Opinion: 1968 protests should serve as a warning to today's Democrats

Democrats are concerned about the internal divisions within their party regarding the Israel-Hamas war, which could harm their chances in November. Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses have led to clashes with the police. These protesters are calling for an end to the war and the divestment of university funds from companies associated with Israel or benefiting from the war. Some universities have taken actions to shut down the protests, leading to broader objectives being added, such as advocacy for free speech and the right to protest. Republicans see a political opportunity in this situation and are aiming to portray Democrats as a party with radical constituents who threaten stability. The situation is reminiscent of the student protests in 1968, which caused divisions within the Democratic Party and benefited the Republicans in the presidential election. However, there are important differences between then and now that could make the current situation less damaging for Democrats. The debates are not centered on having American boots on the ground, and the party is more aligned on key issues compared to the 1960s. It remains uncertain if the current protests will intensify or dissipate, and their scale is not yet comparable to the anti-Vietnam protests. The media landscape in 2024 is more fragmented compared to the era of network television, and the rapid circulation of damaging videos and images on social media has further complicated the situation. Additionally, any attempt to win on a “law and order” theme in 2024 will have to contend with legal cases. While Democrats should take the potential political threat seriously and engage with the various constituencies involved, there are factors that could mitigate the impact.