McGovern begins his presidential campaign
In a televised speech Senator George S.McGovern (D-South Dakota) begins his antiwar campaign for the 1972 Democratic presidential nomination by vowing to bring home all U.S.soldiers from Vietnam if he is elected.
McGovern won his partys nomination but was defeated in the general election by incumbent Richard Nixon.With only 55 percent of the electorate votingthe lowest turnout since 1948Nixon carried all states but Massachusetts taking 97 percent of the electoral votes.During the campaign Nixon pledged to secure peace with honor in Vietnam.Aided by the potential for a peace agreement in the ongoing Paris negotiations and the upswing in the American economy Nixon easily defeated McGovern an outspoken dove whose party was divided over several issues including McGoverns extreme views on the war.
McGovern said during the campaign If I were president it would take me 24 hours and the stroke of a pen to terminate all military operations in Southeast Asia.He further stated that he would withdraw all American troops within 90 days of taking office whether or not U.S.POWs were released.
To many Americans including a large number of Democrats McGoverns position was tantamount to total capitulation in Southeast Asia.Given this alternative most voters chose Nixon.
