McGovern Explains Switch to Obama on SDPB

South Dakota Public Broadcasting gets the newsmaker of the day, Senator George McGovern, on Dakota Midday for his first interview* following his announcement that he is going from hedging his endorsement to a full-tilt switch from Senator Clinton to Senator Obama for President. The conversation with SDPB's Pual Guggenheimer (and Paul -- darn fine interview!):

Says McGovern: Hillary Clinton has waged a "very valiant campaign for the nomination," and only she can make the decision to drop out. But given that there is "very little chance of her catching the nomination," McGovern thinks the time has come for party to unite. Obama has a clear lead, the superdelegates are evenly divided, and there is no way mathematically for Clinton to win. McGovern says it's time to get behind Obama and do what we can to win next fall.

Guggenheimer asks if McGovern has any trepidation about urging her to drop out, thus rendering the SD primary moot?
--No, McGovern didn't think about that. The South Dakota primary is always important, but Obama's lead "is so strong that we can't make the decisive vote here in South Dakota."

McGovern adds that if Obama has clear majority of pledged delegates or at least big lead, it "would tear the party in two" to have it decided by superdelegates.

Guggenheimer asks if McGovern has any concerns about recent controversies dogging Obama?
--McGovern says he hopes people don't draw the conclusion that it's dangerous to go to church because your minister might say something you disagree with. McGovern says the Wright controversy is irrelevant. McGovern says he's a lifelong churchgoer, and "never had a minister I agreed with 100%, but I don't make a big deal about it." He just continues going to the church. Obama doesn't have to make any apologies for the church he attended, says McGovern. (Good answer to my question, Senator!)

Guggenheimer: What about people's concerns about not knowing enough about Obama, versus Clinton's perceived battle scars?
--McGovern says she's "impressive, one of the most intelligent women in the country.... She would have made a strong president," but the voters have given Obama the edge. He's "potentially a great President," and "I have no hesitance about supporting him." Both Obama and Clinton are very capable people.

Guggenheimer: Have you spoken to Clinton yet?
--Not directly, says McGovern, but he talked at length with Hillary's husband Bill this morning. It was not a hurried conversation, and not a cross word was spoken. "We will remain friends," says McGovern. "She has a great future ahead of her in the Senate and anything else she should seek."

Guggenheimer: What did President Clinton say?
--McGovern says that Bill said he's confident in Hillary. "We didn't talk at length about what she should do... just a good conversation between two longtime friends." The former President wanted McGovern to stay with her but he "didn't make any great effort in that direction."

Guggenheimer: Given the longtime relationship with the Clintons (Hillary worked on the McGovern 1972 campaign), how hard was it to make this announcement?
--Very tough to make this announcement, says McGovern. The former senator "didn't sleep much last night." He says he wrote his public statement during the night, and he stands by every word.

Guggenheimer: Attending her appearance tomorrow?
--McGovern says he hasn't decided, but "I certainly wish her well." McGovern says he "may well be there as someone who supported her this far."

Of course, that depends on whether Clinton is going anywhere tomorrow. Dave Kranz weighs in right after the McGovern interview to say he suspects Tim Russert's report that the Clinton campaign has canceled the SD trip (and everything else on tomorrow's schedule) is right.

Wow: maybe South Dakota -- or at least one famous South Dakotan -- will decide this primary after all.

end note: Guggenheimer and Ross talk about May 19 as a date being batted around as the date for Barack Obama's first visit to the state. Better back it up a couple days so you can catch free camping weekend at South Dakota's state parks!

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*Update 13:10 CDT: make that first South Dakota media interview: it sounds like NPR's Day to Day got him before Paul Guggenheimer did. Still, good hustle, SDPB!