George McGovern "coming to the end of his life"

PIERRE, S.D. Longtime former U.S. Sen. George McGovern, the Democratic presidential candidate who lost to President Richard Nixon in a historic landslide, has moved into hospice care near his home in South Dakota, his family said Monday.

"He's coming to the end of his life," his daughter, Ann McGovern, told The Associated Press. She declined to elaborate but noted that her 90-year-old father has suffered several health problems in the last year.

• George McGovern in the hospital
• George McGovern in hospital for tests

George McGovern, who became a leader of the Democrats' liberal wing during his three decades in Congress, lost his 1972 challenge to Nixon, who later resigned amid the Watergate scandal. McGovern has turned his focus in recent years to world hunger.

It was after a lecture tour last October that he was treated for exhaustion. Two months later, he fell and hit his head just before a scheduled interview with C-SPAN for a program focusing on failed presidential candidates who've had a lasting impact on American politics.

McGovern also spent several days in a Florida hospital in April for tests to determine why he occasionally passed out and had difficulty speaking.

His daughter said he has moved in the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, where he moved in August to spend more time near his family. He had been splitting his time between homes in Mitchell, S.D., and Florida.

McGovern was a member of the U.S. House from 1957 to 1961 and a U.S. senator from 1963 to 1981.

[XIVwords]

As I said about Nixon after he was gone, so I now say about McGovern: de Mortibus nihil nisi bono.

[Baxter21638]

Thank you for your service and for making me aware that there were people who could hate war but admire the warriors. You courage in writing of your family back when alcohol skeletons stayed in the closet was admirable in a way that also helped so many others. South Dakota and the entire country were luck to have you. Peaceful Journey sir.

[superdem1]

George McGovern was the first Presidential candidate I was eligible to vote for. It was so obvious that he was far superior to the criminal Richard Nixon, yet the Republicans turned out in droves to vote for Nixon, even as the papers daily revealed the massive criminality of the Nixon Administration. And today, nothing has changed. Again the Republicans unite behind a clearly unfit candidate who will do our nation great harm. The Republicans have never changed, and they will never change, because they still support the moneyed class, and no one else. Senator McGovern was pure and good, but this nation rejected him. A very sad commentary which we must NOT repeat.

[rwsmith29456]

Rampant inflation, Watergate, winding down Vietnam. I was for Nixon but I can admit my mistake.

[bbarnes5557]

George McGovern, American hero,,,,sad to hear that he is slipping away.

[cbs_tom]

I remember in 1972, I was in the 5th grade and we held a school-wide election. I voted for George McGovern and I believe he won our school election.

[djseavy]

George McGovern symbolizes what our government is supposed to be about. He single-handedly did more good for our country than the entire present administration combined. His style, philosophy and leadership stood for what was good for America, unlike those who come after his time and worry only about what is good for them at the expense of America. He can go out knowing he did his very best, and his very best had all Americans in mind.

[talkin2u]

We should never forget the lasting impression that these great public servants have had on our political landscape and on our lives in ways we can't even see.

[calif7]

A great American World War II hero. Thanks George for your service to our country.

[wmdmia]

Sometimes the American voter is blind. They see in a man of peace, someone who is weak. McGovern would have ended that insane war quickly and then turn to heal our nation.

For some reason some voters believe that a punch in the face in better than working towards solutions. This was clearly evident during the Bush war in Iraq. What is lost on so many Americans is how warriors like McGovern understand how terrible war is and because of that how important it is to avoid it whenever possible.

George will go to his maker knowing without doubt that he did the right thing for his country.