George McGovern, a prominent American politician, passed away in 2012 at the age of 90. He was known for his unsuccessful bid for the U.S. presidency in 1972, running on a platform advocating an immediate end to the Vietnam War and liberal social and economic reforms.
McGovern, who served in World War II and later earned a Ph.D. in history, was active in Democratic politics from a young age. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives and later as a senator, emerging as a leading opponent to the United States’ military involvement in Indochina.
In 1972, McGovern secured the Democratic presidential nomination, but he struggled to unify the party and was ultimately defeated by Richard Nixon in the general election. He was reelected to the Senate in 1974 but lost his seat in 1980.
Despite his political setbacks, McGovern remained a respected figure in the Democratic Party, advocating for liberal causes through his writings and lectures. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination again in 1984 but dropped out after a third-place finish in the Massachusetts primary.
Throughout his career, McGovern authored several books, including an autobiography titled “Grassroots” and “What It Means to Be a Democrat.” His legacy as a champion of liberal causes and his contributions to American politics will be remembered for years to come.
Source
Photo credit www.britannica.com
