Five takeaways from the DNC in Chicago
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Mayor Brandon Johnson welcomed delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday night. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios
The Democratic National Convention wrapped up with a bang last night, putting on a show featuring Kerry Washington, Pink and Eva Longoria — and Vice President Kamala Harris' acceptance speech.
The big picture: The DNC was a rousing ratings success, and it went off without a hitch in Chicago, a city that has been preparing for over two years.
Here are five takeaways:
Protests stay relatively calm
Three large organized marches, a skirmish with arrests and multiple guerrilla-style disruptions didn't bring the chaos that city leaders and citizens feared.
What happened: The police saw their biggest challenges when protesters breached a United Center security wall on Monday, and a clash that led to arrests in front of the Israeli consulate on Madison Street on Tuesday.
- Also, some protesters barged into events and meetings to disrupt staged programming and, in one case, reportedly put bugs in food.
Yes, but: Protesters want answers after police restricted certain areas that were otherwise legal places to march, including in front of the consulate in the Ogilvie Transportation Center.
The United Center had a packed house
Inside the United Center and McCormick Place, the DNC rebounded after Monday's tough start, which saw some buses stranded in protest traffic, leaving delegates to hoof it and stand in security lines for hours.
- After Monday, the arena and surrounding areas seemed to get logistics in order.
- On the final night, the building hit capacity as the fire marshal turned away late-arriving journalists, delegates and spectators.
Yes, but: Journalists complained about the lack of access to delegates and to the DNC floor, because convention staff roped off certain sections. Also, long lines and standing room only in the upper levels was not ideal for spectators.
Traffic wasn't too terrible
Imposing security fences and traffic restrictions were in place by last weekend, mostly around the luxury hotels on the Mag Mile and McCormick Place and near the United Center.
What happened: Most Chicagoans stayed home, and rush hours were not as rushed as usual.
Yes, but: Spontaneous street closings stranded people in standstill traffic at random times.
What's next: Workers have already started removing the security barriers around United Center and McCormick Place; expect all the fencing to be cleared by late Monday night.
Economic impact has mixed results
Overall, the city tourism did well as hotels, rideshares and exclusive restaurants were busy.
Yes, but: Some small-business owners said their normal business was down and not replaced by the DNC traffic. Bars near the United Center didn't get a convention bump, and one downtown coffee shop we stopped by was dead.
Big week for Pritzker and Johnson
This week was a huge win for Gov. JB Pritzker, who not only spoke on the DNC stage, but prominently sat next to Hillary and Chelsea Clinton during former President Bill Clinton's speech on Wednesday.
- Pritzker showcased Chicago, too, by throwing parties at Salt Shed and crisscrossed to various panels, delegation breakfasts and parties.
- Also, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson got a bump as out-of-town delegates routinely talked about the city's beauty. Johnson was also busy event-hopping.
Yes, but: It didn't feel like Johnson's convention. He didn't take the opportunity to cement himself as a leader in his own state party, showing up only once to the Illinois delegation's daily breakfasts.
Bonus takeaway: Weather wins
Take a bow, Chicago weather. We all know it could've been a lot worse.