In the wake of widespread protests against the war in Gaza and the anticipation of further demonstrations at the Democratic National Convention, a political scientist analyzes the history and nature of protests. By comparing protests from the 1950s to the present, the analysis reveals how media, particularly television, has transformed protest strategies and increased their visibility and impact on elite opinions. While some protests fail, others succeed in influencing policy outcomes by capturing national attention and pressuring local decision-makers through dramatic events.