George McGovern: "When people tell me they don't like liberals..."

[G_j]

7. What It Means to Be a Democrat

http://www.amazon.com/What-It-Means-Be-Democrat/dp/0399158227
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George McGovern: Touchstone of Liberalism

John Nichols on October 21, 2012 - 10:54 AM ET
http://www.thenation.com/blog/170712/george-mcgovern-touchstone-liberalism#
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McGovern took it all in with a humility that was uncommon in American political life. He was always on a mission. He appreciated accolades but did not slow down to accept them. To the last, McGovern remained engaged, still mixing politics, history, literature and humanity in ways that only a handful of American presidential contenders—Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, Eugene Victor Debs (about whom McGovern the historian wrote), Henry Wallace (whose advocacy for international cooperation inspired McGovern the young World War II), Adlai Stevenson (with whom McGovern campaigned) and his dear friend John Kennedy—dared attempt.

In the last of his many fine books, What It Means to Be a Democrat (Blue Rider Press, 2011), McGovern maintained that mix. In my favorite passage, McGovern says, “During my years in Congress and for the four decades since, I’ve been labeled a ‘bleeding-heart liberal.’ It was not meant as a compliment, but I gladly accept it. My heart does sometimes bleed for those who are hurting in my own country and abroad.” ..more..