There seems to be many people in the Democratic Party establishment that are making the claim that if Bernie Sanders is the nominee, it will be Senator McGovern and 1972 all over again. Probably many of those making the claim were not even born then.
The only similarities between the Senator McGovern situation and the Senator Sanders situation is that both are/were extraordinarily honest and dedicated public servants. Neither has tried to become wealthy from being a public servant. I have never met a more dedicated caring person than Senator McGovern, although I have yet to meet Senator Sanders. Caring for the poor and middle classes, making peace, not war, relations between the races, caring for the environment, caring for veterans and many other issues are common themes between them.
Senator McGovern was actually just a little to the left of mainstream among Democatic members of the Senate. Not all that different than Senators Humphrey, Kennedy, Hart, Church, Bayh and many others. Most of the electorate agreed with them on many issues.
In my opinion Senator McGovern lost not because of issues, but for the following reasons. 1.) He did not define himself to the American public. Nixon and Agnew did; and they were very good at it. They defined him as acid, amnesty and abortion. Senator Sanders, if nominated, will not have an opponent who is someone of a political genius as Nixon. Senator Sanders must define himself and not let others do it. 2.) McGovern lost because the party establishment didn't get the nominee they wanted and threw a hissy fit, led by Mayor Daley. Some things never change as now Mayor Daley's son is going after Sanders. Many in the Democatic establishment did not support McGovern; not because of issues; but because of a power play. 3.) McGovern lost partially because of the war. Many felt that although they agreed with McGovern on most issues, that you don't change horses in the middle of a war. Sanders does not have to deal with that. 4.) McGovern had tremendous bad luck. His acceptance speech was great, but it wasn't given until 2:00 am and hardly anyone saw it. He had to deal with the whole Eagleton debacle. By the time the campaign hit its stride, it was too late. Sanders will not have to worry about that.
If Sanders is the nominee, the turn out will be massive, many people who rarely vote will, and it will help down ticket as well. Sanders needs to define himself, because if you ask most voters their views on the issues, separately, they will agree with Sanders. He must frame the issues one by one.
McGovern had to deal with many issues that Sanders will not have to deal with. The outcome in 2016 with Bernie as nominee will be much different than that of 1972. We simply cannot go with another status quo President. This country is at a tipping point. We cannot wait on climate change, we cannot wait on income distribution, we cannot wait on taking on Wall Street. These and many more issues need to be addressed now; from a different perspective than the status quo. This country doesn't have time to wait. It needs a President who will not begin negotiations at the 50 yard line. We need someone who has had these convictions for most of their public lives; not a johnny come lately who will go back to their old issue positions after the convention.