Eugene McCarthy was an unconventional in that he penned poetry–sometimes political, sometimes personal–when most politicians expressed themselves through carefully managed soundbites and photo opportunities.
Transcript
The late Minnesota Senator Eugene McCarthy galvanized the Vietnam anti-war movement when he sought the Democratic nomination for president in 1968. It was a bold move away from the conventional political momentum that defined his career.
McCarthy was also unconventional in that he penned poetry--sometimes political, sometimes personal--when most politicians expressed themselves through carefully managed soundbites and photo opportunities.
His legacy now includes notable poetry collections alongside his extensive list of political publications.
Not surprisingly, some of his most powerful poems reflect his opposition to the Vietnam war.
McCarthy:
“You go into the ditch with your mother
An American politician has said it is better to kill you
in the elephant grass of Vietnam
than in the rye grass of the U.S.A.”
McCarthy recited his poem ‘My Lai Conversation’ and was presented in Mike Hazard’s PBS documentary, “I’m Sorry I Was Right.” It refers to the most notorious civilian massacre during the war.
McCarthy:
“It is better to die where you know the names
of the trees and the birds and the grass
than in a strange country.”
McCarthy published his first poem in 1968 and continued writing and reciting poetry until his death in 2005.