What It Means to Be a Democrat

by George S. McGovern

A call to arms by the former presidential candidate that combines personal anecdotes and cultural critiques to remind liberals of their ideological compass and restore confidence.

George McGovern has been a leading figure of the Democratic Party for more than fifty years. From this true liberal comes a thoughtful examination of what being a Democrat really means. McGovern admonishes current Democratic politicians for losing sight of their ideals as they subscribe to an increasingly centrist policy agenda. Applying his wide- ranging knowledge and expertise on issues ranging from military spending to same-sex marriage to educational reform, he stresses the importance of creating policies we can be proud of. Finally, with 2012 looming, McGovern's What It Means to Be a Democrat offers a vision of the Party's future in which ideological coherence and courage rule.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Memoir, History

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2011

About the author

The son of a Methodist minister, George Stanley McGovern grew up in South Dakota. An indifferent student as a youth, McGovern later credited participation in high school debate with giving him confidence and he graduated in the top 10% of his high school class. His college education was interrupted by World War II, as McGovern enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force and served as a bomber pilot in Europe. After the war, McGovern resumed his studies, culminating in a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University in 1953.

While employed as a professor of history and political science at Dakota Wesleyan University, McGovern became involved in Democratic Party politics. After working to build a voter list for the party, McGovern ran for the House of Representatives in 1956, successfully defeating the Republican incumbent. McGovern relinquished his House seat in 1960 to run for the Senate, only to be defeated by the incumbent Republican senator, Karl Mundt. After a brief period in the Kennedy administration, McGovern ran for the United States Senate succeeded in his second attempt in 1962, winning election by a slim margin.

As a United States Senator, McGovern emerged as an early opponent of his country's intervention in South Vietnam. Approached by opponents of President Lyndon Johnson within the party, he was an unsuccessful candidate for the party's presidential nomination in 1968. Running again in 1972, he succeeded in winning the Democratic Party presidential nomination, only to be defeated by Republican President Richard Nixon in a landslide. Though he won a third Senate term in 1974, he was defeated in his bid for a fourth term in 1980. McGovern spent his later years engaged in a variety of private activities, including writing, and a stint as a United States ambassador to the United Nations.

Reviews

[Tyler]

I'm not a Democrat but I have come to admire George McGovern upon learning about the election of 1972. A lot of what he said then I agree with. Mostly about the Vietnam War.

This book is short and simple. I wouldn't have read it if it were much longer so I won't fault its somewhat simple and unpersuasive arguments. It states more than it argues, but for a book this length that is okay.

It actually reminded me of why I'm not a Democrat. McGovern has a tremendous amount of faith in the government to solve problems, which surprised me, because after learning about the Vietnam War, Nixon, and the '60s in general, I have very little. He says he is an optimist in the book though. I was disappointed to learn that Ted Kennedy convinced him to support the notion of a draft (not any one in particular).

He was known, by his detractors, as the triple A candidate in '72 because of his supposed support of abortion, amnesty, and acid. I've heard that his support for abortion was not very strong at all, and was actually not that much of a fan. He does have one pro-choice statement but it is literally a parenthetical comment.

I would have rather read a history on McGovern that this. Though it is very new and topical, I was really wanting more of the 1972 McGovern.

[Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elder statesman McGovern is one of those voices I wish was more prevalent in the climate we're politicking in these days. What it means to be a Democrat, essentially, is to rise above, as much as you can, to help those who need it with compassion, to realize one's limits, and to strive for equality first, even if not everyone everywhere ends up with help, and sometimes big groups get freedoms curtailed. An equal shot for everyone, an equal footing, and trying to get work done directly, instead of campaigning into situations where work might get done. Obviously, this was my antidote to the Trump book, and it swept away the hate quite nicely.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was refreshing to read a book that plainly says where we should be heading as a country.
George McGovern said essentially that the Democratic Party is the party of social movements
for positive change in the country where everyone has access to education; pays their fair
share of taxes and has access to affordable healthcare.
McGovern pointed out the futility of being mired down in Afghanistan; the need for development
of renewable energy resources; mass transportation; Failed drug policies; Taking the abortion
issue out of poliitics -"It is essentially a women's issue... The woman will make the decision
after consultation with her partner, her doctor, and her spiritual advisor."

[Kevin Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of thoughts from one of the most renowned and under-appreciated Democrats of the last century. George McGovern helped shape the very Democrat Party that we align ourselves with today. This book is a brain-to-pen dialogue between McGovern and the American people, regarding the current Obama Administration, and the path that we must walk as a nation moving forward.

The book feels as if it was written hurriedly, but perhaps that helps lend to its honesty. I highly recommend this to any any all politically-minded individuals, especially of those occupying the half known as "the Left".

[Christi Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick an inspiring read. Sometimes we get busy and forget why we identify ourselves as affiliated with a particular political party. George McGovern articulates the Democratic values that get to the heart of the matter of the issue of party affiliation. Recommended for those that need a reminder that government is for the people, or those who are open-minded enough to explore what their political identity encompasses.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice easy read. However, I doubt many Republicans would read it. If you are Democrat you will love it because it points out the best and biggest successes of the party in the 20th century. Additionally it espouses the ideals that we believe in. Today's environment seems to make us forget that the Democrats are supposed to stand for the average and disadvantaged person.

[Sam Motes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very easy read that lays out the pillars of the belief system in the Democratic Party. A very eye opening quick read. McGovern does an excellent job of sharing his values and building the case of why the democratic faithful fight day in and day out to build the Government the populace needs to survive and thrive.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice, short book by the dearly departed George McGovern about his political philosophy. There was a lot in it that I definitely agreed with, and which felt very personal. I wish we had a few more Democrats like him today.

[Jon Hieneman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, and an inspiring reminder. I've been saying for some time that we need to stop apologizing for liberalism. It is a powerful, needed, and positive force in our society. Love the book, even though I don't agree with every page of it.

[Pgirty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A seasoned politicians view and insights on immigration, job creation, education and other important issues. Essential reading for Democrats as we battle for the presidency in 2012.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed spending some time with George McGovern, learning more about him and being reminded of the values supported by Democrats - when I haven't voted Democratic, I've regretted it.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I voted fro him in 1972. What happened over the past 40 years?

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was rather good...

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to frame every single word of this book. George McGovern is my new hero.

[Rommel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, thought provoking book!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I plan to reread this every election season so that I revisit my values, which are well expressed in this book.

[James Hatton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is George McGovern's perspective on what it means to be a Democrat. I don't agree with McGovern on everything, but I found this book worthwhile.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty simple, seems like the right message, frustrating that we can't put it into practice.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wise man. It's a shame he never became president but he did so much good, especially in his work against hunger. This book should be read by every voter and potential voter.

[Jerry Edward Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a personal statement by a very good man. Sure, he was a political professional reelected to congress and to three senatorial terms; and he was also a monumentally defeated presidential candidate. But he long and honorably served the people and this nation in many ways after leaving elected office. This is a personal statement addressing issues like compassion, governmental spending, food and hunger, immigration, education, energy and the environment, the trauma of the Middle East, and universal health care. One of the best parts of the book is his understanding description of the purpose of government. McGovern concludes on a truly personal note by viewing the issue of alcohol and drug addiction with his own daughter's death as a sad example. This is a book by a proud Democrat. It is also a heart felt view that government can and often is a positive part of all of our lives.

[Lennart Dahms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jill recommended this book to me and I'm glad she did, because it was a really pleasant read.

Although I disagree with some of McGoverns minor policies, I was surprised by his progressiveness and really left-leaning proposals he makes. It almost felt like reading a Bernie Sanders book.

McGovern heartbreakingly describes losing his daughter Terry to alcohol abuse and uses this experience in his life to advocate towards medicare for all and help in times of need, for example for substance abusers.

All in all, I can really recommend reading this book and cannot believe the American people elected Richard Nixon over this guy!!!

[Glenn Hopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published in 2011 (that is, pre-Trump), the book features some examples of conservative obstructionism that may seem more dated (or less outrageous) than later events, but it is still an inspiring book, at least to me.

[Jory Kunzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

a well written but somewhat outdated book. Would love to know the Senator's views on today's issues

[iso · Rating 2 out of 5]

Left - right slop