Death of a Betrayed and Handicapped Man (former US VP Candidate)

[jbg]

Thomas Eagleton, former US Senator from Missouri (1968-86) and Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate for about one month of the 1972 campaign died today at age 77. He was sought after and accepted the VP nomination in an atmosphere where the Democrats in general and McGovern, the Presidential nominee were being ridiculed and in some cases subjected to criminal treatment by the Nixon White House. He is most famous for the inglorious betrayal at the hands of the "peace, love and helping-hand" liberals in the US, who supposedly cared about people.

The excerpts from the New York Times obituary (link) show the depravity of these people.

After others were considered, the campaign settled on Mr. Eagleton, at 42 a young, Roman Catholic senator with a liberal voting record and the good opinion of labor. That afternoon, on July 13, 1972, Frank Mankiewicz, a top McGovern aide, asked Mr. Eagleton if there was anything in his background that might embarrass the campaign.

Mr. Eagleton said there was not. He did not tell Mr. Mankiewicz that he had been hospitalized three times for depression and that his treatment twice involved electroshock therapy.

But rumors began circulating among politicians and journalists. Mr. Eagleton held a news conference on July 25 in Custer, S.D., where he had just briefed the vacationing Mr. McGovern over breakfast. Mr. Eagleton told reporters that he had been treated for “nervous exhaustion.” But in response to questions, he acknowledged that the treatment had included psychiatric counseling and electric shocks.

That day Mr. McGovern said, “I think Tom Eagleton is fully qualified in mind, body and spirit to be the vice president of the United States and, if necessary, to take on the presidency on a moment’s notice.” As objections to Mr. Eagleton mounted, Mr. McGovern insisted that he was “1,000 percent for Tom Eagleton.”

But the pressure from party leaders, campaign contributors and members of Mr. McGovern’s own staff was unrelenting. On July 31, the candidates met again, this time in Washington, and Mr. McGovern forced Mr. Eagleton to withdraw. He stepped down after 18 days as the nominee, saying he had done so for the sake of “party unity.”

This sorry episode is part of what started my path away from believing that liberals are necessarily good people. I had thought they really believed in love, help and compassion before that. I was 15 at time, and had bought into the "peace, love and helping hand" myth the liberals and Democrats presented themselves as adhering to. I believed strongly then, and still do believe, that people are capable of making something of themselves after facing obstacles. To have unceremoniously tossed such a person off the ticket showed a total lack of spine and leadership we see all too often.

[August1991]

To have unceremoniously tossed such a person off the ticket showed a total lack of spine and leadership we see all too often.

It was the way it was done that was devastating.

From "1000% behind him" one day to getting a rich Kennedy the next.

When Eisenhower was faced with a similar dilemma, his response was to say "he'd better be cleaner than a hound's tooth."

McGovern was an amateur.

----

Democratic politics is a nasty, full contact sport (as we are seeing in the present Quebec election). It's hard on losers but I must say that the American system is particularly cruel to the could-have-beens.

Stockwell Day is a senior cabinet minister. Where is Michael Dukakis?

[jbg]

My feelings on the rights of people who have undergone treatment to be given the benefit of the doubt is deeply personal, and is at the core of my personal and religious beliefs in people taking charge of their destiny, in their ability to improve and make something of themselves. If anyone wants details on my feelings, my PM, e-mail and MSN are often open.

[Guthrie]

the right wing morons attempt, yet again, to rewrite history --- no surprise, just more of the same pathetic bullroar

[jbg]

the right wing morons attempt, yet again, to rewrite history --- no surprise, just more of the same pathetic bullroar

OK, Mrs. Cowroar - What's the rewrite of history? Is it not true that the liberals of the day, the Haight-Ashbury and Woodstock "peace and love" crowd didn't stand for compassion when the rubber hit the road? I am quoting below excerpts of a typical song from that era, that expressed their professed ideals (link) :

Lyric:

I think it's so groovy now

That people are finally getting together

I think it's wonderful and how

That people are finally getting together

I think it's so groovy now

That people are finally getting together

I think it's wonderful and how

That people are finally getting together

Reach out in the darkness

Reach out in the darkness

Reach out in the darkness

And you may find a friend

I knew a man that I did not care for

And then one day this man gave me a call

We sat and talked about things on our mind

And now this man he is a friend of mine

Reach out in the darkness

Reach out in the darkness

Reach out in the darkness

And you may find a friend

I think it's so groovy now

That people are finally getting together

I think it's wonderful and how

That people are finally getting together

I think it's so groovy now

That people are finally getting together

I think it's wonderful and how

That people are finally getting together

Don't be afraid of love

Don't be afraid, don't be afraid to love

Everybody needs a little love

Everybody needs somebody

That they can be thinking of

Reach out in the darkness

Reach out in the darkness

Reach out in the darkness

And you may find a friend

I think it's so groovy now

That people are finally getting together

I think it's wonderful and how

That people are finally getting together

I think it's so groovy now

That people are finally getting together

I think it's wonderful and how

That people are finally getting together

I think it's so groovy now

That people are finally getting together

I think it's wonderful and how

That people are finally getting together

Tell me, is that the way it was when McGovern cashiered Eagleton?

[Guthrie]

as I said - only pathetic moron right wingers think McGovern told Eagleton what to do -- you guys are delusional

[sunsettommy]

as I said - only pathetic moron right wingers think McGovern told Eagleton what to do -- you guys are delusional

Try the more difficult method of posting by actually saying a true rebuttal.

[sunsettommy]

the right wing morons attempt, yet again, to rewrite history --- no surprise, just more of the same pathetic bullroar

Details please.

[jbg]

as I said - only pathetic moron right wingers think McGovern told Eagleton what to do -- you guys are delusional

I'm sure what you're saying is true or at least you're making a good point. Please explain yourself since I'm too dumb to understand your profound thought process.

[Catchme]

Oh what a bunch of slanted garbage.

If you are so down one the democrats because of that, why are you not down on the Republicans about their current treatment of Afghan Iraq vets who are exisitng in horrible conditions? and as if the hippies had anything to do with getting rid of the VP.

-------------------------------------

BTW there are NO Democrats in Quebec

[jbg]

Oh what a bunch of slanted garbage.

If you are so down one the democrats because of that, why are you not down on the Republicans about their current treatment of Afghan Iraq vets who are exisitng in horrible conditions? and as if the hippies had anything to do with getting rid of the VP.

-------------------------------------

BTW there are NO Democrats in Quebec

Remember, they cashiered the General running Walter Reed Army Hospital over that episode. Why not answer th esubstance of my post, or can't you?

[Figleaf]

Oh what a bunch of slanted garbage.

If you are so down one the democrats because of that, why are you not down on the Republicans about their current treatment of Afghan Iraq vets who are exisitng in horrible conditions? and as if the hippies had anything to do with getting rid of the VP.

-------------------------------------

BTW there are NO Democrats in Quebec

Remember, they cashiered the General running Walter Reed Army Hospital over that episode. Why not answer th esubstance of my post, or can't you?

There was substance in your post???

[stignasty]

Lyric:

I think it's so groovy now

That people are finally getting together

I think it's wonderful and how

That people are finally getting together

I think it's so groovy now

That people are finally getting together

I think it's wonderful and how

That people are finally getting together

Reach out in the darkness

Reach out in the darkness

Reach out in the darkness

And you may find a friend

I knew a man that I did not care for

And then one day this man gave me a call

We sat and talked about things on our mind

And now this man he is a friend of mine

Reach out in the darkness

Reach out in the darkness

Reach out in the darkness

And you may find a friend

I think it's so groovy now

That people are finally getting together

I think it's wonderful and how

That people are finally getting together

I think it's so groovy now

That people are finally getting together

I think it's wonderful and how

That people are finally getting together

Don't be afraid of love

Don't be afraid, don't be afraid to love

Everybody needs a little love

Everybody needs somebody

That they can be thinking of

Reach out in the darkness

Reach out in the darkness

Reach out in the darkness

And you may find a friend

I think it's so groovy now

That people are finally getting together

I think it's wonderful and how

That people are finally getting together

I think it's so groovy now

That people are finally getting together

I think it's wonderful and how

That people are finally getting together

I think it's so groovy now

That people are finally getting together

I think it's wonderful and how

That people are finally getting together

That's a good song. I understand it was a favourite of those protesting the Johnson administration.

[jbg]

That's a good song. I understand it was a favourite of those protesting the Johnson administration.

Sure was. And I was demonstrating the contrast between the beautiful aspirations in those lyrics and the absymal track record of the listeners.

[sunsettommy]

Oh what a bunch of slanted garbage.

If you are so down one the democrats because of that, why are you not down on the Republicans about their current treatment of Afghan Iraq vets who are exisitng in horrible conditions? and as if the hippies had anything to do with getting rid of the VP.

-------------------------------------

BTW there are NO Democrats in Quebec

Remember, they cashiered the General running Walter Reed Army Hospital over that episode. Why not answer th esubstance of my post, or can't you?

There was substance in your post???

Guthrie runs off at the mouth.

You just say nothing.

[Guthrie]

Oh what a bunch of slanted garbage.

If you are so down one the democrats because of that, why are you not down on the Republicans about their current treatment of Afghan Iraq vets who are exisitng in horrible conditions? and as if the hippies had anything to do with getting rid of the VP.

-------------------------------------

BTW there are NO Democrats in Quebec

Remember, they cashiered the General running Walter Reed Army Hospital over that episode. Why not answer th esubstance of my post, or can't you?

There was substance in your post???

Guthrie runs off at the mouth.

You just say nothing.

and this(?) is your addition to the thread?

Thomas Eagleton resigned on his own, the shit they gave McGovern was for accepting it. The insults currently being hurled is a fraud. I pointed out the truth and you snipe from the gutter.

Now, does everybody have their score cards up to date?

[sunsettommy]

Guthries rants:

Post #4 his first one,

the right wing morons attempt, yet again, to rewrite history --- no surprise, just more of the same pathetic bullroar.

post #6 his second one,

as I said - only pathetic moron right wingers think McGovern told Eagleton what to do -- you guys are delusional.

post # 16 your last one in reply to me,My reply in blue.

and this(?) is your addition to the thread?

No I made two postings in replies to you:

Try the more difficult method of posting by actually saying a true rebuttal. post #7

Details please. post #8

Thomas Eagleton resigned on his own, the shit they gave McGovern was for accepting it. The insults currently being hurled is a fraud. I pointed out the truth and you snipe from the gutter.

This is the first time you pointed out anything in this thread.

But you never actually pointed out the truth since you never made any detailed rebuttal to JBG.

Now, does everybody have their score cards up to date?

Not yours since you have as yet made a rebuttal in any detail the rest of us can consider.

Meanwhile you never did answer JBG to this question he asked you:

I'm sure what you're saying is true or at least you're making a good point. Please explain yourself since I'm too dumb to understand your profound thought process.

I stand by my statement that you run off at the mouth.

All roar and no substance.

[PolyNewbie]

Right or left wing, all these politicians are spineless trash who only want larger banks accounts. Our armies are nothing more than tools for the financial interests, just like the politicians. Real people and real leaders do not get anywhere near positions of elected power.

If that wasn't true Western countries wouldn't be borrowing from private central banks to finance government and this move toward privatization would only exist is the minds of a few greedy & evil men. In a few years we will have private police forces & private prisons. If you have a young attractive young daughter one of your main concerns in life will be keeping her out of eyesight from these people.

To fix our system we must first wake up to this reality then elect members of the prolitariate. Then many members of the existing power structure will have to be arrested and thrown in jail.

We live in the most dangerous time in history, it is that way because some people love servitude, have little or no imagination as to how things could be and are so greedy and corrupt themselves that they are afraid of change to a more honest system.

[jbg]

Thomas Eagleton resigned on his own, the shit they gave McGovern was for accepting it. The insults currently being hurled is a fraud. I pointed out the truth and you snipe from the gutter.

Now, does everybody have their score cards up to date?

I was alive, well and quite politically conscious in 1972. I had already taken somewhat of an interest in the rights of the disadvantaged to be considered treated successfully and for their life to go on. His resignation from the ticket was hardly voluntary. My recent reading of "Fear and Loathing" has reinforced my memories as being accurate.

Can you come up with any response beyond call me a "right wing moron"? I am certainly, definitely not right wing. Were I Canadian I'd probably be with the NDP.

[Guthrie]

Thomas Eagleton resigned on his own, the shit they gave McGovern was for accepting it. The insults currently being hurled is a fraud. I pointed out the truth and you snipe from the gutter.

Now, does everybody have their score cards up to date?

I was alive, well and quite politically conscious in 1972. I had already taken somewhat of an interest in the rights of the disadvantaged to be considered treated successfully and for their life to go on. His resignation from the ticket was hardly voluntary. My recent reading of "Fear and Loathing" has reinforced my memories as being accurate.

Can you come up with any response beyond call me a "right wing moron"? I am certainly, definitely not right wing. Were I Canadian I'd probably be with the NDP.

don't spit it, dear, simply say it and show it --- later, you can choose for yourself what kind of moron group you'd like to associate with

[Melanie_]

JBG, as a 15 year old caught up in politics, I bet idealism was a big part of the attraction. The contrast between what the Dems said they stood for and what they actually did in this situation smacks of hypocricy, on a matter that is dear to your heart, and would be enough to turn that idealism into cynicism very quickly. I'm not familiar with the situation other than what you have outlined in this thread, but I see why you were turned off from the party 35 years ago. But I wonder, have they done nothing since then that would possibly redeem them in your eyes?

[jbg]

But I wonder, have they done nothing since then that would possibly redeem them in your eyes?

I'm still a registered Democrat but take one look at them. They're a shameful, unprincipled group in general, a quivering mass of jello.

[Guthrie]

so you have nothing to back up your claim about TE -- just your personal vindictiveness and misinterpretation of HST?

[Catchme]

My recent reading of "Fear and Loathing" has reinforced my memories as being accurate.

Can you come up with any response beyond call me a "right wing moron"? I am certainly, definitely not right wing. Were I Canadian I'd probably be with the NDP.

Oh, that is without a doubt, one of my all time favourite books. I have like 3 copies of it.

Any compares with the US Democrats to the Candian Liberal Party, cannot be acheived. And truthfully neither can Conservatives be equated with Republicans. The Liberal Party grass roots membership, is far to the left of the Democratic Party in the US. Perhaps closer to Naderist thinking.

CPC fundamentalist supporters can be equated with Republican fundamentalist supporters though.

People forget the CPC here in Canada are NOT Conservatives, they are the Reform Alliance peoples who co-opted a name, the same way as the BC Liberals did.

[jbg]

People forget the CPC here in Canada are NOT Conservatives, they are the Reform Alliance peoples who co-opted a name, the same way as the BC Liberals did.

Actually, the LPC co-opted the name. The term "liberal", as defined by Adam Smith (link) means liberty, breakdown of government-sponsored cartels, guilds and monopolies, and ending of artificial restrictions. The original "clear Grits" were liberals. The LPOC of Sponsorship, Gun Registries and Cuban-style childcare is totalitarianism, not liberalism.

Thus, the BC Liberals are closer to the appropriate ideal. Read more on true liberalism (link).