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When McGovern's speech was over, Humphrey and Muskie, Chisholm, Sanford and Jackson all clasped hands in a tableau of party unity; only Jackson looked, at first, dyspeptically suspicious. As McGovern knew, that array of unity could not conceal the deep fissures that divide the party. Actually, there are two Democratic parties now. One was in the convention hall, relishing its ascension to power. The other, beaten and bitter, was on the sidelines. It was not just Richard Daley, but included scores of Democratic Governors, Senators, Congressmen, state party chairmen, local officeholders—all the regulars unhorsed by the McGovern reforms and outorganized by what is now the McGovern machine. Only 19 of the nation's 30 Democratic Governors came to Miami Beach, and none played a significant role. As Eagleton noted earlier last week, most of his colleagues have "become paranoid because they think we're headed for disaster."
For all their show of solidarity, a certain sourness and apprehension remained among the losing presidential candidates. Said Humphrey: "I think George made a great mistake with Mayor Daley. Dick Daley is a proud man, sensitive. That organizational support out there is essential. George is going to have to reach an agreement with Daley if he is to carry Illinois. It's going to be difficult to do now." Then, somewhat wistfully, Humphrey added: "Well, these new people—they're establishment now. It happens fast. We'll see how they like it." Between now and November, McGovern faces the task not only of defeating Richard Nixon but also of keeping together enough of the old Democratic coalition to prevent a ruinous shattering.
At the end of the convention last week, McGovern tried to take the first steps. As is customary, the nominee offered his choice for a new slate of officers for the Democratic National Committee. McGovern wanted Chairman Larry O'Brien to stay on, even though some of the Senator's staff objected. Strongly believing that the McGovern ticket is doomed this fall, O'Brien refused the offer. In his place, McGovern proposed Mrs. Jean Westwood, a savvy Utah national committeewoman who ran the McGovern citizens' movement in 17 Western states. McGovern wanted her partly because she is a woman, but also because her ties to regulars, including labor leaders, are excellent.
In the style of the Old Politics, Mrs. Westwood was confirmed without a whisper of dissent. Then McGovern offered his choice for vice chairman: Pierre Salinger. With that, Charles Evers, the black mayor of Fayette, Miss., challenged the nominee, insisting that former New York State Senator Basil Paterson, a black, be named vice chairman. After an awkward moment, Salinger withdrew his name from consideration, and Paterson was elected. It had been George McGovern's turn to feel the force of the New Politics. The incident may have been a mild caution for the nominee. As James H. Rowe, an old professional from the F.D.R. days, observed: "The old bulls never quit until the young bulls run them out. The old bulls