Clinton hails late Sen. Eugene McCarthy for changing history

Former President &to=http://english.pravda.ru/main/2001/02/19/2585.html' target=_blank>Bill Clinton eulogized the late Minnesota Sen. Eugene J. McCarthy on Saturday for helping to shift momentum against the Vietnam War with his 1968 presidential campaign.

"It all started when Gene McCarthy was willing to stand alone and turn the tide of history," Clinton said at a memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral, which featured lawmakers, friends and family members.

McCarthy, who died last month at 89, mounted an anti-war challenge to President Lyndon B. Johnson for the 1968 Democratic nomination, leading to Johnson's withdrawal from the race.

Clinton also praised McCarthy for showing that politicians can do more than politics.

"He proved we can play baseball and write poetry," he said, noting two of McCarthy's passions.