"Miami and the Siege of Chicago" by Norman Mailer provides an in-depth, informal account of the tumultuous political conventions of 1968, contrasting the Republican and Democratic events. The book highlights the deep divisions within American society during this period, capturing the essence of the civil rights movement, anti-war protests, and the generational clash affecting the political landscape. Mailer's distinct narrative style weaves personal observations with historical commentary, making the events feel immediate and impactful.
The Republican National Convention in Miami is depicted as a more subdued affair compared to the Democratic convention in Chicago. In Miami, the proceedings are marked by traditional political maneuvering, while Chicago becomes a battleground between protestors and law enforcement following a highly contentious and chaotic atmosphere. Mailer’s vivid descriptions serve to underline the stark contrasts experienced at each convention and what they represented to the American public.