Chicago will be bustling with political leaders, delegates, the media, law enforcement, and demonstrators as it hosts the Democratic National Convention next week. With everything from high-profile speeches to polarizing protests on the menu, business owners and locals expressed a mixture of fear, excitement, and hope for peace during the long, warm week ahead.
“I just want everything to be smooth. If they’re going to protest, I want them to be peaceful,” said Gail Doherty, the manager of the Billy Goat Tavern, which lies just up the street from both the United Center, the stadium where many notable Democrats will speak, and Union Park, where large-scale demonstrations will occur.
Vice President Kamala Harris is set to deliver her acceptance speech at the event on Thursday night. President Joe Biden and former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are scheduled to speak on Monday and Tuesday.