In 1971, South Dakota Senator George McGovern started campaigning in Iowa before his rivals. Although he placed second, the news of this long-shot candidate having a strong finish in the Iowa caucuses provided enough early momentum to propel McGovern to eventually claim the 1972 Democratic nomination. His campaign manager, Gary Hart, learned valuable lessons that he would use in the future. This segment from Iowa Public Television’s Caucus Iowa: Journey to the Presidency documentary includes archival footage and contemporary interviews with politicians, campaign staff and journalists of the era.
Find additional videos, educational resources and discussion questions in the Caucus Iowa: Journey to The Presidency collection on PBS LearningMedia iptv.pbslearningmedia.org/col...