Watson (political science, Florida Atlantic U. in Boca Raton) presents nine papers that collectively add up to a political biography of Democratic Senator George McGovern, the 1972 presidential challenger to Richard Nixon. Papers look at the influence of his upbringing and his World War II experiences on his political career, his activities in building the South Dakota Democratic Party, his congressional experiences and legacies, his involvement in the Food for Peace program during the Kennedy administration, his role in the reform politics of the late-60s Democrats, his run for the presidency, and his appointment by President Clinton to serve as US ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization. Also included is a foreword by former Senator Tom Daschle. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)