Chicago 1968; Daley: The Last Boss

On August 22 of this year, the Democratic Convention will return to Chicago for the first time since 1968. Two new programs from the acclaimed PBS series The American Experience focus on the chaotic 1968 gathering that pitted pro-Vietnam war supporters and anti-war protestors against one another in the convention hall and on the streets, and the man who came to typify the old guard response that was oblivious to the changing mood of the country: Mayor Richard J. Daley. Chicago 1968, narrated by W. S. Merwin, is a powerful, cogent look at the forces that clashed in Daley's Chicago in 1968. Daley, a law and order man, found himself face to face with a party that was decidedly unorganized (but large): the Yippies, led by theatrical activists Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin. The program makes the excellent point that the ultimate loser was Hubert Humphrey, whose nomination was eclipsed by the ugliness of the battle. Daley: The Last Boss, narrated by Hal Holbrook, includes the 1968 convention story as part of its compelling look at the extraordinary political career of 5-time Chicago mayor (1955 until his death in 1976) Richard J. Daley. The Irish kid who pulled himself up by his bootstraps to become one of the most powerful city bosses in history. But during the late 60's Daley's reign began to frazzle: a good old boy (though shrewd politician), Daley was unable to change his hard-ass stance on the race riots and the Vietnam War, and ended up losing both face and power after 1968. A great, incisive portrait, of a complex, dominating figure on this century's political landscape. Both titles are highly recommended. Daley: The Last Boss is an Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Pitman)