The Carter Years | Crisis of Confidence | Episode 2 Summary

In the second episode of "The Carter Years: Crisis of Confidence," host Lindsey Graham delves deep into the tumultuous period of President Jimmy Carter's administration during early 1979. This episode meticulously explores the domestic and international challenges Carter faced, his responses to these crises, and the ensuing impact on his presidency and reelection campaign.

1. The Dwindling Approval Ratings

April 9, 1979: The episode opens with a dramatized scene depicting a public opinion pollster's breakfast meeting with First Lady Rosalynn Carter. The pollster, recognizing the severity of Carter's plummeting approval ratings—“25%, even lower than Richard Nixon's numbers during the worst of the Watergate scandal” (00:00), seeks to convey the nation's growing disillusionment. Rosalynn acknowledges the “crisis of confidence” (00:00) engulfing the nation, emphasizing Carter's oversight of domestic issues in favor of foreign affairs.

2. The "Crisis of Confidence" Speech

By late April 1979, facing mounting economic woes—long gas lines, soaring inflation, and rising unemployment—Carter's advisors warn him about the potential loss of the presidency. Despite early setbacks, Carter rallies following the success of the Camp David Accords and engages in significant diplomatic efforts, including reopening relations with China and initiating the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT II) with the Soviet Union.

July 15, 1979: Carter delivers his pivotal "Crisis of Confidence" speech on national television. Lasting 33 minutes and viewed by 65 million Americans, Carter addresses the nation's “crisis of the spirit” (04:17). He urges Americans to “sacrifice and consume less,” advocating for a rebirth of the American spirit. This acknowledgment of societal malaise initially boosts his approval ratings by 11 points, though they only reach the high 30s.

3. Cabinet Resignations and Internal Turmoil

July 17, 1979: Just two days after his uplifting speech, Carter unannounces his decision in a cabinet meeting, requesting the resignation of five high-level cabinet members. This unexpected move sows discord within his administration. Vice President Walter Mondale expresses his anger and contemplates resignation, highlighting the administration's internal strife: “It’s like falling apart” (04:17).

4. Economic Measures and Paul Volcker's Appointment

Amidst escalating inflation rates between 13-15% and double-digit interest rates, Carter appoints Paul Volcker as the Chair of the Federal Reserve in August 1979. Volcker's aggressive tactics, including raising the federal funds rate to 19%, aim to curb inflation but risk plunging the economy into a recession. This move underscores Carter's willingness to make difficult decisions despite potential political backlash.

5. The Iranian Revolution and Hostage Crisis

The episode shifts focus to the unfolding Iranian Revolution, where Ayatollah Khomeini rises to power, overthrowing the Shah and leading to chaos. November 4, 1979: Iranian student protesters storm the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 66 Americans hostage. Carter's response is initially firm—“refusing Iran's request to exchange the hostages for the Shah”—leading to a temporary spike in his approval ratings to over 60%. However, as months drag on without resolution, Carter's stance attracts criticism for both inaction and aggressive tactics.

6. The Olympic Boycott and Additional Struggles

Christmas Day 1979: The Soviet Union invades Afghanistan, prompting Carter to escalate his foreign policy challenges. He imposes an embargo on grain exports to the USSR and announces a potential boycott of the Summer Olympics in Moscow. Despite initial support, the boycott faces resistance from the International Olympic Committee and disillusioned American athletes, leading to widespread public unrest and further diminishing Carter's popularity.

7. Operation Eagle Claw: A Failed Rescue Attempt

April 24, 1980: In a desperate bid to liberate the hostages, Carter authorizes Operation Eagle Claw, a complex rescue mission involving Delta Force. The mission is plagued by technical failures—a sandstorm, mechanical issues, and a tragic collision between helicopters and transport planes—which culminate in the deaths of eight servicemen. Carter addresses the nation at 6:00 PM, accepting full responsibility: “It was my decision to attempt the rescue operation. It was my decision to cancel it. The responsibility is fully my own” (19:13). This disaster not only devastates Carter personally but also irreparably damages his political standing.

8. The Aftermath and Carter's Struggles for Re-election

Following the failed rescue mission, Carter's administration is perceived as “rudderless” and embattled. The hostage crisis remains unresolved, and economic indicators continue to decline with inflation and unemployment persisting. Despite early signs of recovery after the grain embargo gains support from American farmers, Carter's efforts are continually undermined by external crises and internal dissent. Ted Kennedy's challenges within the Democratic Party further complicate Carter's path to reelection.

Notable Quotes

• Rosalynn Carter: “There's a level of pessimism I haven't seen before. Call it a crisis of confidence.” (00:00)
• President Carter: “Whatever it takes to get the hostages home” (19:13)
• Gerald Rafshoon, Communications Director: “You were elected to kick ass and you haven't.” (04:17)
• Patrick Cadell, Pollster: “People are in a funk. They’re losing faith.” (00:00)

Conclusion

Episode 2 of "The Carter Years: Crisis of Confidence" provides an in-depth examination of the myriad challenges faced by President Jimmy Carter in 1979-1980. From domestic economic struggles and declining approval ratings to international crises like the Iranian hostage situation and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Carter's presidency is portrayed as a period of relentless adversity. The episode underscores how these compounded crises eroded public trust and ultimately led to the downfall of Carter's administration, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in American political history.

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