As DNC Navigates Protests on Israel-Hamas War, Adam Swart Defends Role of Paid Demonstrators

At the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel activists are competing for attention as the party grapples with how to address the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The convention, which is focused on projecting unity, has yet to officially confirm whether either side will receive a primetime platform. However, pro-Palestinian activists, led by the “Uncommitted” movement, held a panel discussion on Palestinian rights, marking the first time such a discussion was officially scheduled at a DNC event. The “Uncommitted” movement urged voters to withhold support from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris due to their administration’s strong backing for Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

A session at the convention on “The American Jewish Community and Israel After October 7” is scheduled for Wednesday.

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Meanwhile, pro-Israel advocates are also lobbying for stage time, with families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas seeking to share their stories. Outside the convention, both sides are staging large demonstrations, with pro-Palestinian groups expecting tens of thousands of marchers. As tensions rise, the DNC is walking a fine line, trying to avoid alienating either side of this divisive issue.

Protests have long played a critical role in shaping political discourse, serving as a public platform for people to express their views and influence policy. However, the use of paid protesters has raised ethical questions about the authenticity of these demonstrations. One of the pioneers of this practice is Adam Swart, the founder and CEO of Crowds on Demand, a company that provides paid participants for political protests, rallies, and other events. Swart argues that while his service compensates people for their time, it does not alter their beliefs.

In an interview with The Media Line’s Felice Friedson, Swart discussed the role of paid protesters in modern political movements. You can hear the full interview below.