2024 08 19

The Chicago Picasso. July, 2024. © Clayton Hauck

It’s DNC Day One in Chicago. This town has a storied history with political conventions, having played host to more future presidents than any other American city by far. Once the shit hit the fan in sixty-eight, the parties have mostly steered clear of the windy city, aside from one mostly non-exciting affair nominating Bill Clinton to a second term in office. But this is also the town that invented the smoke-filled back room deal and you just know things are indeed happening in many rooms this week.

This year, we may have a more historic convention should Harris go on to become the first female president of these fine states. Gerald Ford largely predicted the outcome playing out today, which is both impressive and a reminder that while this country is a democratic one, our choices are in fact quite limited and managed by those in power.

Stay safe, Chicago. And stop by my space tonight for some hot political fun!

-Clayton