What are the motifs in Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail '72 by Hunter S. Thompson?

American Politics is a motif in this story. This is a very general statement. Nevertheless it is quite true. The book is focused upon the Presidential Campaign of 1972. Election day is still November 7th. Much has changed. McGovern is the Democrat's underdog. This is the fellow Thompson follows the majority of the time. Senator McGovern is being touted on the basis of the same virtues which a few years later caused Jimmy Carter to make into the Presidency - he's an honest man, and a good one. While these were well known characteristics of McGovern, there was doubt about his ability to win the race. For many in the society, one of the concerns was Viet Nam.