CNN: Thomas Eagleton, McGovern's 72' VP, is dead.

[Bicoastal]

Only a banner on CNN thus far.

Looking at this guy's bio on Wikipedia, all I can say is--Wow, here's one Democrat who was put through the wringer for no good reason.

[MaineDem]

1. He changed how we all look at depression

He was a good man.

May he rest in peace.

[IndianaGreen]

2. RIP

Eagleton's "troubles" stem from our society's lack of understanding and empathy about mental illness. Fundies reject the concept altogether, for they believe that mental illness such as depression or bipolar disorder are caused by demons (what can you expect from people that reject reason and science outright!).

The dumping of our combat veterans that are suffering from brain injury or PTSD also stems from our society's attitudes towards mental illness or problems.

The only thing I fault Eagleton for is for is failure to tell George McGovern about his condition, and the shock treatments he received for it (a mode of treatment which is itself controversial).

[kestrel91316]

3. Just as bad as the fundies are the folks who believe that

mental illness is a personal CHARACTER DEFECT.

Makes me want to spit nails. We have lots of these ignoramuses right here on DU. Watch 'em jump on here and start in on the mentally ill.

[Fenris]

4. Very true.

One wonders why it was considered detrimental to him as a VP candidate, though. Did people think he was going to get depressed one night and accidentally hit the "button?" Nixon was far more likely to do that.

[flamingyouth]

8. I agree with you. It's extremely tragic.

RIP, Sen. Eagleton.

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. No he wasn't McGovern's VP

I refused to vote for McGovern because of what he did to Eagleton. It was shameful.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

14. He was indeed his VP candidate

until the brouha over his depression. McGovern waffled over his position on the matter before finally replacing him with Sargent Shriver. To my mind, McGovern did the greater disservice by waffling and would have fared better had he stuck to his guns and stayed with Eagleton.

[On the Road]

15. It Might be Worth Reading Hunter Thompson's Take on It

in "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail: 1972," HST had a long section on the McGovern's VP selection process and his abandonment of Eagleton. reserved a lot of the blame for Eagleton.

Eagleton did not simply have a history of depression -- he had been hospitalized and given electroshock treatment. In Because Ted Kennedy and several others had turned down the VP slot, the choice was rushed and not thoroughly researched. In Thompson's opinion, Eagleton was dishonest about his background, and when the details became clear, McGovern felt there were legitimate concerns about Eagleton being next in line for Commander in Chief.

There's also the element of politics. HST described Eagleton as a triangulating hack centrist who sunk the ticket by his attachment to ambition rather than principle. He insulted almost everyone, but there might be something to that depiction.

[coalition_unwilling]

16. It's customary to ask potential VP candidates whether there

is anything in their background that might disqualify them from holding the position. Eagleton remained silent about his electroshock therapy when facing that vetting. I used to live in Missouri, so I might be expected to take a more sympathetic view towards Eagleton, but he really sabotaged McGovern's chances.

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. Here's the local article

Tom Eagleton dies at 77
By STEVE KRASKE The Kansas City Star

Former three-term U.S. Sen. Tom Eagleton of Missouri died this morning. He was 77.

Eagleton, known for his booming voice and perfect election record in Missouri, had been ill for several months. His death was attributed to various ailments, including pneumonia and heart troubles.

Eagleton died about 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis. He had been a patient there for about a week.

A spokesman said he had been in declining health for several months with heart, respiratory and other ailments.

“The totality of it just overwhelmed him,” said spokesman Mark Abels.

Plans were in the works for a Saturday memorial service, but details were still being worked out.

Abels said Eagleton had recently completed the first draft of his memoirs. The book was still in “first-draft” form, and there was no timetable for publication, Abels said. “We’ll see what the future brings for the book,” he said.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/16833705.htm

[Vidar]

7. RIP Mr. Eagleton.

[Stinky The Clown]

9. Dupe - self delete

[Stinky The Clown]

10. People can say what they wish. I'll ignore them. He was a good man.......

RIP, Sen. Tom.

[Venus Dog]

11. What if?

Rest in Peace

[Raine]

12. R-I-P Senator nt

[lovuian]

13. Eagleton was a wonderful man

Loved him