As the Democratic National Convention enters its second day, the number of protesters outside has significantly surpassed those at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month. The primary catalyst for this surge in activism: the ongoing war in Gaza.
Why More Protests at the DNC?
The Democratic Party, while officially supporting a two-state solution as reaffirmed in this week’s party platform, has faced considerable criticism from within its own ranks. Progressive members and activists are expressing their discontent with President Joe Biden’s handling of the Gaza situation, accusing him of not exerting enough pressure on Israel to halt military actions which began in response to the October 7 attack.
Conversely, former President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism of Hamas and has taken a strong stance in favor of Israel, further polarizing opinions. His recent statements about deporting “pro-Hamas radicals” and encouraging Israel to “finish the problem” have stirred controversies but didn’t spark as much protest activity at the Republican convention.
Accountability and Policy Change
Many demonstrators in Chicago feel more compelled to protest at the DNC because they believe that the Democratic Party, currently holding executive power, bears greater responsibility for recent foreign policy actions. Protesters like Jacob Smith, a 32-year-old software engineer from Detroit, are pushing the Democratic Party to adopt more forceful measures to end the violence in Gaza, seeking a “permanent ceasefire.”
Smith articulated a sentiment common among the protesters: a frustration with both parties, which he views as overly influenced by corporate and special interests and too conservative in their policy frameworks. However, he and others see a more realistic opportunity to influence the Democratic leadership, which they feel is slightly more aligned with their views than the Republican counterparts.
Voices from the Protest
The protests have drawn a diverse crowd, from lifelong activists to younger individuals who are deeply concerned about international issues and their implications on domestic policies. Lauren Pineiro, a 24-year-old restaurant worker from Florida, emphasized that protesting against Trump and the Republican agenda was necessary, but she felt that demonstrating against the Democrats was more critical because they are in power and directly influence current foreign policies.
Fred Schein, a 76-year-old Chicago resident, expressed a stark disapproval of Trump but pointed out that the current issues are unfolding under a Democratic administration. This sentiment underscores a broader disillusionment with the handling of the Gaza conflict and a desperate call for significant policy shifts.
Protest Goals and Impact
Protesters are not just venting frustrations; they are strategically targeting their efforts where they believe it will have the most impact. Many, like Sean Parmelee, hope that by demonstrating their concerns so visibly, they can sway Democratic leaders to pivot not only on the tone but also on substantial policy matters concerning Gaza.
Sydney Loving, a 29-year-old teacher from Dallas, pointed out that her participation in the DNC protests was motivated by what she sees as the Biden administration’s direct involvement in the conflict, which she described in severe terms.
Looking Forward
As the DNC continues, the intensity of the protests highlights the internal divisions within the Democratic Party over foreign policy and the approach to international conflicts. The demonstrators’ calls for a ceasefire and a reassessment of the U.S. role in international conflicts reflect a growing segment of the American electorate that is increasingly concerned with ethical consistency in foreign policy.
This week’s demonstrations are not just a reflection of discontent but a clarion call for the Democratic Party to reconsider its policies and potentially recalibrate its approach to international issues, especially as the general election looms.
