Consider This from NPR: What Jimmy Carter's "Malaise" Speech Tells Us About His Presidency

Released on January 3, 2025

In this insightful episode of NPR's Consider This, host Mary Louise Kelly delves into the complexities of Jimmy Carter's presidency, focusing particularly on his infamous "Malaise" speech. Through expert analysis and historical context, the episode explores how this pivotal moment reflects Carter's unique approach to leadership and its lasting impact on American politics.

1. Introduction

Mary Louise Kelly opens the discussion by highlighting Jimmy Carter's distinctiveness among U.S. Presidents. With guest Kai Bird, author of The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter, they characterize Carter as an outlier:

Mary Louise Kelly [00:00]: "Jimmy Carter was different from other US Presidents."

Kai Bird [00:04]: "He was an outlier in all sorts of ways."

Bird emphasizes Carter's humble beginnings and principled stance, portraying him as a president from the "19th century" who prioritized doing what was right over political consequences.

2. Jimmy Carter: An Unconventional Leader

Kai Bird further elaborates on Carter's background and political demeanor:

Kai Bird [00:12]: "He grew up, you know, in very spartan circumstances, no running water, an outhouse... he always wanted to do the right thing."

Carter's commitment to transparency and integrity is underscored by his promise to the public:

Jimmy Carter [01:15]: "I'll never tell a line, I'll never make a misleading statement, I'll never betray the trust of those who have confidence in me, and I will never avoid a controversial issue."

3. The "Malaise" Speech: Context and Content

In 1979, amidst an energy crisis, soaring inflation, and widespread discontent, Carter delivered what would become known as the "Malaise" speech. This address diverged from the traditionally optimistic tones of presidential speeches, presenting a candid assessment of America's struggles.

Jimmy Carter [03:53]: "The threat is nearly invisible in ordinary ways. It is a crisis of confidence. It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will."

Historian Kevin Matson, author of What the Heck Are You Up To? Mr. President, Jimmy Carter, America's Malaise and the Speech that Should Have Changed the Country, provides in-depth analysis of the speech's origins and objectives.

4. The National Backdrop in July 1979

Mary Louise Kelly sets the scene by outlining the myriad challenges facing the United States at the time:

Mary Louise Kelly [04:47]: "OPEC was making it difficult for Americans to think that they could get gas at an affordable amount... gas lines were forming as people rushed to fill up their tanks."

Matson explains the pervasive sense of individualism and self-interest that Carter aimed to address:

Kevin Matson [04:47]: "...he thinks that the American people need to do some soul searching and ask themselves, how did we get into the position where there's this kind of rampant individualism that seems to be out of control?"

5. Initial Reception and Approval Surge

Upon delivery, Carter's honesty resonated with the public, leading to a significant boost in his approval ratings:

Mary Louise Kelly [07:23]: "Within hours, his approval ratings had jumped 11 points."

Citizens responded with actions reflecting the speech's call for unity and responsibility, such as adopting fuel-efficient behaviors and conserving energy.

6. The Fallout: Cabinet Firings and Declining Support

Despite the initial positive reception, Carter's subsequent decision to dismiss his entire cabinet created public confusion and disappointment, undermining the momentum gained from the speech:

Kevin Matson [07:26]: "He decides for some reason or other to fire his entire cabinet, which just creates this maelstrom of despair and confusion on the part of the American people..."

This move led to a sharp decline in his approval ratings, negating the earlier surge and casting doubts on his leadership.

7. Comparing Presidential Rhetoric

Kelly contrasts Carter's approach with more optimistic speeches from Presidents Reagan, Obama, and Trump, who emphasized unity and American greatness:

Kevin Matson [09:00]: "He knows that he had to say to the American people, there's only so much that government can do. We need to change our kind of consciousness."

Carter's candid acknowledgment of national struggles marked a departure from the traditionally hopeful tones, making his speech both radical and ahead of its time in some aspects.

8. Legacy and Historical Assessment

Matson assesses whether Carter's speech achieved its intended impact:

Kevin Matson [10:43]: "Some people ask the question... is it just too late in the game to really make a significant dent on the consumer culture that's creating so many problems as he sees it."

He notes that while there was initial enthusiasm for unity, broader societal change proved elusive. Additionally, Carter's inability to effectively communicate that he wasn't blaming the American people themselves limited the speech's effectiveness.

9. Carter's Reflections on the Speech

In later years, Carter regarded the "Malaise" speech as his best work:

Kevin Matson [12:01]: "He said it was his best speech. He felt like he nailed it."

Carter believed he succeeded in addressing significant national crises and fostering a necessary dialogue, despite the political backlash that followed.

10. Conclusion

Mary Louise Kelly wraps up the episode by acknowledging the enduring relevance of Carter's insights:

Jimmy Carter [08:40]: "There is a growing disrespect for government and for churches and for schools, the news media and other institutions."

The episode underscores how Carter's candidness and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths set him apart, offering lessons on leadership and integrity that remain pertinent in today's political climate.

Notable Quotes:

• Jimmy Carter [01:03]: "They mark the commitment of the United States to the belief that fairness and not force should lie at the heart of our dealings with the nations of the world."

• Jimmy Carter [01:46]: "It's clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper... I need your help."

• Kevin Matson [04:34]: "He was really saying the American consumer culture... is failing."

• Jimmy Carter [08:40]: "There is a growing disrespect for government and for churches and for schools, the news media and other institutions."

This episode of Consider This provides a comprehensive examination of Jimmy Carter's leadership style, the challenges he faced, and the enduring impact of his "Malaise" speech on American political discourse.