Vote Your Conscience: The Last Campaign of George McGovern (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "One of the great ironies of American politics is that George McGovern, one of the most misinterpreted and misunderstood men ever to seek the presidency,..." (more)
Key Phrases: position paper titled, news about the campaign, vote your conscience, United States, New Hampshire, South Dakota (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Marano's testament to McGovern's tenacity is a welcome addition to the plethora of books on politics today, if only to remind us that there are some real honest-to-god heroes among the imposters at play.”–The Bloomsbury Review

“[A] welcome addition to the McGovern bookshelf.”–South Dakota Magazine

“[M]arano provides a useful account of an episode in the career of one of the twentieth century'd most important politicians, whose success in his own state of South Dakota was as remarkable in its own way as was his failure in the field of presidential politics.”–Great Plains Quarterly

“Admirers of McGovern will regard this book as a vindication of his unrepentant New Dealism. McGovern was a decent man, who was one of the first vicitms of the then-emerging indecency of what we now call the politics of personal destruction....To many, McGovern's conduct in his last campaign is a reminder of what politics once was--before campaigns were driven by attacks and counterattacks.”–Political Science Quarterly

“Marano's book offers an honest appraisal of a decent man trapped by the indecency of the modern political process.”–The Advocate

“[A]n excellent new book....In addition to its usefulness to historians, Marano's book also reveals a hidden secret waiting for the Democratic Party to exploit to its advantage nationwide.”–American Politics Journal

“This excellent new book reminds us all why George McGovern is such a vivid and inspiring symbol of America at its best. In so many ways in his long and outstanding career in public life, he has been a profile in courage for our time, and I wish we had more like him.”–Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA)

“In this appealing account of a significant leader's last campaign, Richard M. Marano makes a solid and worthy contribution to the political history of our time.”–Arthur Schlesinger Jr. Pulitzer Prize-winning historian

“Richard Michael Marano has eloquently captured the understated strength of one of America's most unique public figures. George McGovern is that rare statesman who has been as much a humanitarian as a politician. His moral courage and unparalleled integrity remain powerful influences in our public life. Kudos to Marano for producing a compelling narrative about an extraordinary man.”–Terence R. McAuliffe Chairman, Democratic National Committee

“A trip down memory lane with a view of what might have been. Marano's reconstruction of the 1984 Democratic primary contest reminds us that there's more to politics than winning. McGovern's strength of character and his ideas stand the test of time.”–Eleanor Clift Newsweek contributing editor

“George McGovern personifies Dakota Wesleyan University's motto 'Sacrifice or Service.' From World War II bomber pilot to college professor, from politician to United Nations ambassador, McGovern has dedicated his life to making the world a better place. Vote Your Conscience is a thoughtful, important analysis of the political chapters in the life of this remarkable man who should have been president.”–Laurie Langland Archivist, Senator George McGovern Collection, Dakota Wesleyan University

Product Description

One of the great ironies of American politics is that George McGovern, one of the most misinterpreted and misunderstood men ever to seek the presidency, was also perhaps one of the most intelligent and far-sighted. Sadly, he is generally remembered for his landslide defeat to Richard Nixon in the 1972 presidential contest. This book is an in-depth analysis of the 1984 Democratic campaign, as well as a detailed discussion of George McGovern's common sense program for America.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Publishers (October 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275971899
• ISBN-13: 978-0275971892
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,750,383 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marano Sets the Record Straight, December 18, 2003

By A Customer

Richard Marano provides an in-depth analysis of one of history's most honest, forthright and moral political figures. Marano points out the historical inaccuracies and political misconceptions of George McGovern that plagued him in his last campaign of 1984. Marano also illustrates the pitfalls of the horse-race mentality of American politics, that which overemphasizes the importance of winning verses losing. This mentality adversely affects otherwise highly qualified candidates such as George McGovern as well as the mindset of the voters themselves. Vote Your Conscience makes the reader aware that, despite his shortcomings in the win-loss column, George McGovern's efforts did have a positive impact on society and politics. Marano provides thorough research and rare insight into the life and the ideals of this extraordinary man and well-qualified candidate. He also takes the reader deep inside the political process itself. Richard Marano reminds us to look beyond the hype and headlines, and to look within ourselves and to the raw truth behind the political spotlight, when we cast our votes.

I highly recommend this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As Good a Read as You Will Find!, October 8, 2006

By	William T. Chapman Sr. "scinc" (indianapolis) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A first class chronicle of the 1984 McGovern campaign. Mr.Marano offers a top notch explanation of the motives that pushed Senator McGoveron into the race. You will be inspired by this beautifully written volume.