An " Anybody But McGovern " coalition , led by southern Democrats and organized labor , formed in the weeks following the final primaries . McGovern 's nomination did not become ensured until the first night of the 1972 Democratic National Convention in Miami Beach , Florida , where , following intricate parliamentary maneuverings led by campaign staffer Rick Stearns , a Humphrey credentials challenge regarding the California winner-take-all rules was defeated . Divisive arguments over the party platform then followed ; what resulted was arguably the most liberal one of any major U.S. party . On July 12 , 1972 , McGovern officially won the Democratic nomination . In doing so and in taking over the party 's processes and platform , McGovern produced what '' The New York Times '' termed " a stunning sweep . " The convention distractions led to a hurried process to pick a vice presidential running mate . Turned down by his first choice , Ted Kennedy , as well as by several others , McGovern selected – with virtually no vetting – Missouri senator Thomas Eagleton . On the final night of the convention , procedural arguments over matters such as a new party charter , and a prolonged vice presidential nomination process that descended into farce , delayed the nominee 's acceptance speech . As a result , McGovern delivered his speech , " Come home America ! " , at three o'clock in the morning , reducing his television audience from about 70 million people to about 15 million
1972 Democratic National Convention
1972 Democratic National Convention
George McGovern