[Updated at 4:34 p.m. ET] Former Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern was on life support and "no longer responsive" on Wednesday, two days after he was admitted to a hospice, his family said.
The 90-year-old former U.S. senator from South Dakota was admitted to hospice in Sioux Falls on Monday "with a combination of medical conditions, due to age, that have worsened over recent months," according to a statement from his family.
McGovern is known in part for his unsuccessful 1972 campaign for president as the Democratic nominee against incumbent Republican Richard Nixon.
In 1972, McGovern was selected as the Democratic Party nominee for president on a platform that included ending the war in Vietnam at a time when the country was torn over U.S. involvement there. The McGovern ticket earned only 17 electoral votes – from Massachusetts and the District of Columbia – to Nixon's 520.
McGovern represented South Dakota in the U.S. Senate and House before and after his presidential campaign, leaving the daily foray of politics after losing his 1980 bid for a fourth Senate term.
McGovern has remained active since, including an appointment by then-President Bill Clinton as an ambassador to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and a 2001 appointment as the U.N.'s first global ambassador for hunger.
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Who?
I guess you weren't a history major.
I am a total jerk. My apologies to all.
Good man, that Sen. McGovern.
Wishing George a peaceful journey
Same here man I hope he enjoy politics in heaven!
Sad to hear this.
George was another of the great ones.
He just got mowed over by all the warmongers during the Vietnam Era.
Now, we look back and see that so many like George McGovern were right about Vietnam.
.
George McGovern was a warrior and if more people had known about his amazing WWII combat record he might have had a different outcome against Nixon. The man knew what war was all about.
Thank you for being a good guy from SD. There are a few good ones there, but that state was hell.
Eternal Peace, Senator McGovern!
A government guy named McGovern?
Why is a 90 year old on life support?
You must be a Republican .
Perhaps at some point he requested that.
What's the problem with it?
God Bless you George McGovern !!!!! He was the first man I ever supported in a Presidential election and although he lost in a huge landslide against Richard 'tricky dick' Nixon, 2 years later those that supported Senator McGovern were satisfied to see Nixon resign in disgrace as one of the most corrupt Presidents we ever had. Nixon did many good things but his faults were just as huge. It took a man of honour and integrity like McGovern to show America the path is best led by those that were good and rightous.
My thoughts go out to his family. I can only imagine how hard it is to watch someone in this condition.
Go gently into the night! My prayers are with his family & friends.
Today Rmoney said George McGovern chose now to be using up federal money and gain sympathy vote for Obama.
I have the utmost respect for you George. I attented, and enjoyed many of your speehes at the Stratford Inn, in Connecticut.
Godspeed, Senator. One of the true "public servants" this country has had. You sure don't see people of his ilk in politics today. And we're worse off for it!