An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s

Chapter 12 captures the aftermath of the tumultuous 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago and Richard Goodwin’s efforts amidst the chaos. The chapter begins with Dick and Doris sorting through memorabilia from the convention, highlighting the violent encounters between police and antiwar protesters that marked the event. Following Bobby Kennedy’s assassination, Dick rejoined Eugene McCarthy’s campaign, driven by the nation’s collective paralysis after the deaths of King and Kennedy. McCarthy’s speechwriter, Jeremy Larner, noted Dick’s heightened activity level as he worked tirelessly to keep the campaign effective, despite McCarthy’s disorientation.

The narrative details the stagnant Vietnam peace talks, which were hindered by disagreements over negotiation logistics and conditions. Dick, striving to end the war, faced personal antagonism and media mockery for his perceived vacillation between candidates. Despite this, McCarthy valued Dick’s loyalty, likening him to a professional ballplayer who never compromised his integrity.

The chapter recounts the violent clashes at the convention, where antiwar protesters and police engaged in brutal confrontations. Despite McCarthy’s warnings, his volunteers flocked to Chicago, hoping for a miraculous political shift. Dick, disillusioned but determined, spearheaded efforts to draft a “peace plank” for the party platform. The intense battle over the plank culminated in its defeat, but the significant support it garnered highlighted a growing dissent within the Democratic Party.