<P> McGovern's early efforts were beset by organizational problems and much activity without plan or result in polls . He began replacing most of the campaign staff . In March 1970, he met Gary Hart in Denver, and soon hired him to be his Western political affairs coordinator; a couple of months later, he became McGovern's national campaign director. Shortly thereafter he opened a New York office and hired the first woman as Executive Director, Phyllis Holtzer, a former Robert Kennedy staffer . At a July 25, 1970, get - together at McGovern's farm in St. Michael's, Maryland, the McGovern campaign was restarted . </P> <P> The favorite for the Democratic nomination by then was Ed Muskie, the 1968 vice-presidential nominee, who had especially benefited from a speech on the eve of the Congressional elections in November 1970 that made a calm but effective response to statements by President Richard Nixon and Vice President Spiro Agnew impugning the patriotism of Democrats . </P> <P> McGovern announced his candidacy on January 18, 1971, in the form of a televised speech from the studios of KELO - TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and in letters sent to many a newspaper editorial board and potential backer . The early entry, nearly two years before the election date, was designed to give him time to overcome Muskie's large lead . </P> <P> In his announcement speech, the 48 - year - old McGovern promised to withdraw every American soldier from Indochina if elected . He said economic conditions would also be improved by an end to the war and reduced military spending . McGovern declared some themes of his campaign: </P>

How did presidential candidate nominating processes change in 1972