MR 2:9 An Interview with Judy Harrington in "George McGovern: an Oral History"

I’m here today to interview Judy Harrington. This is a part of a larger project called, “George McGovern: an Oral History.” The goal of this project is to document the personal memories of those who worked closely with Sen. McGovern and to preserve those memories for posterity. My hope is that some day, historian may draw on these episodes as a primary source in crafting the history of that period and particularly the legacy and import of the life of this truly great American. Of particular interest here is the pertinent question for our time: How did Sen. McGovern become so respected, so impactful, so influential as a moral hero. As I have come to know those persons who worked so hard in that ill-fated election of 1972, what strikes me is their reverence for this man. They often say, “Don’t get me wrong. He wasn’t perfect and he was totally human. But he was a truly decent and kind man. He respected the dignity of the individual and cared deeply that his life poured a sweetening flavor into the pot of common good. At the McGovern Centennial Event on Sept. 22, Gov. Harvey Wollman, just a few days before his recent passing, said in the words of the old hymn, “What better legacy could you use to describe George McGovern? He wanted to throw out the lifeline to the hungry, the depressed, the people than needed healthcare, people that were prejudiced, soldiers that were dying unnecessarily. . . . If you remember anything of what I said today, know that I believed in George McGovern, the man that tried with his life to throw out the lifeline to millions. That is the highest tribute I could say to that man.” If you would like to see Gov. Wollman's commemorative talk about Sen. McGovern. here's the link.  George McGovern was something like the biblical Abraham - he was a “Father of many.” He was a father-figure to many who saw him as a moral hero, an exemplar of prairie goodness, a beacon of the best of humanity. He exemplified what “the better angels of our nature” looks like. Even ten years since his passing, he is remembered so fondly by so many. But more than that, his influence carries on in so many who still labor to build a world a peace where hunger is no more. So, this podcast intends to capture the memories of the graying “McGovern Army” but more than that, to ponder with them the depth and scope of the morally salubrious influence of Sen. McGovern and his lovely wife Eleanor. In today’s episode, I interview Judy Harrington. Judy was with George from 1971. She worked for his campaign and then was the office manager of the Senate office in Sioux Falls SD. Judy has spoken about the senator many times over many years. She spoke recently at the McGovern Centennial event on the campus of DWU. She worked more closely with him over a very long period of time (from his re-election in 1973 to 1980). It is my privilege to interview here Judy Harrington. I hope you listen through to the end. Happy Veteran’s Day, George McGovern!