Gene McCarthy was an American politician and poet, best known for his role as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota from 1959 to 1971. He gained national prominence during the Vietnam War for his strong opposition to the conflict, which resonated with many Americans who were disillusioned by the war. McCarthy's campaign for the 1968 Democratic presidential nomination attracted a significant following, particularly among young voters. In addition to his political career, McCarthy was also a published poet and writer. He authored several books, including poetry collections and works on politics and society. After leaving the Senate, he continued to be involved in public life, often speaking out on various issues until his death in 2005.