Wronged Champion?

Even as George McGovern settles into his senatorial seat for the 93rd Congress, it is evident that the wounds from his bludgeoning in November have not yet healed. He still seems bemused and bewildered, the wronged champion that the American voters would have followed if only they had understood him.

Said the 1972 Democratic nominee: "My confidence in the ability to get to the people with appeals based on simple, old-fashioned virtues like trust and decency has been shattered. I had thought that, as an underdog, I would impress people with my determination and sincerity." If he had it to do again, McGovern said, "I'd be more discreet, more cautious about baring my soul." He summed up by insisting: "I don't think the American people got a true picture of my campaign." Of course, the reverse may have been true--that too many Americans got a reasonably clear picture of a well-meant but inept campaign. Or that the majority of Americans understood his message and simply rejected it.

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