In 1968, riots broke out in the streets of Chicago during the Democratic National Convention, highlighting the political turmoil of the time--and also, according to some writers of special events coverage, the dangers of insuring a national political convention. Such concerns are much on the minds of Republican and Democratic Party leaders preparing for their presidential nominating conventions in less than a month.

While many unique events and circumstances--including the Vietnam War and multiple assassinations of high-profile figures--contributed to the unrest within the country leading up to the 1968 convention, some insurance experts pointed out that events concerning politics in general, especially on a national scale, can elicit passionate responses from people unlike most other types of special events.

Both the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee refused to comment on their insurance purchasing decisions, or even reveal who was providing coverage for their respective conventions, let alone outline their security and risk management strategies.