Eugene Joseph McCarthy (1916–2005) was an American politician, writer, and academic known for his anti-war stance in the 1968 presidential election. His campaign against the Vietnam War reshaped U.S. politics, inspiring a generation of activists.
Born in Watkins, Minnesota, McCarthy studied at Saint John’s University, earning a bachelor’s degree (1935,) and later completed a master’s at the University of Minnesota. He worked as a teacher and served in the War Department’s military intelligence division during World War II before entering politics. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives (1948,) he served until 1959, when he won a seat in the U.S. Senate.
McCarthy gained national attention in 1968 when he challenged President Lyndon B. Johnson for the Democratic nomination on an anti-Vietnam War platform. His strong showing in the New Hampshire primary contributed to Johnson’s decision not to seek re-election. Though he lost the nomination to Hubert Humphrey, his campaign energized the anti-war movement.
A prolific writer, McCarthy published The Limits of Power: America’s Role in the World (1967,) The Year of the People (1969,) A Political Bestiary (1978,) and Up ‘Til Now: A Memoir (1987.) His poetry collections, including Ground Fog and Night (1979,) reflected his literary interests.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Eugene McCarthy
As long as the differences and diversities of mankind exist, democracy must allow for compromise, for accommodation, and for the recognition of differences.
—Eugene McCarthy
The only thing that saves us from the bureaucracy is inefficiency. An efficient bureaucracy is the greatest threat to liberty.
—Eugene McCarthy
Topics: Government, Bureaucracy
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