Dr. Benjamin Spock, celebrated author of "Baby and Child Care," was known for his baby advice as well as his antiwar views. He remained deeply opposed to the Vietnam War and often wrote letters of protest to the White House and participated in antiwar demonstrations.

In 1972, Spock ran for president as a candidate of the Peoples Party, which historically stood for the abolition of national banks, a graduated income tax, direct election of senators, civil service reform, an eight-hour working day, and government control of all railroads, telegraphs, and telephones.