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Even before McGovern's formal anointment, the real suspense was over his choice for a running mate. McGovern himself was in considerable suspense on the matter. His first choice was clearly Edward Kennedy, even though there was some conjecture that McGovern had misgivings about a ticket in which the No. 2 man would be so much more glamorous than the presidential candidate. Kennedy had spent the convention week sailing in his 54-ft. sloop off Hyannisport, repeating insistently that he would refuse any national office. Among his numerous reasons: his family's concern for his safety, anticipation of highly personal campaign attacks about Chappaquiddick, a hunch that 1972 would not be a Democratic year, and a sure knowledge that the vice presidency would be a dreary, frustrating job. "Within two years," said a friend, "Vice President Kennedy would be a sad-eyed, overweight drunk."
Just after Illinois made McGovern's victory official, Kennedy placed a ritual call of congratulation to McGovern. McGovern offered the second spot, not very insistently, and Kennedy refused, giving boosts to Arkansas' Wilbur Mills and Boston's Mayor Kevin White.
Next, McGovern talked to Humphrey. "George put it to me straight," Humphrey later told TIME'S Hays Gorey. "He didn't beg me or implore me, but he asked me. I told him just as plainly that I could not and should not." McGovern went to sleep for the night.
In a series of meetings next day, some 25 new possibilities were suggested, including three blacks and several women. The list was pared to Lawrence O'Brien, Sargent Shriver, Kevin White, Wisconsin Governor Pat Lucey, Connecticut Senator Abraham Ribicoff, Minnesota Senator Walter Mondale and Missouri Senator Tom Eagleton. McGovern was looking for a man who had identification with urban affairs, ability, the stature to assume the presidency, and a national rather than a regional appeal. Catholicism was understood to be helpful, if not vital.
At 12:30 p.m., the nominee put out a feeler to Mondale. The Minnesotan let McGovern know that he wanted to run for re-election to the Senate. Next he called Ribicoff, who also demurred, preferring, at his age, 62, to remain in the Senate. Again McGovern tried, this time telephoning Wisconsin's Senator Gaylord Nelson; again he was rebuffed. Nelson said that he had promised his wife he would remain in the Senate. During yet another afternoon call, McGovern informed Kennedy that he was still serious about Kevin White, who had already told McGovern he was available. Delighted, the mayor made tentative arrangements to fly to Miami with Kennedy. But rumbles came back from the Massachusetts delegates; many threatened to boycott the convention hall if the choice was White, a Muskie supporter who had fought sharply with the McGovern slate during the primary. White was dropped.
Botched. By 3 p.m. the oddly botched courtship came to an end. "It's going