Chapter IX Summary and Analysis

Daley convinces President Johnson to hold the 1968 Democratic Presidential Convention in Chicago. Before that time arrives, however, Johnson announces he will not be running. Although Daley has city officials try to stop it, a large peace march is held in Chicago in the Loop area in April before the convention. Although the marchers are non-violent and orderly, something unidentified happens that sparks aggressive action from the police. The police tell the marchers to get out of the Loop. Those who do not obey are Maced, beaten, pummeled, chased and arrested. Observers call the incident a police riot. From all reports, the police action was totally uncalled for and was cruel and abusive. The media doesn't pick up on the incident as much as is warranted. Not many reporters are assigned to the peace parade. The press assumes that the...