Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Former Missouri Sen. Eagleton Dies at 77
Listen
0:00
Listen
RENEE MONTAGNE, host:
Senator Thomas Eagleton was well known for his stepping down as George McGovern's vice presidential running mate in 1972. The Missouri Democrat died yesterday at the age of 77. Eagleton was replaced on the Democratic ticket after it was revealed that he had been treated for depression.
Mr. THOMAS EAGLETON (Former Senator, Democrat, Missouri): On three occasions in my life, I have voluntarily gone into hospitals as result of nervous exhaustion and fatigue. As a younger man, I must say that I drove myself too far, and I pushed myself terribly, terribly hard - long hours, day and night.
MONTAGNE: On July 31, 1972, just 18 days after he was nominated, Eagleton made this announcement.
Mr. EAGLETON: I will not divide the Democratic Party, which already has too many divisions. Therefore, tomorrow morning, I will write to the chairman of the Democratic Party, withdrawing my candidacy.
MONTAGNE: Tom Eagleton, who died yesterday, didn't consider his withdrawal a defeat. He said being vice president ain't all that much. My ambition since my senior year in high school was to be a senator. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
