This book is an in-depth analysis of the 1984 Democratic campaign, as well as a detailed discussion of George McGovern's common sense program for America.
One of the great ironies of American politics is that George McGovern, one of the most misinterpreted and misunderstood men ever to seek the presidency, was also perhaps one of the most intelligent and far-sighted. Sadly, he is generally remembered for his landslide defeat to Richard Nixon in the 1972 presidential contest. The stigma of that defeat has often overshadowed McGovern's otherwise influential and respectable career in politics. Richard Michael Marano shows that despite his infamous defeat, McGovern—very much a man of high principles—stood tall and spoke his conscience when he decided in 1983 that he would again run for the presidency. While his candidacy was at first seen by many as a pathetic attempt by a political has-been to relive past glories, McGovern quickly proved his critics wrong by running a solid, admirable campaign.
In an era of conservatism, McGovern offered the American voter a clear alternative to the politics of Ronald Reagan, and his campaign helped guide the Democratic candidates onto a platform based on substantive issues and common sense ideas. Marano, a McGovern activist in the Connecticut campaign, provides an inside, yet detailed and documented, account of McGovern's last play on the national stage and all that went into it. This book is an in-depth analysis of the 1984 Democratic campaign, as well as a detailed discussion of George McGovern's common sense program for America.
Prologue
Introduction: A Visit with the Ghost of Elections Past
The New Right and the Old Paranoia: Senate Defeat
The Decision to Run: Quixotic or Common Sense
This Land Is Your Land: The Press Reaction
On the Road Again
The McGovern Platform: Realism and Common Sense
This Land Is My Land: Iowa
New Hampshire on a Shoestring
Super Tuesday: Massachusetts or Bust
The Peacemaker
Appendices
End Notes
Acknowledgments
Reviews
[M]arano provides a useful account of an episode in the career of one of the twentieth century'd most important politicians, whose success in his own state of South Dakota was as remarkable in its own way as was his failure in the field of presidential politics.—Great Plains Quarterly
Admirers of McGovern will regard this book as a vindication of his unrepentant New Dealism. McGovern was a decent man, who was one of the first vicitms of the then-emerging indecency of what we now call the politics of personal destruction....To many, McGovern's conduct in his last campaign is a reminder of what politics once was--before campaigns were driven by attacks and counterattacks.—Political Science Quarterly
Endorsements
This excellent new book reminds us all why George McGovern is such a vivid and inspiring symbol of America at its best. In so many ways in his long and outstanding career in public life, he has been a profile in courage for our time, and I wish we had more like him.—Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA)
In this appealing account of a significant leader's last campaign, Richard M. Marano makes a solid and worthy contribution to the political history of our time.—Arthur Schlesinger Jr.^LPulitzer Prize-winning historian
Richard Michael Marano has eloquently captured the understated strength of one of America's most unique public figures. George McGovern is that rare statesman who has been as much a humanitarian as a politician. His moral courage and unparalleled integrity remain powerful influences in our public life. Kudos to Marano for producing a compelling narrative about an extraordinary man.—Terence R. McAuliffe^LChairman, Democratic National Committee
A trip down memory lane with a view of what might have been. Marano's reconstruction of the 1984 Democratic primary contest reminds us that there's more to politics than winning. McGovern's strength of character and his ideas stand the test of time.—Eleanor Clift^L^INewsweek^R contributing editor
George McGovern personifies Dakota Wesleyan University's motto 'Sacrifice or Service.' From World War II bomber pilot to college professor, from politician to United Nations ambassador, McGovern has dedicated his life to making the world a better place. ^IVote Your Conscience^R is a thoughtful, important analysis of the political chapters in the life of this remarkable man who should have been president.—Laurie Langland^LArchivist, Senator George McGovern Collection, Dakota Wesleyan University
