George McGovern

Full Name: George Stanley McGovern
Profession: Politician and Presidential Candidate

Nationality:

Biography: George McGovern was an American politician, historian, and author who represented South Dakota in the United States Senate from 1963 to 1981 and was the Democratic Party presidential nominee in the 1972 election.

McGovern grew up in South Dakota and, after attending seminary for a year, enrolled at Dakota Wesleyan University. His education was interrupted by World War II, where he served as a bomber pilot, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, he returned to his studies, completing a Ph.D. in history at Northwestern University.

McGovern's academic career transitioned into politics when he became the executive secretary for the South Dakota Democratic Party. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1956 and later to the U.S. Senate in 1962. McGovern's tenure in Congress was marked by his advocacy for progressive policies, particularly in the realms of agriculture, anti-poverty efforts, and opposition to the Vietnam War.

His steadfast opposition to the Vietnam War became the cornerstone of his 1972 presidential campaign. McGovern's platform called for an immediate end to the conflict and the institution of a range of progressive social and economic reforms. Despite this, his campaign suffered from organizational issues, strategic missteps, and the infamous Eagleton affair, in which his running mate, Thomas Eagleton, was replaced on the ticket following revelations of past mental health treatments.

McGovern's presidential bid ultimately ended in a landslide defeat to incumbent President Richard Nixon. His campaign, however, left a lasting mark on the Democratic Party, contributing to significant changes in how the party conducted primaries and nominated candidates.

After his defeat in the 1980 Senate re-election, McGovern remained active in public life. He continued to write and speak on issues such as hunger, poverty, and international peace. He also served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture under President Bill Clinton and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000.

Born: July 19, 1922
Birthplace: Avon, South Dakota, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Dog
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: October 21, 2012 (aged 90)