Gary Hart: McGovern Man of Great Convictions

POLITICS -- October 22, 2012 at 7:12 PM EDT

Gary Hart: McGovern Man of Great Convictions

George McGovern leaves behind a legacy of conviction and courage on the issues of poverty and ending hunger domestically and internationally, former Sen. Gary Hart told NewsHour Senior Correspondent Judy Woodruff Monday night.

McGovern, the former presidential nominee, United Nations ambassador and U.S. senator who represented South Dakota, died Sunday at age 90.

Hart said that in addition to McGovern's opposition to the Vietnam War, the former senator made a point to represent those without a voice.

"When was the last time anyone talked about poverty in America," Hart said. "Neither party including my own wants to talk about poor people anymore. It's all about the middle class."

Hart credits McGovern with reforming the Democratic Party in the late 1960s and early 1970s and says McGovern was a man who inspired himself and others, including former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to public service.

"He was a man of strong convictions and very strong principles and great courage," Hart said.

In the interview with Woodruff, Hart also expressed his confidence in President Obama just hours before the final presidential debate.

Watch the complete interview above.

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