Obama remembers McGovern as 'champion for peace'

By The Associated Press

"George McGovern dedicated his life to serving the country he loved. He signed up to fight in World War II, and became a decorated bomber pilot over the battlefields of Europe. When the people of South Dakota sent him to Washington, this hero of war became a champion for peace. And after his career in Congress, he became a leading voice in the fight against hunger."

-- President Barack Obama in an emailed statement

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"We first met George while campaigning for him in 1972. Our friendship endured for 40 years. As a war hero, distinguished professor, Congressman, Senator and Ambassador, George always worked to advance the common good and help others realize their potential. Of all his passions, he was most committed to feeding the hungry, at home and around the world. The programs he created helped feed millions of people, including food stamps in the 1960s and the international school feeding program in the 90's, both of which he co-sponsored with Senator Bob Dole."

-- Former President Bill Clinton and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in an emailed statement

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"Ann and I extend our condolences to the family of George McGovern, the unwavering standard bearer of his party and a hero of World War II."

-- Former Massachusetts Gov. and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney via Twitter

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"George McGovern was a self-made man who served our nation, in war and in peace, with courage and conviction. He worked hard on behalf of South Dakota, and made history as the only South Dakotan to be nominated for President. Linda and I extend our sympathies to the McGovern family."

-- South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard, a Republican, in an emailed statement

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"George McGovern -- always a gentleman and an outstanding member of the Greatest Generation. RIP."

-- U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., via Twitter

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"George McGovern was a voice of clarity and conviction at a time when America needed it most. He spoke to many of us who opposed the war but loved our country, because he was the genuine article, a soft-spoken, decent and gentle man who lived a remarkable life with humility, a decorated bomber pilot who never bragged about his own heroism, even as he ran into the buzzsaw of the negative and destructive politics that marked the Watergate era."

-- U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., in an emailed statement

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"George McGovern was clearly one of South Dakota's most outstanding public servants. The USA and the world would have been better off if he had defeated Richard Nixon in the 1972 presidential election."

-- Al Neuharth, a South Dakota native and founder of USA TODAY, The Freedom Forum and Newseum, in an emailed statement

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"G McGovern -- a great man. War hero, teacher, congressman, senator, presidential candidate, and life long advocate for peace God bless."

-- Tom Brokaw, special correspondent for NBC News, via Twitter

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"George McGovern lived a life of exemplary service. George's legacy of service will live on at the leadership program created in his name by his beloved Dakota Wesleyan University and in the hearts of all of those who took courage and inspiration from his public life and quiet, but powerful voice in the counsels of government."

-- U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., in an emailed statement

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"George McGovern was a South Dakota institution. He has inspired countless Americans to get involved in the political process and will be remembered for his passionate commitment to South Dakota and to the hungry of the world."

-- U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., in an emailed statement

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"As the Democratic nominee for president, Senator McGovern put principle over politics and stood up for what he believed in. He lived his values, dedicating his life to fighting the scourge of poverty here at home and around the world. The forces of social justice lost a great fighter today, and Senator McGovern will be sorely missed."

-- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., in an emailed statement

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"George was a compassionate man with a truly deep devotion to public service. Whether it was serving as a bomber pilot in World War 11, as an international leader in fighting hunger, as a talented teacher, or as Senator, he served with uncompromising values and commitment."

-- U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., in an emailed statement