Tens of thousands of protesters are gearing up to march outside the Democratic National Convention, unapologetically calling out 'Killer Kamala' while demanding a ceasefire in the Israel conflict, all while Chicago businesses brace for impact.

With protests organized by a coalition of mostly left-wing and Arab- and Muslim-American groups, the stakes are high as demonstrators gear up to rally against the Biden-Harris administration's stance on Israel. Expect two protest marches, one at noon on Monday and another at 5 p.m. on Thursday, as cries for an arms embargo grow louder outside the United Center—where Chicago businesses are prepping for an influx of passionate citizens and perhaps a few makeshift toilets, because when you mix protests and politics, public restrooms are always in short supply.

Vice President Harris has found herself at the center of the storm, receiving the unwelcome moniker 'Killer Kamala' from protesters who believe she is complicit in the administration's policies concerning Israel. It's a fair bet that marketing experts would not recommend this strategy for engaging with voters, particularly those already fired up for protests.

The dissenting voices aren't just warming up next to the warm pizza ovens of the city; a group of 30 delegates representing the 'uncommitted' movement within the Democratic National Convention are also set to advocate for their anti-war agenda sans any endorsement of Harris. This is like showing up to a dinner party but refusing to acknowledge the host’s efforts at culinary mastery. Trust us, the host won't enjoy it bodily or emotionally.

The 'March on DNC' coalition has made it clear that they aren’t impressed by Kamala Harris' rise to the top of the ticket. In fact, they maintain that they will not support her — or President Biden for that matter — without solid guarantees regarding an arms embargo on Israel. This level of demand might be what some would call 'ambitious,' while others might just lump it in with the long list of things to not expect in the upcoming election season.

Amid chants of discontent outside the convention, pro-Palestinian voices will take the spotlight both outside and inside the event, looking to ensure that their grievances resonate through the glares and glaring banners. We've all heard that protests are the new art gallery; this one will surely feature some passionate works of displeasure, alongside a few aspirational slogans too fresh to be framed.

The memorial planned outside the United Center for those killed in the ongoing conflict since Hamas' attacks is a solemn reminder of the complex situation at hand. While a march can certainly carry a vibe, moments of reflection separate the avant-garde performance from the heart-wrenching reality of loss. Not a bad way to mix a little pathos with protest — perhaps overselling the melodrama isn’t the goal here.

Concern about potential violence based on the historical context of the 1968 Democratic convention remains alive and well. Chicago’s current Democratic Governor, JB Pritzker, has emphasized that the atmosphere in the city this week is decidedly different from that tumultuous period. After all, it’s not as if the protestors have invited the National Guard to the neighborhood BBQ, though it may remain an ominous expectation from some wary residents.

In preparation for the demonstrations, businesses in downtown Chicago have taken the precaution of boarding up their windows — a curious mix of thriftiness and foreboding. It's almost as if they are preparing for an extended blackout in a horror movie, minus the suspense of waiting for a ghost to appear; instead, they could be facing the specter of raw democracy.

Of particular note, the city has permitted protests, albeit with some restrictions. The allowance comes with limitations on sound equipment and, oddly enough, portable toilets. Clearly, the city wants to ensure that while voices are raised, lavatory logistics are kept in check. Because nothing kills a protest vibe quite like an over-reliance on public facilities in a gridlocked area.

And if all of that wasn’t enough, the coalition behind the protests has developed plans to extend their march route from the originally proposed 1.1 miles to a grand total of 2.4 miles. This seems to capture the spirit of not just protesting but also of taking long scenic routes through political discord. After all, what better way is there to articulate dissatisfaction than to physically stretch it out?

As the protests loom ahead, the anticipation of significant turnout remains paired with the uncertainty surrounding Biden's future and Harris' endorsement. Statements claiming coordination and commitment could soon result in sprawling demonstrations that would make any seasoned protester proud, assuming they can maintain the legitimacy of their demands without transforming their gathering into a cartoonish caricature.