Before 2010, people who served in congress had this weird family like bond. Look at how Biden gushes for his fellow senators. Makes sense that McGovern would feel some kinship with Ford and Dole
That said.... its still batsh**t crazy. Carter winning gave more oppurntities to pass measures close to McGovern's dreams
People act like McGovern was some wild eyed leftist/communist but he was just your standard New Deal Democrat who believed in bipartisanship.
Right, he was a standard New Deal Democrat. But even as early as 1976 you could see the stains of conservatism taking over the GOP. Had Ford been re-elected, he would have pushed for some tax cuts and cuts to social programs. Not Reagan levels, but still opposite the direction McGovern wanted
So still batsh**t crazy