George McGovern in stable condition after South Dakota fall

[Douglas Carpenter]

Source: Reuters

Sat Dec 3, 2011 12:54pm EST

(Reuters) - George McGovern, the former U.S. senator from South Dakota and Democratic presidential candidate, was stable, alert and resting comfortably on Saturday in a South Dakota hospital after hitting his head in a fall, the hospital said.

McGovern, 89, who ran as the Democratic Party candidate for president in 1972, was flown to Avera McKennan Hospital & University Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Friday after he fell before a planned appearance in Mitchell, South Dakota.

"Senator McGovern is alert and resting comfortably but, as with any head injury, it is important that we observe the situation closely," Dr. Michael Elliott, chief medical officer at Avera McKennan, said in a statement.

snip:

McGovern served in the U.S. Senate from 1963 to 1981. He made an unsuccessful bid to unseat Republican President Richard Nixon from the White House in 1972 on a platform opposing the Vietnam war.

The son of a Methodist minister, McGovern flew combat missions over Europe as a B-24 bomber pilot during World War Two, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross. He also headed the Food for Peace program during the administration of President John F. Kennedy


Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/03/us-mcgovern-idUSTRE7B208C20111203

[LeftishBrit]

1. Hope he'll be OK!

[Douglas Carpenter]

2. I don't know how much you know of him in the U.K

but he was the closest thing to a European style social-democrat to ever win the Democratic Party's nomination

[Ohio Joe]

3. I wish a swift recovery for him - nt

[CBHagman]

4. I'm glad to receive the report.

Obviously, though, they have to monitor him closely, given the danger that not all injuries would be immediately apparent.

I wish him a speedy recovery.

[Douglas Carpenter]

5. One Bright Shining Moment - The Forgotten Summer of George McGovern (Trailer)

This 3 minute trailer for the documentary about George McGovern does a nice job of briefly recalling the spirit of the 1972 campaign:

link:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6181791937824798148#


.

[former9thward]

6. A good man who was betrayed by his party in 1972.

The unions walked away from him because of his anti-war position.

[SteveM]

14. and they forgot 35 missions in a B-24. nt

[Odin2005]

7. Get well, senator!

[Faygo Kid]

8. My first presidential vote, and still one of my best.

A genuine war hero who advocated peace.

[gateley]

9. A memory that (obviously) made an impression on me -- during the

'68 DNC "riots", McGovern came down to address the press in his short-sleeved shirt, kind of rumpled, very REAL and concerned. This was a time when the POTUS and potential candidates always presented themselves in a suit and tie, looking Presidential. Just the fact that he cared more about what was going on, than about his image, touched me and make my respect for him soar.

That's all. :shrug:

[Douglas Carpenter]

13. Remember Abraham Ribicoff's 1968 nominating speech for George McGovern?

it was perhaps the powerful moment of the convention:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3v0rctksFU&feature=related

.

[gateley]

17. I didn't! But wow! I have to agree! Thanks for the link!! nt

[jwirr]

21. Thank you. I loved Ribicoff for that one. It was one of the best speeches

of the convention.

[ruggerson]

24. Where's the part where Daley gave Abe the finger?

n/t

[Douglas Carpenter]

26. it has always been a bit unclear what Daley shouted at Ribicoff

I never actually heard that Daley gave him the finger. According to the historian in the film "One Bright Shining moment" Daley shouted some anti-Semitic remark. Which I suppose is a lot worse.

[The Doctor.]

10. I hear the Fall can be harsh in South Dakota.

Seriously though, I hope he has a quick recovery.

[zonkers]

11. Just saw plenty of George in the Hunter S Thompson documentary I tivo'd. Had no idea they were buds!

http://www.semsemente.com/blog/2011/feliz-aniversario-hunter-thompson/hst_tomwolfe/

[tilsammans]

12. YAY!

:applause:

Here's a recent article about Sen. McGovern. http://www.argusleader.com/article/20111127/NEWS/311270021

When I think what our country could have been had he been our leader, I just wanna :cry:

[Douglas Carpenter]

15. youtube video George McGovern's 1972 acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention -

link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orx63ix1y-o&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLE58F18FA0A0CBAA3


.

[PuffedMica]

16. Get well soon Senator McGovern

[radiclib]

18. I've said it on here before

The proudest vote I ever cast, or ever will. A truly great American.
:patriot: Get well, sir.

[CTyankee]

22. Yup. Me too...

[ruggerson]

25. I wasn't able to vote yet

but I worked my heart out for him and I don't think any politician since has inspired me like he did.

[uppityperson]

19. k&r for McGovern, shame to headline writers. Fall in SD isn't that bad, but falling in SD can be

[jwirr]

20. Please get well Senator McGorvern. We love you still.

[luv_mykatz]

23. My first vote, as well!

I REALLY wish he had won.

Get well, Sir. We still need you. :patriot:

[avaistheone1]

27. Well wishes for Senator McGovern

[Douglas Carpenter]

28. McGovern resting comfortable after fall

"Thank you for all the well-wishes," Matt McGovern wrote. "My grandpa is doing alright and recovering at the hospital."

It was good news after Friday's scary moment.

After the fall, McGovern was "lucid" and talking, and walked inside under his own power, according to Donald Simmons, director of the George McGovern Center at Dakota Wesleyan University, who saw the aftermath of the incident.

But given the amount of blood, the blow to the head and McGovern's age, medical officials opted for caution.

It is the second time in recent months McGovern has been hospitalized. In late October, he checked in for exhaustion.

McGovern's daughter Ann said Friday that his fall was unrelated to the October hospitalization.

Despite his age, McGovern has remained vigorous. He has continued his work fighting world hunger, and for his 88th birthday in 2010 the senator completed a skydive from 18,000 feet



Read more: http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/mcgovern-resting-comfortable-after-fall/article_8a128e28-1e29-11e1-b6a3-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz1fZvJ6xXu

[renate]

29. what a wonderful guy!

I missed this whole thing over the weekend somehow--I'm absolutely thrilled to hear he's doing okay. I love him to bits! :loveya: