RENEE MONTAGNE, host:
Senator Thomas Eagleton was well known for his stepping down as George McGovern's vice presidential running mate in 1972. The Missouri Democrat died yesterday at the age of 77. Eagleton was replaced on the Democratic ticket after it was revealed that he had been treated for depression.
Mr. THOMAS EAGLETON (Former Senator, Democrat, Missouri): On three occasions in my life, I have voluntarily gone into hospitals as result of nervous exhaustion and fatigue. As a younger man, I must say that I drove myself too far, and I pushed myself terribly, terribly hard - long hours, day and night.
MONTAGNE: On July 31, 1972, just 18 days after he was nominated, Eagleton made this announcement.
Mr. EAGLETON: I will not divide the Democratic Party, which already has too many divisions. Therefore, tomorrow morning, I will write to the chairman of the Democratic Party, withdrawing my candidacy.
MONTAGNE: Tom Eagleton, who died yesterday, didn't consider his withdrawal a defeat. He said being vice president ain't all that much. My ambition since my senior year in high school was to be a senator. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
