, Richard J. Daley ended up pushing it onto Michigan Avenue. The 1968 convention might have transpired differently had Daley not spread the combustibles that the cops ignited.

Gary Settle/Chicago Daily News

The 1996 convention is credited with revitalizing the city, particularly the West Side, with Mayor Daley’s flower beds and wrought iron fences. Disruption was at a minimum, though that can be credited to it being held in the go-go ’90s. Kids were busy getting their MBAs, not worried about being shipped off to die in Vietnam.

As for the economic benefits, remember Chicago hosts about a dozen trade shows that have a larger economic impact on the city. It isn’t like this is another Sweets and Snacks Expo. It’s more a media group hug, and the media does tend to hyperventilate over this kind of thing.

“A huge economic and prestigious boon to the city,” Rick Pearson gushed Tuesday in the Tribune.

Maybe. It helps that Gov. J.B. Pritzker has suggested he’ll bankroll the thing. Though I seem to recall Richard M. Daley cooing all sorts of this-won’t-cost-you-a-cent promises in the heat of passion. Then, after he got what he wanted, the city ended up on the hook for many, many cents.

Plus, as the city that received the blackest eye ever from a political convention, we shouldn’t hold that prestige party just yet. After 1996, the city faced dozens of accusations of spying on political groups. And Google “The Chicago Five” for a cautionary tale of law enforcement run amok.

Richard A. Chapman/Sun-Times

Bear in mind the boost is mostly illusory. Political conventions, like Olympics, are mostly money-losers, despite all the smoke and mirrors.

Remember: We’re a free society. A measure of protest is not only permitted, it’s beneficial, and Chicago needs to balance accommodating the convention and the protesters — who are also staying in hotels and buying lunches too, though not as lavishly, and also represent democracy in action.

As we’re finding out with NASCAR, there’s an enormous inconvenience factor — Broadway ticket sales plummeted when the Big Apple hosted the 2004 Republican Convention.

So something to be proud of, but also a new challenge facing a city that already has its share of challenges. It’s hard enough to make Chicago continue to be The City that Works. Now, a year from August, it has to be The City that Works During a Major Political Convention. At least we can take comfort in one indisputable fact: We’ve done it before.

More 2024 Democratic National Convention coverage

Politics

Toni Preckwinkle unanimously wins another term running Cook County Democratic Party

Preckwinkle said she expects the Democratic Party will be united behind President Joe Biden as he seeks reelection.

By Kristen Schorsch | WBEZ Chicago

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

Democratic convention events getting Chicago treatment with new hospitality vendors

Five event production companies, nearly all based in Chicago, will be throwing the official parties for the Democratic National Convention in August.

By Amy Yee

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

No cracks in Blue Wall? Top Democrats vow Chicago is ready for convention, despite party divisions

Democrats are deeply focused on Wisconsin and Michigan to help bolster President Joe Biden’s re-election chances — and officials, in town for meetings hosted by the Democratic National Convention Committee, say they plan on showing voters a deep party contrast.

By Tina Sfondeles

 

Movies and TV

Stephen Colbert to move 'Late Show' to Chicago for Democratic convention

The CBS fixture will be based at the Auditorium Theatre from August 19 to 22.

By Darel Jevens

 

City Hall

Council delays votes on migrant funding, $1.25 billion bond issue, ShotSpotter

Votes on $70 million to help migrants and the bond issue to fund housing and economic development now are set for Friday. The Council was, however, poised to approve a slew of other measures.

By Fran Spielman

 

Columnists

Democratic Party leaders meet in Chicago this week for pre-convention talks

In Chicago, the Democratic National Committee leaders will pick the members of the party’s platform, rules and credentials committees at the last party meeting before the August convention to renominate President Joe Biden.

By Lynn Sweet

 

City Hall

City Council committee OKs $750K settlement stemming from George Floyd protest

Ald. Brendan Reilly said he’s concerned paying a settlement to Bryan Mejia, who suffered a fractured leg and torn ACL, will invite protesters expected for the Democratic National Convention to wreak havoc, then bombard the city with lawsuits.

By Fran Spielman

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

'Security footprint' plan for Democratic Convention kicked to City Council for Wednesday vote

Protesters, residents and other DNC observers would be prohibited from bringing laptops, large bags, scooters and other items into certain areas closest to convention attendees under a proposed ordinance.

By Mitchell Armentrout

 

Elections

Biden visits Chicago for fundraiser after pitching student loan relief in Wisconsin

Pro-Palestinian protesters greeted Biden outside the Drake Hotel on the Gold Coast, where the president had a campaign meeting before making remarks at the fundraiser.

By Emmanuel Camarillo and Cindy Hernandez

 

Elections

Biden heading to Chicago for fundraiser

A Chicago fundraiser for President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign is expected to collected $2.5 million for the Biden Action Fund, a joint fundraising committee consisting of the Biden for President operation and the Democratic National Committee.

By Lynn Sweet

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

Media representatives to visit Chicago on May 22 for Democratic convention logistics briefings

This week, residents and businesses near the United Center and McCormick Place will receive briefings on how they will be impacted by convention security plans.

By Lynn Sweet

 

City Hall

Johnson chooses former State Sen. Pacione-Zayas as chief of staff, first Latina in role

Cristina Pacione-Zayas, having spent the last 11 months learning the ropes of city government as Rich Guidice’s top deputy, was the natural choice to replace Guidice.

By Fran Spielman

 

City Hall

Mayor Johnson backs Ald. Sigcho-Lopez in flag-burning controversy

The mayor made it clear he would not remove the City Council member for appearing at a rally where an American flag was burned to protest U.S. support for Israel.

By Fran Spielman

 

Elections

Pritzker sends Cook County Democratic Party $250K 'to turn out voters' in November

The funds will help target a big problem for a city opening its doors to President Joe Biden and the Democratic National Convention in August. Just 17.94% of registered voters in suburban Cook County and 25.7% of registered voters in Chicago voted in the March 19 primary.

By Tina Sfondeles

 

Politics

Pritzker heads to California to promote Illinois film industry, fundraise for convention and abortion rights

In between meetings with film and business leaders in California, Gov. J.B. Pritzker will fundraise for the Democratic National Convention Host Committee, including a reception in Los Angeles, and for abortion rights ballot initiatives in Arizona and Nevada.

By Tina Sfondeles

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

Protest groups lose appeal to march near United Center during Democratic convention

The groups — both part of the Coalition to March on the DNC — filed for parade permits to march during the Aug-19 convention, but the city denied them, saying it would tie up traffic and require police officers it could not spare.

By David Struett

 

Elections

Is Chicago's tepid turnout a ‘warning sign’ for President Joe Biden in November?

Whether the city’s low voter turnout on Tuesday is a sign of apathy or dissatisfaction, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and key Democrats are downplaying the significance for President Joe Biden. But one leading pollster calls it a warning bell for other key Democratic cities: ‘These cities need to be engines of turnout.’

By Tina Sfondeles

 

City Hall

$52.75 million price tag? City Council OKs settlements tied to police abuse, wrongdoing

The largest of the settlements — for $45 million — goes to Nathen Jones, who suffered a massive traumatic brain injury after an unauthorized police chase. The settlements were approved at a Council meeting that also saw Mayor Brandon Johnson introduce an ordinance authorizing drawing of boundaries for a security footprint around the Democratic National Convention.

By Fran Spielman

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

Protests and peace — Chicago ready for demonstrators at Dem convention, but police won’t ‘tolerate violence'

“We want to make sure that we maintain peace,” Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling said during a news conference Wednesday about this summer’s Democratic National Convention. “We’re going to police constitutionally.”

By Tom Schuba and Fran Spielman

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

At Democratic convention in Chicago, perks for big Biden campaign donors include coveted credentials, hotels

When it comes to qualifying for perks — and this is true for Democrats and Republicans in past conventions — big donors can vault into the elite ranks either by direct giving or raising political cash. The Sun-Times has exclusive details on what is being offered to the Biden Victory Fund’s donors at this summer’s Chicago gathering.

By Lynn Sweet

 

Food and Restaurants

Palace Grill owner vows fire won’t be final chapter for historic West Side eatery that’s fed Blackhawks, big shots and beat cops

Owner George Lemperis said Friday the damage was extensive but that he plans to reopen: “They rebuilt the World Trade Center. I can certainly rebuild this.”

By David Struett and Kade Heather

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

City snafu allows protest at Democratic Convention’s front gate — when whole world is watching

The Poor People’s Army was granted a permit to march in August after the city failed to respond to its application within its own 10-day deadline.

By David Struett

 

Columnists

Pfleger demands DNC fund homes for Chicago’s unhoused before Democratic National Convention — or stay home

The legendary peace priest plans to lead a protest Feb. 15 demanding the Democratic National Committee set aside funds to house Chicago’s homeless residents. “Our message is simple: ‘No money put aside for the homeless: No convention,’ ” said Pfleger.

By Michael Sneed

 

Columnists

Left-wingers will not be ignored

Dems plan to crash Dem party in Chicago this summer to accuse fellow Dems of not being Dem enough.

By Neil Steinberg

 

Education

CPS releases 2024-25 calendar with Aug. 26 start date to avoid Democratic National Convention

Classes for the upcoming school year would begin several days later than the school year’s first days over the last couple of years.

By Mohammad Samra

 

Elections

Battle to keep Trump off Illinois primary ballot moves to state court

Objectors asked the court to move quickly and are hoping it will hear arguments as soon as Monday.

By Jon Seidel

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

Can the world be watching? Abortion rights, LGBTQ+ activists want delegates to see them during Democratic Convention protest

The city has denied a group’s permit to hold a demonstration at Jane M. Byrne Plaza during the Democratic National Convention in August. A judge this week will decide whether an alternate route is acceptable.

By Audrey Hettleman

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

Marriott, Hyatt hotels at McCormick Place to be official Democratic convention headquarters

The West Building at the McCormick Place complex will be the site of many daytime convention-related activities such as party meetings and briefings.

By Lynn Sweet

 

Elections

DNC launches neighborhood ambassadors program to recruit volunteers throughout city

Organizers want 12,000 volunteers and to make sure Chicago’s neighborhoods see economic benefits from the Democratic convention.

By Mariah Woelfel | WBEZ and Tessa Weinberg | WBEZ

 

2024 Democratic National Convention

Chicago’s FBI boss preparing for threats in unusual election year that brings Democratic convention to town

Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler Jr. has led the FBI’s fourth-largest field office for the past year. His team is prepping for Chicago’s DNC and the Republican convention in Milwaukee, 90 miles north.

By Jon Seidel