American History Tellers: The Carter Years | "Jimmy Who?" | Episode 1
Introduction
American History Tellers, hosted by Lindsey Graham, delves deep into the pivotal moments and figures that have shaped the United States. In the inaugural episode, "The Carter Years | 'Jimmy Who?'", Graham explores the rise of Jimmy Carter from a humble peanut farmer to the 39th President of the United States. This episode meticulously examines Carter's early life, political ascent, presidential campaign, and the initial challenges he faced in the White House.
Jimmy Carter's Early Life
The episode begins by painting a vivid picture of Jimmy Carter’s upbringing in Plains, Georgia. Born on October 1, 1924, to Bessie Lillian Gordy, a nurse, and James Earl Carter Sr., a peanut farmer and businessman, Carter was the eldest of four siblings. Growing up in a small community, the Carter family home lacked modern amenities like electricity and running water until Jimmy was a teenager.
Carter's father, a staunch segregationist, managed a sizable farm and operated various businesses, including a general store and a peanut warehouse, eventually expanding the family's holdings to 5,000 acres. Despite his father’s conservative views, Carter's mother, Lillian, worked diligently as a nurse and fostered a more inclusive environment, encouraging her children to interact with their Black neighbors. This upbringing instilled in Carter a complex understanding of race relations in the South.
Notable Quote:
"Rachel taught me to fish, and at night we often played cards and checkers in their cabin. I knew her better than my mother." ([07:45])
Military Service and Return to Farming
At 18, inspired by a familial naval connection, Carter received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1943. During his time at the academy, Carter was a reserved student, often mocked for his Southern accent and slender build. After graduating in 1946, he married Rosalynn Smith and embarked on a naval career, serving on submarines and reaching the rank of lieutenant.
Tragedy struck in 1953 when his father succumbed to cancer. Faced with taking over the family business, Carter made the difficult decision to leave the Navy and return to Georgia, much to Rosalynn’s dismay. Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, he revitalized the struggling peanut farm, eventually turning it into a successful enterprise by the late 1950s.
Notable Quote:
"I want to bring these hostages home safely. I also want to protect the nation's honor and dignity." ([02:15])
Entering Public Service: From Local to State Politics
Carter's commitment to his community led him to various roles, including joining the Lions Club, becoming a scoutmaster, and chairing the local school board. His progressive stance on education, particularly his support for consolidating smaller schools, positioned him as a forward-thinking leader in a region still grappling with the aftermath of the Brown v. Board of Education decision.
In 1962, inspired by the national political climate and figures like John F. Kennedy, Carter ventured into state politics, successfully securing a seat in the Georgia State Senate. His first gubernatorial bid in 1966 was unsuccessful, losing to Lester Maddox, a segregationist. However, undeterred, Carter ran again in 1970, slightly shifting his political stance to appeal to conservative white voters while maintaining his commitment to racial tolerance.
Notable Quote:
"At the end of a long campaign, I believe I know our people of this state as well as anyone could." ([14:19])
1970s Gubernatorial Campaign and Leadership
Carter's 1970 gubernatorial campaign was marked by significant challenges, including backlash from segregationist supporters after he publicly denounced racial discrimination in his inaugural address. Despite fierce opposition from figures like Lester Maddox, Carter remained steadfast, implementing policies that doubled the number of Black employees in the state government and championed various reforms in education, the judiciary, and the environment.
His efforts earned him national recognition, including a cover on Time magazine as the face of the "New South." However, amidst the political turmoil of the Nixon presidency, Watergate scandal, and Vietnam War, Carter faced mounting pressure and personal doubt about his readiness for national office.
Notable Quote:
"Carter's commitment to human rights and public service defined a presidency that remained both controversial and deeply consequential." ([05:05])
1976 Presidential Campaign: From Underdog to Front-Runner
Transitioning from state to national politics, Carter officially announced his presidential candidacy in December 1974. Initially trailing in the polls, his relentless campaigning across 250 cities in 46 states began to pay off. Key strategies included leveraging his outsider status, emphasizing honesty and integrity, and enlisting the support of notable figures like Willie Nelson and members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
A pivotal moment in his campaign was his endorsement from Martin Luther King Jr.'s father, which significantly boosted his appeal among Black voters and younger demographics. Despite a stumble with a controversial Playboy interview where Carter admitted to harboring "adultery in his heart," rival Gerald Ford's own missteps during debates allowed Carter to regain momentum.
Notable Quote:
"I promise to never tell a lie." ([19:26])
Winning the Presidency: Election Night and Transition
Carter's victory on Election Day was narrow, securing 50% of the popular vote and 297 electoral votes against Gerald Ford’s 240. His win was attributed to his ability to unite conservative white voters and gain substantial support from Black voters and the working class. The transition period highlighted the cultural shift Carter brought to the White House, marked by his informal "Georgia Mafia" staff and a promise to bring transparency and honesty to the administration.
Notable Quote:
"Washington is a very social town. You might want to get yourself a suit and tie." ([22:10])
Early Presidency: Domestic Policies and Challenges
Upon taking office on January 20, 1977, Carter embarked on an ambitious agenda aimed at eliminating nuclear weapons, pursuing world peace, and advocating for human rights. Noteworthy actions included:
-
Panama Canal Treaties: Inspired by David McCullough’s The Path Between the Seas, Carter sought to transfer control of the Panama Canal back to Panama. Despite significant opposition, particularly from Senator Strom Thurmond, Carter successfully secured Senate approval for the treaties in April 1978.
Notable Quote:
"Peace in the Middle East won't be achieved without great sacrifice on one side or the other." ([30:50])
-
Energy Crisis Management: Facing soaring energy prices and an economic downturn, Carter initiated measures to conserve energy, including lowering White House thermostats and urging the public to reduce fuel consumption. His televised fireside chat on February 2, 1977, was well-received, temporarily boosting his approval ratings to 75%.
Notable Quote:
"This is the greatest challenge that our country will face during our lifetime." ([32:10])
-
Economic Policies: Carter's administration focused on reducing government waste by vetoing inefficient public works projects, which strained relations with his own party. His frugal personal lifestyle was reflected in his governance style, often leading to friction within Washington.
Foreign Policy Endeavors: Camp David Accords
Determined to play a significant role in Middle Eastern diplomacy, Carter brokered the Camp David Accords in September 1978 between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. Despite initial setbacks and tense negotiations, the accords resulted in mutual concessions, including Israel’s withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula and Egypt’s formal recognition of Israel.
Carter viewed the Camp David Accords as his crowning achievement, positioning him as a pivotal figure in international peace efforts. However, domestically, economic challenges and strained relations with Congress over policies like tax and welfare reform began to erode his early successes.
Notable Quote:
"We're about to shake things up around here." ([25:30])
Conclusion
The first episode of American History Tellers effectively sets the stage for Jimmy Carter's presidency by highlighting his transition from a local leader to the national spotlight. While Carter's early tenure was marked by significant achievements in foreign policy and energy conservation, underlying economic woes and political tensions hinted at the formidable challenges that lay ahead.
Final Notable Quote:
"If President Carter does what he just said, the segregationists who supported him are going to feel betrayed." ([14:47])
Additional Resources
For those interested in delving deeper into Jimmy Carter’s life and presidency, the episode recommends the following works:
- The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter by Kai Bird
- His Very Best: Jimmy A Life by Jonathan Alter
- Carter’s 1995 Memoir: Keeping Faith
Credits
- Host: Lindsey Graham
- Written by: Neil Thompson
- Edited by: Dorian Marina
- Produced by: Aleda Ryazanski
- Sound Design: Molly Bach
- Music: Thrum
- Executive Producers: Jenny Lauerbee, Beckman, Marshall Louie, Aaron O'Flaherty
Stay tuned for the next episode, where Carter grapples with a deepening energy crisis and faces the onset of the Iran hostage crisis.