American Scandal - The Chicago Seven | The Battle of Michigan Avenue | 1

Episode Date: April 18, 2023

Protesters descend on Chicago for the Democratic National Convention. Their goal: pressure the Democrats to stop supporting the Vietnam War. But as the activists begin their rally, Chicago police mount an aggressive response.Need more American Scandal? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive seasons, binge new seasons first, and listen completely ad-free. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or visit https://wondery.app.link/rUic7i1hMNb now.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You're listening to the first episode of this American Scandal season. With Wondery+, you can binge the remaining episodes, listen to new episodes early, and explore more exclusive seasons completely ad-free. Start your free trial of Wondery Plus in the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify today. It's June 1st, 1968. In northeast San Francisco, a taxi comes to a stop in front of the Fairmont Hotel, a six-story building with Greek columns and gilded furniture, the kind of place where people with money and influence get together for cocktails.

The back door of the cab swings open, and Tom Hayden steps out into the cool night air. Hayden hands a few crinkled bills to the driver and tells him to keep the change. Then he begins hurrying to the entrance of the Fairmont, well aware that he's already running short on time. Hayden is 28 years old. He's got shaggy brown hair and is wearing a faded plaid shirt. His appearance doesn't exactly scream political power, but Hayden has risen to become one of the most influential social activists in America. He's a leader of what's being called the New Left, a coalition of activists working to address a broad political agenda from civil rights to environmentalism.

He was one of the founders of the national organization Students for a Democratic Society, and recently, Hayden has been spearheading protests against the Vietnam War. Some of these events have grown large, but in just a couple of months, Hayden and his fellow activists are going to mobilize for what could be their biggest action yet. National politicians are descending on Chicago, where Democrats are going to mobilize for what could be their biggest action yet. National politicians are descending on Chicago, where Democrats are going to nominate their candidate for the upcoming presidential election. The event is guaranteed to score plenty of coverage from the media, and Hayden is planning to piggyback on all that attention. The plan is now to lead a large protest

outside the convention in an effort to pressure the Democrats to stop supporting the Vietnam War. Hayden might be able to organize thousands of protesters, and with that kind of power in numbers, they could have a real impact, and maybe even force the party to adopt a new policy against the war. But Hayden has encountered a hitch in the plan. A few of his fellow organizers have not been able to get permits from officials in Chicago, granting them the legal right to protest. And without that kind of clearance, the activists could come up against the wrath of Chicago police, a department with a reputation for violence. So tonight, Hayden is trying to track down a powerful politician, someone he knows is behind their cause. And if Hayden can make a convincing case,

this politician may be willing to call in a favor and help the protesters get their permits. Hayden steps into the Fairmont and begins scanning the lobby. He's looking for Senator Bobby Kennedy, the former U.S. Attorney General and the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy. Bobby Kennedy is now the frontrunner in the Democratic primaries, and he and Hayden go back a ways. They first met eight years ago in 1960, and since then have grown into friends and political allies, with Kennedy expressing strong interest in Hayden's idea about empowering America's Black community. But while they have grown close, Hayden knows that Bobby is under a lot of pressure, with the Democratic Convention now only a few months away.

Still, he believes his old ally is willing to pull some strings, make a few calls to his friends in Chicago on Hayden's behalf. But he's about to give up hope finding Bobby when he hears a familiar voice from behind. Is that Tom Hayden? Hayden turns around and finds Bobby Kennedy standing with a small entourage. Bobby, good to see you. Likewise. I was about to turn in for the night, but what are you doing here at the Fairmont? Well, I came here hoping to find you. Oh, was that right? Well, look, I'm exhausted, but join me. We'll talk on the way back to the room. Hayden nods and follows

Bobby over to an elevator. When they step inside, Hayden begins delivering the pitch. All right, so time is short. I get it. I'll get right to the point. I need your help. I'm going to be at the convention in August. Me and maybe a few thousand of my people. We want Democrats to commit to bringing our troops home from Vietnam. We're planning to lead a pretty big protest. The elevator door opens, and the two men begin walking down the hallway. Well, Tom, that's fine, but it's your fight. What do you need my help for?

Well, if we're going to march, we need permits from the city. But the administration in Chicago, they made it more than clear that they don't want us. If we don't get the permits, any protest is technically going to be breaking the law. It could get ugly. Well, we don't want it to get ugly. No, we don't. So would you do me a favor? Reach out to the mayor's office? Help us get a permit?

Ah, Tom, look, I want to help. But I'm a candidate to be the president of the United States. And that means I have to try and be all things to all people. Sure, I'm friendly with people who don't like the war. And I have my own reservations. But also, I'm friendly with people who don't like the war, and I have my own reservations. But also, I got to play nice with the party. Well, look, we're going to be there whether or not we get permission from the city. So I'm begging you, please, you can help keep this from getting violent. Just make a few calls. Mayor Daley is a Democrat, right? Just ask him to give

us the permits. I'm sure he'll say yes to you. Bobby Kennedy stops outside the door to his suite, suddenly looking very worn down. Tom, you know, I have a lot on my plate. I know that. I know that. I wouldn't ask if it weren't important. Okay, look, you are an old friend, and you do have the right to be there and speak out. So I'll help you. I'll call the mayor's office. I'll get the permits. Bobby, thank you so much. That's big. Yeah, of course. Now, I gotta get some sleep. But see you in Chicago? See you there. Hayden grins as he heads back to the elevator. He knows Bobby Kennedy is a man of his word. And once he makes the call, local officials in Chicago will undoubtedly fall in line. Hayden and his allies will get their permits.

They'll march on the Democratic National Convention. And even if things do get a little heated, as long as Hayden and his allies remain peaceful, Chicago police will be forced to stand down. Get ready for Las Vegas-style action at BetMGM, the king of online casinos. Enjoy casino games at your fingertips with the same Vegas strip excitement MGM is famous for when you play classics like MGM Grand Millions or popular games like Blackjack, Baccarat and Roulette. With our ever-growing library of digital slot games, a large selection of online table games and signature BetMGM service, games, a large selection of online table games, and signature BetMGM service, there's no better way to bring the excitement and ambiance of Las Vegas home to you than with BetMGM Casino.

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And as long-standing social norms began to shift, many Americans grew fearful about the future. These anxieties and cultural divisions would play out in the national spotlight when a group of protesters descended on the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Anti-war activists saw the convention as a chance to stage a large-scale protest, pushing back against the Democrats and their support for the Vietnam War. But Chicago officials were hostile to the activists' cause, and on August 28, 1968, after several days of skirmishes, the city's police confronted demonstrators with a brutal display of force.

In the wake of protests, prosecutors indicted eight of the activists, charging them with federal crimes. The result was one of the most explosive and controversial court battles of the 20th century. The trial highlighted the stark cultural divisions in the U.S., and it became a symbolic battle about the soul and future of America. This is Episode 1, The Battle of Michigan Avenue.

and future of America. This is Episode 1, The Battle of Michigan Avenue. It's June 5th, 1968 in New York City. It's a little after 2 a.m., but Tom Hayden is still wide awake and getting ready to pop the cork on a bottle of champagne. All night, Hayden has been planted in front of the TV, watching the results stream in from today's Democratic primary. And just a few minutes ago, the commentators announced that the count was done. Bobby Kennedy had taken California, making him the favorite to win the Democratic nomination for president. Hayden is exhausted from the long night staying up, but he and his friend Leonard Weinglass don't want to call it quits before having a celebratory toast.

They both believe Kennedy could be a turning point in American politics, someone willing to bring an end to the Vietnam War and usher in a new era of peace. So Hayden is slowly working the cork out of the champagne bottle, but pauses when he sees Kennedy take the stage in Los Angeles and address his supporters. So I thank all of you who made this possible this evening. I was a campaign manager eight years ago. I know what a difference that kind of an effort and that kind of commitment makes.

Mayor Yorty has just sent me a message that we've been here too long already. So my thanks to all of you, and now it's on to Chicago, and let's win there. Kennedy flashes a peace sign, and as he walks off stage, the crowd begins chanting, we want Bobby, we want Bobby, we want Bobby. Hayden sits watching with a giant grin. Soon, Kennedy is going to head to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He'll almost certainly clinch the party's nomination to run for president. And from there, Hayden can only imagine a single outcome.

Kennedy will barnstorm the country, winning the hearts and minds of American voters before going on to win the general election. It's all cause for celebration, so Hayden gets back to the champagne. He's about to pour when suddenly the mood shifts from the crowd on the TV. Hayden turns back to the television and sees a growing commotion. Chaos and shouting, people running in every direction. After a moment, a man steps up to the podium and asks if there's a doctor. They need a doctor. Hayden begins to panic.

Something has gone wrong. But the commentators on TV aren't giving any information. Hayden kneels down and flips the channel. A moment later, he lands on another station, where a news anchor is looking at the camera with a grim expression. He says that reports are coming out of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles that there was a very loud noise like a clap of thunder. The network waited to see what it was, and then a report came that Senator Robert Kennedy was shot. Hayden slumps in his chair, feeling numb. He knows exactly how this is going to end, the same way it ended with Bobby Kennedy's

older brother, JFK, and the same way it ended with Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, luminaries of the civil rights movement. Bobby Kennedy is going to die. Hayden can't help himself. He starts sobbing, a heaving, desperate cry. Kennedy was a friend and an ally, and the one politician who seemed like he could change America. Hayden starts feeling a deep despair about the future of the country and the injustice and violence that just won't come to an end. It's clear now that Bobby Kennedy isn't going to make it to Chicago, but someone has to carry the torch, and it's not likely to be any leaders in Washington. Hayden knows that change is going to have to come from the grassroots, from the regular people who are willing to march in Chicago, putting their lives on the line to change the future of America.

It's early August 1968, and Abbie Hoffman is making his way through the bustling streets of downtown Chicago. It's a hot summer day, and Hoffman can't help but smirk at all the lawyers and bankers out on the sidewalk, professional types sweating in their suits and ties, racing to get back to work in their skyscrapers. Hoffman shakes his head, chuckling at the way so many people chain themselves to lives of materialism and the empty pursuit of wealth. Hoffman rejected those values years ago. He realized he could never be part of mainstream America, a system so riddled with injustice. But Hoffman was never content to remain standing on the sidelines either. Late last year, he co-founded the Youth International Party, a radical group working

to usher in a cultural revolution in America. And among other goals, they've been fighting to end the war in Vietnam and convince Americans to reject corporate greed and the suppression of free speech. But Hoffman and his yippies, as some have called members of the group, do have a reputation for doing drugs and engaging in over-the-top political theater. Hoffman knows he looks the part of a burnt-out radical. He has long, curly hair, and today he's wearing a shirt that looks like a bright American flag, an outfit designed to mock people's desire to be patriotic. But Hoffman hasn't come to downtown Chicago to pull off any kind of theatrical stunt. He's here today to take care of some official business in City Hall, getting permits to protest. As Hoffman begins making his way

through the long corridors of City Hall, he tenses up. To him, this is enemy territory. He spots a framed portrait of Chicago's mayor, Richard Daley, a key figure in the machine of the Democratic Party. There are police officers everywhere, too, and lobbyists hobnobbing in the hallway. Hoffman would love to say something snide to force everyone here in City Hall to see their own hypocrisy and corruption and vice, but he holds it in and continues walking to the office of a city councilman he needs to see. When he arrives, he knocks politely and opens the door.

Mr. Hoffman, please come in, have a seat. Wow, no, that's okay. This shouldn't take long. All right then. Well, you asked for this meeting. What can I help you with? Well, you know exactly how you can help. Since January, I've been trying to get permits. But so far, all I've gotten from the city is stonewalling. Well, tell me about what you've got planned. You'll be protesting, right? Yeah. We're going to gather in the parks, put on demonstrations, workshops, rock concerts.

It's going to be a festival of life. People are going to be... All right. All right, Mr. Hoffman, I need to stop you there. We're talking about the Democratic National Convention, an event that could give us the next president of this country. So look, disagreeing with matters of policy is fine, but we can't allow disruptions to the democratic process.

No, no, you don't understand. This is the democratic process. That party, the Democrats, they're never going to stop supporting the Vietnam War unless we speak out. That's our right. That's the democratic process. Mr. Hoffman, I'm going to be frank. I know you keep company with burnouts and drug users with your dope and flag burning. So no, I'm not inclined to let you interrupt the serious business of this country. Serious business? Look, we have a constitutional right to protest. But if we don't get these permits, yeah, yeah, I think then that's when things get serious. You know the police are going to be all over us, and I can't think of anything more serious than that. Mr.

Hoffman, I have heard you out, but I'm telling you I'm not going to help you get the permits. But good luck with your cause. As Hoffman stands staring at the city councilman, he gets an urge to do something that would cause all the squares in City Hall to lose their minds. But instead, with a sneer, he tells the councilman that he's no patriot. He's not standing up for American values, American democracy. How could he be when he denies the people their First Amendment rights? Before the councilman can respond, Hoffman turns on his heels, out of City Hall, and back out into the bustling streets of downtown Chicago. A couple weeks later, Tom Hayden sits down with a group of political activists in the south side of Chicago.

The men all have scruffy beards and are wearing plaid shirts and faded jeans. They're leaders of the National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam, or MOAB, as most people call it. Together, they're some of Hayden's closest allies and engaged in the same political struggles. But recently, their partnership has been a source of conflict. The leaders of MOAB asked Hayden to help organize their protests outside the Democratic National Convention. Hayden had already brought on board a large group of activists for the protests and was happy to bring more people into the fold. But Hayden and his fellow organizers are up against a large obstacle. The convention is only a week away, but Chicago officials are still refusing to grant permits.

Hayden knows that every American has the constitutional right to speak out and march in protest against the government. But if a rally is large enough, local governments will require organizers to get permits. And this has some of the leaders in Moab shaken. require organizers to get permits. And this has some of the leaders in Moab shaken. Without legal clearance, protesters can face harassment from the police. But Hayden believes that if they want to make a difference at the DNC, they're going to have to march, permits or not. And that's the message he hopes to get across in this meeting with Dave Dellinger, a stocky 53-year-old with combed-over gray hair. He's the chairman of MOAB and an outspoken pacifist. As the meeting gets underway, Dellinger explains that his goal hasn't changed.

He wants permits from the city of Chicago to make sure the protests remain peaceful. Hayden tells Dellinger that he appreciates the more cautious approach and he agrees. He doesn't want people to get hurt. But he also believes it's time for everyone else to let go of their fantasies. By now, there is no doubt that Chicago city officials are going to remain obstinate. They see the protesters as a bunch of hippie burnouts. They're not going to issue the permits. And though Dellinger thinks they could put public pressure on the city, file lawsuits, get the press or even Mayor Daley involved. Hayden believes that's all wishful thinking. Chicago is a dangerous place to fight for civil rights. Just this past spring, the police attacked

anti-war demonstrators without any provocation. The situation was even worse after Martin Luther King was assassinated. Riots broke out in the street. Mayor Daley ordered officers to fire at looters and arsonists. Chicago officials have shown no tolerance for dissent of any kind. So while trying to get a permit is a good intention, Hayden insists they have to be realistic. The city's not going to sanction a large-scale demonstration. Dellinger looks down, seeming distraught and worried about the prospects for violence. Hayden agrees. That's the risk.

But Bobby Kennedy was just shot and killed, and no one in the Democratic Party seems interested in ending the war. If they want to push the Democrats in the right direction, they're going to have to face the threat of violence. It takes a bit of maneuvering and hand-holding, but eventually Hayden wins over his fellow organizers.

So everyone's on board. They're going to Chicago, whether or not they get the permits. And Hayden and his fellow activists are likely going to come head-to-head with the Chicago PD. He was hip-hop's biggest mogul, the man who redefined fame, fortune, and the music industry. The first male rapper to be honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sean Diddy built an empire and lived a life most people only dream about. But just as quickly as his empire rose, it came crashing down. Today I'm announcing the unsealing of a three-count indictment, charging Sean Combs with racketeering conspiracy,

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On the north side of Chicago, Tom Hayden is walking through a grassy field in Lincoln Park. There's a gentle breeze coming in from the lake, and in every direction there are crowds of young people playing guitars, reading books, rolling out sleeping bags, getting ready to settle in for the night. Hayden checks his watch. It's almost 11, and so far the evening has gone without incident. But Hayden is under no illusion about how quickly everything could change. Lincoln Park is now crowded with about a thousand protesters, all of them gearing up for tomorrow's Democratic National Convention near downtown. No one appears to be causing a scene or posing a threat to public

safety, but as Hayden expected, Chicago officials refused to issue permits for the protest, and Chicago police put in place an 11 p.m. curfew requiring everyone to clear out for the night. Hayden isn't sure how the police are going to respond when they see the protesters ignoring that curfew. With the Chicago PD's reputation for violence, Hayden is feeling a little uneasy. But at this point, all he can really do is watch and wait. So Hayden walks alongside his friend and fellow organizer, Rennie Davis, and together the two meander across the grassy field,

greeting other protesters. Davis checks his watch. It's 1040, only 20 minutes before the curfew is set to kick in. And looking around at this peaceful scene, Davis feels hopeful. If the police were going to do anything, it surely would have happened by now. Hayden wishes he shared his friend's optimism, but believes Davis is getting ahead of himself. They haven't passed the curfew.

The police could still show up. Davis knows Hayden is right, but he still hopes that things stay calm. They've managed a decent turnout, even without permits from the city and the possibility of a clash with the police. But if everything goes like it's going right now, there's a good chance more protesters are going to show up. The two men continue ambling through the park

as Davis checks his watch again and again. Minutes pass until it's well past curfew, and both men begin feeling like they can let their guard down. Until Hayden hears a shrill, loud sound that stops him in stride. He pauses, waiting, and then he hears it again. The unmistakable sound of a whistle being blown in sharp bursts, followed by people screaming and shouting somewhere off in the distance. Hayden glances at Davis, and they both know that the police have arrived. A minute later, there's a thunder of footsteps as protesters come storming

across the park. Behind them are dozens of police wearing gas masks and riot helmets. Swirling all around them is what appears to be tear gas fired into the crowds. The stampede grows closer, but Hayden remains frozen in place, unsure what to do. He doesn't want to flee. He can't leave his people at the mercy of the cops. But as he agonizes over the decision, a canister of tear gas suddenly lands just a few feet away. Clouds of vapor surround him, and Hayden begins

coughing uncontrollably, his eyes and chest burning. Then the stampede overtakes him, and a confusing swirl of bodies. But as Hayden staggers forward, he can see that everyone seems to be doing the only thing that makes sense, getting out of the park. So Hayden joins the crowd, running as fast as he can, trying to find his way back to an empty city street. Two days later, Bobby Seale steps out of a cab and begins walking into Lincoln Park. It's evening in Chicago, and most of the streets in this neighborhood have already quieted down. But the park is still brimming with activity. There are more than a thousand people sprawled out on the grass. Hippie folk singers are strumming guitars, and blue-collar types are

sitting on blankets listening to the music. The crowd is a grab bag of Chicago locals and people from out of town. And while there's a wide range of personalities out here in the park, they do have one thing in common. Almost all of them are white. 31-year-old Bobby Seale is not. He's the co-founder of the Black Panther Party, a national organization fighting for Black empowerment and social change. Seale knows that a lot of protesters in Chicago are like-minded and engaged in the same struggle for social justice. And it's not that he's bothered to see so few black men like himself

in this crowd. What he's worried about is the possibility of a violent clash with police. He heard what happened only a couple of days ago. People fled the park without much incident, but Seal can imagine the cops are waiting for another excuse to strike. And frankly, he doesn't want to be here when it happens. He wasn't even supposed to come to Chicago in the first place. He's only filling in for a fellow Black Panther who was scheduled to be one of the speakers but had to bail at the last minute. So Bobby will give a rousing speech

and then get out of town and back to California. Seal is making his way through the park when he hears what sounds like someone calling out for him. Bobby! Hey, Bobby! Seal turns around and sees Jerry Rubin, the radical activist and co-founder of the Yippies. Rubin has frazzled, long brown hair, a mangy beard, and a giant grin on his face. Beside him is Dave Dellinger, the organizer from Moab. Hey, Bobby. I'm glad you made it, brother.

Jerry, good to see you. Yeah, man, I'm glad you made it, brother. Jerry, good to see you. Yeah, man. Good to see you. But look at all this. Not bad, right? We got a real crowd. You sure do. But I heard the news about the cops. Yeah, man. But that was yesterday and today's today. Things should be cooling down. I don't know. I think that was just the start. Oh, come on, Bobby. look around. It's under control. People are playing guitar, singing, dancing, and waiting for you to get up on stage. Are you ready? Yeah, I'm ready. Good. And please tell me you're going to stick around after.

We've got events the whole rest of the week. Oh, no, Jerry, I'm taking off. Got to get back to California. What? You're here, in Chicago. This is an opportunity. We can make some change. Put pressure on the Democrats. Nah, Jerry, I'm taking off. I appreciate your optimism,

but when I look around, I see a tinderbox. There are a lot of police. Well, it's Chicago. What are you gonna do? I'm gonna play it safe and get back to California. Man, when the pigs get their hands on you,

yeah, you might take a beating. But me? I'm a Black Panther. So no, I'm not taking that risk. Right, okay, man. I respect that. But you're here. We've got a stage, a mic, a sound system. Come on, let's go inspire people. Let's get them to take action. Well, that is what I'm here for.

A few minutes later, Seal gets up on stage and begins addressing the audience. He tells the protesters that it's their responsibility to stand up for themselves, to take on the authorities. And so if the police confront them

while they're engaged in peaceful protest, there's only one response. Seal tells the crowd to use revolutionary tactics. And that means fighting back, even hitting police officers with their own billy clubs. It's the only way to strike back against oppression. The crowd cheers its approval.

And as he looks out at thousands of hopeful faces, Bobby Seale gives his final message, a rousing phrase and the motto of the Black Panthers, power to the people. A day later, activist Rennie Davis makes his way across Grant Park in downtown Chicago. It's mid-afternoon, and as Davis walks across the grass lawn, he passes a group of bearded hippies lounging in the sun. They're sitting alongside women in colorful beads, reading out loud from radical pamphlets. It's no surprise seeing all the representatives of America's

counterculture here. As a leader and students for a democratic society, Davis himself has been plugged into left-wing organizations for years. It wasn't hard to organize people from his network and convince them to come to Chicago. But Davis has also managed to organize a number of people who are more straight-laced, guys in collared shirts with clean-cut hair, the types that don't normally show up for a protest. It's now a broad cross-section of the American public, with about 10,000 people here gathered in Grant Park. Davis knows this large showing is a testament to the appeal of their message,

that it's not just hippies who want the Vietnam War to come to an end. But with such a large crowd, Davis has grown even more concerned about people's safety. Ever since the other night in Lincoln Park, the cops have been keeping up a steady drumbeat of harassment, beating, tear-gassing, and even shooting blanks at protesters. And it only seems to be causing an escalating cycle of conflict. Protesters feel antagonized and now have begun throwing rocks and bottles back at the police. That's caused the police to respond with even more force, making the situation worse and more volatile. Davis can tell it's only a matter of time before someone gets badly hurt. But he and his fellow organizers aren't ready to call this off. Tonight, the Democrats will officially announce Hubert Humphrey

as their presidential nominee. Humphrey is the current vice president, and unlike former front runner Bobby Kennedy, Humphrey supports the Vietnam War. The whole point of this demonstration is to push back against the Democrats and get them to change their position on the war. So even though tensions are escalating, the organizers are still planning to hold a rally later tonight outside the downtown Hilton, not far from the DNC. There, in front of the national media, they'll voice their opposition to Humphrey and call out the Democrats for embracing a senseless war. Davis continues walking through the park when he hears a loud cheer behind him. He turns

and sees just a few feet away, a long-haired man without a shirt is shimmying up a flagpole toward an American flag at the top. The man's apparently trying to grab it. Instinctively, Davis glances over at a squad of police officers hovering near the flagpole. Their presence here is actually a piece of good news. Chicago officials finally relented and offered a permit for the rally. But Davis knows permits can only do so much to restrain the police. And as this shirtless man continues up the flagpole, Davis notices the police officers nearby are moving forward, clutching their nightsticks. The situation's about to unravel, so Davis grabs a megaphone and tells the man not to touch the American flag, to stop what he's doing and climb down the pole.

The man pauses, but has a mischievous look in his eyes. Davis wonders if his warning isn't just going to provoke the man further, but he seems to get the message, and slowly he begins inching his way down the pole back to the ground. Davis breathes a sigh of relief and grabs his megaphone again, telling the approaching police that everything is under control, they should pull back. But the police ignore him, and suddenly canisters of tear gas come arcing over the crowd. The police begin swinging nightsticks, knocking protesters to the ground. Pandemonium erupts in every direction, and as the crowd comes surging forward, Davis hears someone call his name. He turns and realizes that it's not a fellow protester, a friend, or ally. It's the police

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The decisions, denials and devastating consequences bringing the Titan to its knees and what, if anything, can save the company's reputation now. Thank you. It's August 28, 1968, and Tom Hayden is fighting his way through a chaotic jumble of protesters and police officers in downtown Chicago. Just minutes ago, a melee erupted in Grant Park after police officers began beating a protester who had climbed a flagpole. after police officers began beating a protester who had climbed a flagpole. The violence spread in a horrifying wave, and officers started swinging in every direction, sending men and women crashing to the ground. It wasn't supposed to come to this. Hayden and his fellow organizers thought they'd done everything to maintain a peaceful protest of the Vietnam War.

But now Hayden can see their efforts have come completely undone. People are crawling through the grass, blood dripping through their teeth. Some are even unconscious. And while Hayden knows he has to do something to stem the violence, he first needs to get to his fellow organizer and friend, Rennie Davis. Davis had been at the base of the flagpole as the protesters went climbing up. He was playing the role of mediator, calling out through a megaphone, telling the man to come down, to stay away from the American flag. And he was begging the police

to restrain themselves. No one should have attacked him, but Chicago police lost their self-control. And now Davis is lying on the ground and doesn't seem to be getting up. Hayden breaks through the crowd and makes his way to the flagpole. There, Davis is lying on the ground with his eyes shut. His black horn-rimmed glasses are slanted across his face, and there's a wide gash down the middle of his forehead, oozing blood. Hayden kneels and lays a hand on Davis' shoulder. Hey, Rennie, Rennie, Rennie, wake up. Wake up. Come on, man.

Hayden turns and calls out to a group of protesters. Hey, someone get help. Get a medic. Hayden squeezes his friend's hand, deeply concerned. Come on, Renny. Come on. Pull through. You gotta be okay. You gotta be okay. Hayden pinches his eyes shut, feeling a wave of agonizing terror. He can't lose Renny. He has a good heart. And the most sincere commitment to the cause.

Hayden is almost crying, and suddenly he hears a raspy voice. Tom? Hayden looks down and sees Davis fluttering his eyes. Rennie! Rennie, are you okay? What? They said something. Who? The cops. The cops said kill Davis. And then one came right at me. He hit me in the face.

Oh, man, you were being peaceful. You didn't swing at them or something? No, man. Oh, God. No, I don't know. I think they were just looking for an excuse. Come on, we gotta get you out of here. You're bleeding pretty bad. Davis tries to get up, but then falls back onto the grass. Tom, I don't know. I'm real dizzy. Randy, you're going to be okay. Hang in there. Just... We need a medic!

Hang in there. Hayden scans the park, seeing if anyone heard him. But in every direction, police officers and protesters are still locked in a violent clash, ignoring Hayden's calls for assistance. So he turns back to Davis, his face now coated in blood. Hayden wonders if this might be it, if his friend is about to die in front of him. But as his fear begins to mount, someone lays a hand on Hayden's shoulder, pushing him aside. Glancing back, he sees it's one of the medics organized

by the protesters. Right behind him is another medic with a stretcher. They tell Hayden an ambulance is only a few minutes away. The medics quickly load up Davis and carry him away. Hayden is left kneeling on the grass with a small measure of relief. Hopefully Davis is going to pull through. But as he looks back across the park, Hayden notices a group of police officers blocking the exit. Their faces are bright red, and there's a hateful look in their eyes. Hayden has always been one to call for peace and understanding, a nonviolent engagement with the political process. But tonight might be changing things.

Hayden doesn't believe protesters can keep on running from the police. They're going to have to stand up for themselves. They might have to even fight back. changing things. Hayden doesn't believe protesters can keep on running from the police. They're going to have to stand up for themselves. They might have to even fight back. Several hours later, in downtown Chicago, Tom Hayden comes marching down the middle of Michigan Avenue with thousands of protesters trailing behind him. Up ahead is the Hilton Hotel, where delegates to the Democratic National Convention are staying. The 30-story building stands looming against a darkening sky. But down the block, in front of the hotel, is a long line of police, a human barricade in blue. Hayden narrows his eyes as he approaches the officers. He knows the Chicago PD wants to shut

them down. The city wants to show them that they have the might and the muscle to put an end to the movement. And ever since the skirmish at the flagpole, helicopters have been circling the sky. Local police are now marching side by side with National Guardsmen and Army combat troops. Some of the men are carrying flamethrowers. Others have bazookas. It all feels like Chicago is turning into a police state, a war zone. Enough is enough. So Tom Hayden called on thousands of protesters to march on the Hilton Hotel to push back against this military machine that's running Chicago. But Hayden knows the risks. He can see the police are ready for battle and knows this show of force will scare many people off.

So he calls out to his protesters, urging everyone to stay strong and keep moving forward. A minute later, they come to a stop in front of the police blockade, only a stone's throw from the Hilton. An officer with a megaphone steps forward and orders everyone to turn around. But instead, several protesters take a seat on the forward and orders everyone to turn around. But instead, several protesters take a seat on the ground and begin chanting, the whole world is watching. The chant spreads quickly through the crowd, with more and more joining in, the whole world is watching. Tom Hayden begins chanting it himself, feeling a pride in this show of civil disobedience and non-violence. And as he looks around, he sees

reporters and news cameramen capturing the entire event. That's when the inevitable happens. Hayden hears a pop somewhere in the distance and looks over and sees another cloud of tear gas wafting through the protesters. People begin coughing, covering their faces, and suddenly the police break ranks, their officers charging forward and swinging clubs. The scene quickly turns into another chaotic melee, a crush of bodies and people screaming in fear. Hayden dips his head and makes for the direction of the Hilton, trying his best to dodge the police officers

and get away from the noxious and hazy plumes of tear gas. Somehow, he and dozens of fellow protesters find their way through the madness and to the front doors of the Hilton. But the group is quickly surrounded by police who charge forward, wrestle the protesters to the ground, and spray them with cans of mace. The police pummel them, forcing the group back toward a large plate glass window. Hayden keeps retreating, trying to avoid the blows of the police, when suddenly there's a huge crash, like a thousand dinner plates shattering at the same time.

Hayden tumbles backward through the now shattered window, falling over, slamming his head against the ground. He and the other demonstrators have crashed through the front of the Haymarket Lounge, the upscale bar attached to the Hilton. He and the other demonstrators have crashed through the front of the Haymarket Lounge, the upscale bar attached to the Hilton. The patrons inside are staring, some even still sipping cocktails. But just as quickly as Hayden gets his bearings, he sees police officers streaming through the broken glass and storming into the lounge.

They shove aside the bar patrons, knocking drinks out of their hands and turning over tables. People in the bar shriek in fear, but the police only continue their assault, kicking and punching the protesters, hitting them with nightsticks. Hayden's knees wobble as he stands, but by some miracle, he hasn't been hit badly. He thinks he can still get out of here in one piece,

but he's woozy and disoriented, and there are so many people and bright flashes of light. Hayden looks desperately around for an exit and sees, outside the bar, a group of journalists capturing all of it. The brutality of the Chicago police, the violence and destruction, in the face of an otherwise peaceful protest. A lot of people got hurt tonight, and while the crackdown by Chicago police was a setback, the activists can celebrate a real victory. The whole world is

watching. From Wondery, this is Episode 1 of the Chicago 7 for American Scandal. In our next episode, President Richard Nixon works to undermine the anti-war movement, and eight alleged leaders of the Chicago protests are indicted on federal charges. You've just listened to episode one of our season on The Chicago 7, but the real story is just getting started. In the coming episodes, you'll see seven activists square off against a system that seems determined to crush their movement. And with Judge Julius Hoffman showing open bias and federal prosecutors eager to make an example out of them, the stakes couldn't be higher. As the Chicago 7's trial spirals into chaos, will they manage to turn their courtroom fight into a symbol of resistance, or will they be silenced by just a system determined to punish

dissent? To listen to the rest of this season of American Scandal, start your free trial of Wondery Plus in the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. With Wondery Plus, you can listen to the rest of this season of American Scandal, start your free trial of Wondery Plus in the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. With Wondery Plus, you can listen to other incredible history podcasts like American History Tellers, History Daily, Tides of History, and more. Download the Wondery app today. If you'd like to learn more about the Chicago 7, we recommend the books Reunion, A Memoir by Tom Hayden, The Autobiography of Abby Hoffman, From Yale to Jail by David Dellinger, Conspiracy in the Streets, edited by John Wiener, and Seize the Time by Bobby Seale. This episode contains reenactments and dramatized details.

And while in most cases we can't know exactly what was said, all our dramatizations are based on historical research. American Scandal is hosted, edited, and executive produced by me, Lindsey Graham, for Airship. Audio editing by Molly Bach. Sound design by Derek Behrens. Music by Lindsey Graham. This episode is written by Hannibal Diaz, edited by Christina Malsberger. Our senior producer is Gabe Riven. Executive producers are Stephanie Jens, Jenny Lauer Beckman, and Marshall Louis for Wondering.