Can Chicago safely accommodate protesters?
Upside: Chicago proves itself to be a model city by demonstrating that it's possible to embrace free expression while maintaining safety and civility.
Downside: Protests tip to one of two extremes — peaceful demonstrations are quashed by overzealous security forces or protests spiral out of control, leading to dangerous conditions near the United Center. Both outcomes trigger memories of Chicago’s 1968 Democratic National Convention debacle as well as the response to George Floyd demonstrations in 2020, underscoring the notion that the city is out of control with an aggressive police force.