Right from the start;: A chronicle of the McGovern campaign

This is an account of how the George McGovern campaign began and how it was organized. It is a must read primer for anyone who wants to get involved in a grassroots political campaign, including the techniques, advantages, and pitfalls of a campaign and campaign organization that comes into being outside the 'establishment' structure. Written by former Senator Gary Hart (then McGovern's campaign manager), who now is poised on the edge of declaring another bid for the U.S. Presidency.

This book recounts Hart's experience as the campaign manager of George McGovern's failed attempt to oust Richard Nixon. It reveals much about such historical characters as McGovern, George Wallace and Hubert Humphrey. Especially intriguing is Wallace's secret, unannounced visit to Hart's office. Wallace begins by asking Hart whom he "really" wants to win the election. Hart responds to the effect that he hasn't been working on the McGovern campaign for his health. Wallace then proposes that McGovern choose him (Wallace) as his new running mate. It didn't come to pass but it shows Wallace's conspiratorial nature. It also lends some credence to his latter day claims that he was working behind the scenes with President Johnson to facilitate rather than obstruct deseggregation. This campaign memmoir also hints at things to come (from the perspective of 1973) in that it was Hart who recruited both Bill and Hillary Clinton to run McGovern's Texas effort. As a work of political history this book is useful because in 1973 Hart stood at the cross roads and saw both America's past and its future. As a work of political theory it its indespinsible. Hart is one of the true giants of American political thought and action and this book offers much insight.