When I was a youngster growing up in South Dakota, we never referred to the national debt, it was always referred to as the war debt because it stemmed from World War I. – George McGovern

I did frequently refer to my war record in World War II, but not in any flamboyant way. – George McGovern

There is a strong tendency in the United States to rally round the flag and their troops, no matter how mistaken the war. – George McGovern