The Eagleton Fiasco of 1972 With the death of former Sen. Thomas Eagleton, we recall a time when presidential nominating conventions were actually suspenseful. Eagleton won the nomination as Sen. George McGovern's running mate in 1972 — but was kicked off the ticket 18 days later.

Political Junkie

The Eagleton Fiasco of 1972

Opinion

The Eagleton Fiasco of 1972

March 7, 200712:41 PM ET

Ken Rudin

Eagleton was the 1972 Democratic VP nominee for all of 18 days. hide caption

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Perhaps the biggest indignity for Eagleton was that they spelled his name wrong on this button. hide caption

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Republicans had a field day with the Eagleton flap. hide caption

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The late Paul Wellstone was the only Senate Democrat in a tough election contest to vote against the war in 2002. hide caption

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Thirty-five years ago today, Sen. Ed Muskie of Maine wins the New Hampshire Democratic presidential primary. But his margin of victory was far less than expected. hide caption

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