George McGovern hospitalized after falling

Former Sen. George McGovern (D-SD) speaks during the wake for R. Sargent Shriver at Holy Trinity Catholic Church January 21, 2011 in Washington, DC. / Photo by Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Former Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern has been hospitalized after falling and hitting his head while getting ready for a live interview on C-SPAN.

McGovern's daughter Ann McGovern tells The Associated Press that her father fell in Mitchell, S.D., and is being transported by helicopter to a Sioux Falls hospital. The former South Dakota senator was getting set to take part in a live program called "The Contenders," focusing on failed presidential candidates who changed the landscape of American politics.

Ann McGovern says the injury is unrelated to her 89-year-old father's hospitalization in late October for exhaustion.

McGovern fell outside of the Dakota Wesleyan University's McGovern Library in Mitchell, which is across the street from one of his homes. Witnesses say he was bleeding profusely but conscious and talking.

[dlhooper81]

Get Well Senator.

[Mike_in_USA]

OH no!!! He fell? Say it isn't so!! (wringing my hands) This is what passes for news? give me a break!

[longtree-2009]

he is 89 y/o. falls are what hurts most senior citizens. he should have been interviewed in his home, live, where he is more familiar with surroundings. it's just age nothing to do with his mental capacity.

[themooniac]

George M is the best! Nixon still sucks.

[realtimecoffee]

And also kudos for taking a shot to the head and saying "Relax dude, it's all copasetic". Get well soon George, and while you can, tell us what you think.

[realtimecoffee]

Watch your step guy, we're not spring chickens anymore. He's a national treasure by the way.