McGovern Urges Clinton to Quit Race
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Former Sen. George McGovern, an early supporter of Hillary Rodham Clinton, urged her to drop out of the Democratic presidential race Wednesday and endorsed her rival, Barack Obama.
After watching the returns from the North Carolina and Indiana primaries Tuesday night, McGovern said it’s virtually impossible for Clinton to win the nomination. The 1972 Democratic presidential nominee said he had a call in to former President Clinton to tell him of the decision, adding that he remains close friends with the Clintons.
“I will hold them in affection and admiration all of my days,” he said of the Clintons.
McGovern’s announcement comes a day before Clinton was scheduled to travel to South Dakota to campaign. The state holds its primary June 3 with 15 pledged delegates at stake.
McGovern said he had no regrets about endorsing Hillary Clinton months ago, even before the Iowa caucuses.
“She has run a valiant campaign. And she will remain an influential voice in the American future,” he said.
But Obama has won the nomination “by any practical test” and is very close to a majority of the pledged delegates, said McGovern, who is 85. Obama moved within 200 delegates of clinching the nomination with his split decision on Tuesday of a win in North Carolina and a narrow loss in Indiana.
It’s time to unite the Democratic Party, he said.
“Hillary, of course, will make the decision as to if and when she ends her campaign. But I hope that she reaches that decision soon so that we can concentrate on a unified party capable of winning the White House next November,” he said.
Amen to Sharon, I will not vote for obama. At least with John Mccain, you know just what your getting. George was just looking for an excuse to get on the bandwagon, soooooo, enjoy the ride until fall.
You’re just now becoming disappointed with George McGovern?
Hopefully you can still hold your faith in Jimmy Carter.
He disappoints you? Why is that exactly? I am also a HIlary supporter, but at this point she has not won and has not proven she can win. You leave the Democractic party because your person did not win? She has clearly lost this campaign, she cannot even raise enough money to support her campaign. You should have been out there campaigning more for her to see that she got the nomination. The Democrats have clearly spoken and Barack has won period. Hilary herself knows that she has lost, she cannot win at this point and she is not going to say I am becoming an Indenpendent because the Democractic PArty will not be nominating me. If the Democractic Party wanted her to be the next President then the voters should have spoken out and stated that. Even with Florida & Michigan she can not win. Be a true American!!!! Don’t just whine and say I’m leavign my party because she didn’t get the nomination…you must EARN it!!!!!
I pray you continue the journey, against all odds, trust you can do it. The truth in Obama’s Words and established life history will eventually be unvieled. You are our only hope, and with you are all of us who voted for you, and continue to be with you in spirit at every event.
God Bless American and God Bless Hillary Clinton. Believe you can and keep eyes on the goal.
Sincerely,
Cali
Congratulations to former Sen. McGovern for stepping up to the plate to help resolve this issue and reunite the Democratic Party so that our efforts can be redirected to winning in November. That took some guts to go against the “Clinton Machine”, way to go Sen McGovern.
Even though she is still losing the race, I think that it is her choice to decide when she wants to drop out. I am an Obama supporter but I think that she can make the decision of when it is time for her to drop out.
As an independent, I am not supporter of either Hillary Clinton or Obama, but being a fair, Why MC Govern has to encourage Hillary Clinton to quit the race now, while no one in the Republican Party complains about Ron Paul staying in race all the way? So, Hillary Clinton is allowed to stay in the race as long as she wants to until she knows when she can’t beat Obama on nomination.
Julie G
Kansas
It’s about time someone in the democratic leadership took the initiative to stop this bleeding!
Whether or not this is the voice of reason, we should expect to hear more of this sentiment as the days go on.
The Democratic Party is losing my vote and my affiliation. I am now an independent. George McGovern, I supported you when I was 17 years old when I posted a sign on my door at home. You disapoint me.