Written by historian Timothy Shenk, the essay delves into the Democratic Party’s historical penchant for turning to Chicago during crucial moments. Chicago has been a significant backdrop for the party, from William Jennings Bryan’s impassioned speech in 1896, advocating a populist approach against the elites of the day, to Franklin Roosevelt declaring the New Deal in 1932, which nearly obliterated the Republican stronghold.
The city also witnessed the fracture of the Roosevelt coalition in 1968, amid violent protests and internal discord, and later, Bill Clinton’s 1996 declaration to move beyond the tumultuous 1960s to embrace a progressive future. Now, as Democrats prepare for a convention in Chicago, all eyes are on Kamala Harris, who represents the next chapter of the post-Biden party.
Harris is at a crucial moment in which she can reshape the Democratic strategy to counter the likes of Donald Trump and rejuvenate the party’s vision for the coming decades. Despite her preference for pragmatic action over “fancy talk,” her leadership style could be key to guiding Democrats through their current challenges and establishing a solid agenda for the future.
