A lesson from the worst DNC in history

And Jen Psaki gets a behind-the-scenes look at this week's DNC [VIEW IN BROWSER]( MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 THE LATEST [Alternate text] [This year's DNC will be the opposite of 1968 thanks to a lesson learned the hard way]( By]( Lawrence O'Donnell 1968 was one of the worst years in American history. In the middle of that year was the [worst Democratic National Convention]( in history. In Chicago. When the Democrats convene in the same place this month, their convention will be the opposite of 1968 thanks to the [lesson learned the hard way then:]( Never again. 1968 was a year of death. The death of soldiers. The death of leaders. The death of dreams. 1968 was the deadliest year of the Vietnam War for American soldiers and the families who lost them. 16,899 American soldiers [were killed]( in Vietnam that year, more than double the number of Americans killed in all wars since then. I went to my first military funeral in 1968 and watched a general cry burying his son, my cousin Johnny, a recent West Point graduate who led troops in combat for four months before winning the Silver Star on the day he was killed in action. Everyone knew someone who lost a loved one in Vietnam. Everyone knew someone who lost a loved one in Vietnam. We were living in a national death gloom on a scale unknown since then, including the fear of death in the millions of young men who were at or, in my case, approaching the age of eligibility for the draft — with no end of the war in sight. Thousands of those young men with draft cards in their wallets, alongside some of their girlfriends and sisters and peace advocates of all ages, went to Chicago in 1968 to demand an end to the Vietnam War. For them, the stakes at the convention were nothing less than life and death. This is a preview of Lawrence O'Donnell's latest article. [Read the full column here.]( TOP STORIES [Alternate text] [JARVIS DEBERRY]( [Republicans’ outrage over the DNC host city shows why it’s the perfect choice]( Chicago does have a violent crime problem. However, Americans misperceive actual levels of crime in part because Republicans need them to misperceive it. [Read more.]( [BRANDON OUSLEY]( [Why Beyoncé's 'Freedom' is the perfect campaign song for Kamala Harris]( Beyoncé has always been intentional about using her artistry to advocate for women’s empowerment, sisterhood, community, Black culture and freedom. [Read more.]( ALEXANDER NAZARYAN]( [Democrats are united and focused — for a change]( There’s a reason “Dems in disarray” is a cliche. But in an extraordinarily rare occurrence, Democrats are actually acting like they want to win. [Read more.]( [JULIA AZARI, WILLIAM ADLER]( JD Vance isn’t helping Trump’s ticket. Removing him would be even worse.]( JD Vance is doing a historically bad job. Don’t expect Trump to do anything about it. [Read more.](     MSNBC LIVE: DEMOCRACY 2024 [Alternate text] On Saturday, September 7th, you can attend "MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024," our inaugural fan event in Brooklyn, New York. Hear thought-provoking conversations about the most pressing issues of our time, and take part in a sit-down dinner for an insider's view of this critical moment in our democracy. [Buy your tickets now.]( TOP VIDEOS [Alternate text] [INSIDE WITH JEN PSAKI]( ['We're ready': Jen Psaki gets a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming DNC]( [WATCH NOW]( [MORNING JOE]( [Sen. Graham warns 'showman' Trump could lose election]( [WATCH NOW]( [THE WEEKEND]( [Why women are leaving the Trump train and standing with Harris]( [WATCH NOW]( [THE WEEKEND]( [How Walz’s bone to pick with Trump, Vance could create enthusiasm for GOP voters]( [WATCH NOW]( MORE FROM MSNBC [Alternate text]   Tonight at 6 p.m. ET, Ari Melber kicks off coverage of the Democratic National Convention, with Joy Reid co-anchoring live from Chicago and Alex Wagner providing special coverage from the convention floor. Then at 8 p.m., they'll join Rachel Maddow and team as they break down day one of the DNC and what it means for the 2024 election. Special coverage begins tonight at 6 p.m. ET on MSNBC. Chris just got back from vacation. It just so happened that he was way during one of the most remarkable periods in American presidential political history. There’s a lot to unpack with our guest this week. Heather McGhee is a New York Times bestselling author of “The Sum of Us” and the board chair at Color of Change, the nation’s largest online racial justice group. She joins WITHpod to discuss the most seismic recent political developments, vibes within the Democratic Party and more. [Listen now.](     MSNBC INSIGHTS [Alternate text] Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! [Join the MSNBC Insights Community.](   Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 [PRIVACY]( | [CONTACT]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE](listvar=sub_daily)