(2 of 2)
Against the Tide. Sitting in Room 362 of the Old Senate Office Building, once John Kennedy's suite, McGovern delivers Kennedyesque rhetoric, but quietly: "The U.S. is richly endowed with ideals: personal freedom, personal dignity, the spirit of the Declaration of Independence. I think I have the sense of values, the compassion, to help close the gap between our founding ideals and our present practice. I'm not seeking power and prestige for their own sake, but as a way to provide the greatest service an American can provide. That's in the White House."
McGovern's candidacy must be rated as a brash swim against a powerful tide. Aside from Muskie's numerous advantages—including national recognition and a mid-party stance—there are other problems for the shy-looking plainsman. What his admirers regard as a pleasing, low-key image comes across to others as a lack of dynamism and popular appeal that could be fatal. His showing in polls last year was poor. A move by Ted Kennedy would probably eclipse him. Then there are the other Senate prospects: Humphrey, Birch Bayh, Henry Jackson and Harold Hughes, who form a secondary line of potential competition. Nonetheless, vows McGovern: "I'm not going to drop out." By announcing one winter too early, McGovern at least sets himself apart from the dark horses who are waiting to be asked.