On June 10 , McGovern won the California primary and secured the Democratic nomination . The following month , Nixon was renominated at the 1972 Republican National Convention . He dismissed the Democratic platform as cowardly and divisive . McGovern intended to sharply reduce defense spending and supported amnesty for draft evaders as well as abortion rights . With some of his supporters believed to be in favor of drug legalization , McGovern was perceived as standing for " amnesty , abortion and acid " . McGovern was also damaged by his vacillating support for his original running mate , Missouri Senator Thomas Eagleton , dumped from the ticket following revelations that he had received treatment for depression . Nixon was ahead in most polls for the entire election cycle , and was reelected on November 7 , 1972 in one of the largest landslide election victories in American history . He defeated McGovern with over 60 percent of the popular vote , losing only in Massachusetts and the District of Columbia
1972 Republican National Convention
1972 Republican National Convention
Richard Nixon