Scott Lilly : McGovern presciently rode the political , social currents of late ' 60s , early ' 70s . His views on foreign policy , women 's rights and more drew support of young , Lilly supporters . McGovern lost to Nixon in 1972 , but many of his positions came to pass anyway , Lilly says . Lilly : McGovern not the extremist his critics claimed ; he was a man of strength , grace .
Scott Lilly : McGovern presciently rode swirling political , social currents of late '60s , early '70s . His views on foreign policy , women 's rights and more drew support of young , Lilly says . McGovern lost to Nixon in 1972 , but many of his positions came to pass anyway , Lilly says . Lilly : McGovern not the extremist his opponents claimed ; he was a man of strength , grace .