Brandon Johnson, Chicago’s leftist mayor, is struggling
Incompetence rather than ideology is what’s hurting him

There are not many cities in the world where the local government puts on a house-music festival—and even fewer where it would be as delightful as the one held in Chicago over the first weekend of June. On a sunny Sunday people of all races and ages filed into Millennium Park downtown, many clutching blankets, coolers and camp chairs. One attendee, however, was clearly not welcome. At sunset the headliner, Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, a storied Chicago DJ, invited on a special guest. As Brandon Johnson, the mayor, jogged onto the stage, a chorus of boos rang out. Within 45 seconds he had left, his seemingly truncated message that Chicago is “the greatest frickin’ city in the world” not enough to silence the din of dissent.
Explore more
This article appeared in the United States section of the print edition under the headline “No promised land”
United States June 15th 2024
- Five months out, Donald Trump has a clear lead
- Might Wisconsin’s redrawn state-legislative districts help Biden win?
- Hunter Biden’s criminal conviction is good for nobody politically
- Louisiana could soon start castrating child-rapists
- Thousands of American pensioners are retiring on college campuses
- Brandon Johnson, Chicago’s leftist mayor, is struggling
- Joe Biden’s best chance to shake up the race
More from United States

Kamala Harris introduces “Coach” Tim Walz, her trusty running-mate
As Republicans seek to brand their rivals as dangerously liberal, Democrats are matching Donald Trump’s public displays of enthusiasm

Why Kamala Harris picked Tim Walz as her running-mate
Compared with a bolder but more divisive alternative, the Minnesota governor was the easier choice

Kamala Harris leads Donald Trump in our nationwide poll tracker
It is the first lead for a Democratic contender since October 2023
Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history
Her triumphant comeback at the Paris Olympics confirms her as also one of the most popular
Why do conservatives in America love Zyn?
A nicotine pouch has stimulated America’s young men—and the culture wars