First night of DNC marred by chaotic protests, logistical mess
A crowd of anti-Israel protesters breached the security fencing outside the Democratic National Convention on Monday, resulting in multiple arrests as Democrats gathered to complete their coup against Joe Biden.
The arrests put a damper on the first night of Kamala Harris' much hyped coronation ceremony, which was also plagued by logistical challenges that pushed Biden's farewell speech late into the night.
Chaos at DNC
Hundreds of anti-Israel demonstrators gathered to vent their anger at the ongoing war in Gaza, with some expressing skepticism that Harris would alter U.S. foreign policy.
“I don’t know because she’s said two conflicting things just recently — a lot of Palestinians are not voting for her,” protester Mary Tabar told the New York Post.
Police in Chicago say protesters breached an outer fence, but the inside perimeter was left intact. The size of the crowd was smaller than anticipated, despite the violent display.
“Law enforcement personnel were immediately on-scene and contained the situation,” Chicago PD said in a statement.
“At no point was the inner perimeter breached, and there was no threat to any protectees.”
Israel-Hamas divide lingers
The chaotic spectacle served as a reminder of lingering divisions on the left, even as Democrats and the media have rapidly rallied behind Harris since Biden stepped aside in July and endorsed her.
In his convention speech late Monday night, Biden said the anti-Israel protesters "have a point."
During the primary, in which Harris did not participate, Biden faced a sizable protest vote over the Gaza war. That anti-establishment sentiment has dampened somewhat as the general election between Harris and Donald Trump nears.
Even as they accused Democrats of "genocide," some protesters Monday said they would still back Harris over the alternative.
"I'm planning on voting for her anyway because the alternative is worse," protester Christine Boardman said.
Biden snubbed
Monday night's DNC programming demonstrated a cultic hatred of Trump, who was mentioned more often than the economy and the border. Democrats also showered praise on Biden, ignoring lingering tensions over the ruthless effort to depose him.
Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca.), widely credited with orchestrating the anti-Biden coup, was spotted listlessly mouthing "thank you Joe."
In what was widely perceived as a parting snub from Democrats, Biden's nearly-hour long farewell speech was bumped past primetime. Democrats have blamed the delays on the "enthusiasm" of the crowd.
For night two, Democrats started half an hour early to avoid any more scheduling problems.
The coronation ceremony ends Thursday night with Harris' acceptance speech.