The Herald-Dispatch (Huntington)
Marshall Welcomes 'Youth Candidate'
McGovern Met Enthusiastically By Generally Polite Audience
By Denise Welker
September 18, 1972
Herald-Dispatch Staff Writer
A large number of Marshall University students turned out here Sunday night to welcome back to campus a presidential candidate who has been characterized as the spokesman for youth.
George McGovern was greeted enthusiastically by the predominantly young audience at Memorial Student Center.
And some in their fervor to see the Democratic presidential nominee, became rude and unruly when television cameras and electronic equipment set up by the McGovern staff blocked their view of the speaker.
Cries of "down in front" met Democratic gubernatorial candidate John D. Rockefeller IV and MU President John G. Barker as they made their introductory remarks.
But the disrespect was channeled into excitement as McGovern stepped to the platform and greeted the audience with the peace sign.
Remarks about ending the Vietnam war and the Watergate bugging incident were greeted with loud applause and shouts of "all right." And time and again, as McGovern asked the audience if they wanted to continue under President Nixon's leadership for another four years, the youthful voices shouted, "No!"
Many of the students had arrived as early as 6 p.m., taking choice seats in trees surrounding the student center courtyard. Others sat on planters, stood or sat on the pavement.
A sprinkling of pro-McGovern signs waved in the crowd, most condemning the war or asking for an end to strip mining.
Much of the group was armed with assorted cameras and tape recorders to "save" the event. Just as assorted as the electronic equipment was the appearance of the students themselves. Along with the typically long-haired, blue-jeaned political activists were college men in fraternity shirts and others who could be characterized simply as "conservative" in appearance.
The only departure from Democratic party loyalty came from a small group of women who booed Rockefeller and told him to go home. To that he replied, "I like it here. I am home." Meanwhile, Sharon Rockefeller continued to shake hands by her husband's side.
On stage, Mrs. McGovern beamed as her husband spoke. Dressed in a tailored red skirt and sweater with print blouse and a white orchid at her waist, the petite lady greeted well-wishers with her husband after the speech.
Following the address, Mr. and Mrs. McGovern went to the UpTowner Inn for a "by invitation only" reception. The only students attending were some student government officials and a few young, active participants in the Democratic party.