McGovern, 1972

Senator George McGovern (left of center), 1972. He swung through town that year in his presidential campaign against Richard “Dick” Nixon. A Democrat and WWII combat veteran, McGovern’s election would have amounted to a referendum against the Vietnam war.

A campaign flyer produced here read: “The whole country has heard that Students Want George McGovern. Prove it! Take a walk! He was there when we needed him. Now he needs us! Go to the McGovern for President Headquarters, San Diego County.”

Last week, McGovern endorsed Barack Obama’s nomination to the presidency.