Georgia Today: Mourners Pay Respects to Jimmy Carter; "Peanut Brigade" and the Carter Presidential Campaign

Released January 6, 2025

Hosted by Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting

1. Tribute to Former President Jimmy Carter

The episode opens with the heartfelt tributes paid to the late former President Jimmy Carter. Mourners gathered at the Carter Center in Atlanta to honor his legacy, participating in a ceremonial walkthrough of the Carter Museum and Presidential Library before viewing his casket.

Burstein Hollis, a long-time family friend and employee at the Carter Center, shared her reflections:

[02:19] "I would hope that they would take a look at themselves internally and ask the question, what can I do to help? Or how can I help?"

Lisa Miller, a mourner from Jacksonville, Florida, reminisced about Carter's inspirational impact:

[02:27] "I was the same age as Amy Carter when her dad took office. And watching it on the news, it just kind of like today's children are inspired by Disney princesses. And I was inspired back then as a little girl that you know, someone my age could go live in the White House."

Scott Lyle from New York City, a volunteer who worked closely with Carter, described his admiration:

[02:45] "He was an amazing man. He cared about others. He walked the walk, and I can't think of anyone else that I would want to stand in line to pay my respects for."

William Mendoza from Knoxville, Tennessee, emphasized Carter's relatability and honesty:

[03:20] "When I think about Jimmy Carter, I just think about a man for the people, just ready to work for people... he always said, I'm not gonna lie to you. And that's what we need more. More politicians like that."

The service extended beyond the Carter Center, with Kim Carter Fuller, Jimmy Carter's niece, speaking at Maranatha Baptist Church:

[04:08] "We're going to have to learn how to cope without Uncle Jimmy down the road. But I liked the last two words. New magic. There's new magic. And up there in heaven, he's experiencing that new magic right now."

2. Resignation of the Northern District U.S. Attorney

Transitioning to political updates, Chase McGee reports on the resignation of Ryan Buchanan, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia:

[00:43] "Ryan Buchanan has served as the district's U.S. attorney since May of 2022. A statement from his office announcing his resignation noted several successful prosecutions during his tenure. They include violent crime, national security, other convictions."

McGee elaborates that Buchanan's resignation is a standard procedure ahead of a new administration, paving the way for President-elect Donald Trump to appoint his successor. He also mentions the existing U.S. Attorneys in Georgia appointed by President Joe Biden:

[00:43] "Georgia has two other U.S. attorneys, Peter Leary in the Middle District and Jill Steinberg in the Southern District, both nominated by Joe Biden."

3. Georgia Defendants in the January 6th Capitol Attack Cases

The podcast delves into the ongoing legal ramifications of the January 6th Capitol attack, particularly focusing on Georgia-based individuals accused or convicted in connection with the event. With Congress certifying Donald Trump's electoral victory without incident, those implicated in the attack anticipate potential pardons or sentence commutations from the incoming president.

Notable cases highlighted include:

• William Calhoun Jr.: A former lawyer from Sumter County.
• Dominic Box: A former car salesman from Savannah.
• Chuck Hand: An unsuccessful Republican congressional candidate.

McGee notes a Department of Justice database indicating over two dozen Georgia-related cases poised at various stages of prosecution.

4. The "Peanut Brigade" and Carter's 1976 Presidential Campaign

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring Jimmy Carter's grassroots presidential campaign of 1976, notably the efforts of the "Peanut Brigade." Dot Padgett, a 97-year-old activist from Douglasville, Georgia, recounts her experiences in Carter's campaign in her book, "Jimmy Carter Elected President with Pocket Change and Peanuts." In an interview with GPB's Orlando Montoya, she reflects on the campaign's unique strategies and challenges.

Dot Padgett describes her first encounter with Carter:

[05:28] "When I met him, I was a mother of four children... at that moment, a car drove up to the curb and a man walked out, and it was Jimmy Carter. He asked me if I would volunteer for him to work in his race for governor."

She elaborates on the campaign's fiscal constraints and innovative fundraising methods:

[07:02] "There was absolutely no money in that campaign at all... We were allowed for the entire campaign $31 million that we could spend. I don't think anybody can grasp the meaning of that, do you?"

Orlando Montoya engages Dot on the effectiveness of the Peanut Brigade's outreach:

[08:29] "The Peanut Brigade sent volunteers, many with Southern accents, to knock on doors and hand out flyers across the country. How did voters in the cold of New Hampshire and the Midwest respond to you guys?"

Dot Padgett shares anecdotes highlighting the Brigade's impact despite linguistic and cultural barriers:

[08:46] "We spent a week in New Hampshire... They liked her honesty. It was our Southern accents, but she said, I'll take your brochure and I'll read it. He won that race."

As Orlando Montoya inquires about the post-election period, Dot reflects on her role:

[10:52] "My role was specifically for the international visitors... Our job is to help them look good in their own country, to keep them on a schedule."

Discussing the cultural shift from South Georgia to Washington, Dot Padgett offers candid insights:

[11:46] "The press, the restaurants, they were not very friendly because we didn't have a lot of money and we worked long hours every day... They thought we were either antisocial or didn't have the presence to enjoy the Washington, D.C. life."

She expresses her belief in Carter's enduring legacy:

[12:29] "I think he was misunderstood... I would like for people to actually take a look at what he was able to accomplish and maybe he can rise up through the ranks of history as one of our best presidents."

5. Conclusion

Peter Biello wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage further with the stories discussed and to subscribe for future updates. He underscores the significance of reflecting on Jimmy Carter's contributions and the ongoing political developments in Georgia.

For more detailed coverage on these stories, visit gpb.org/news. Subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast to stay informed with daily updates on the issues that matter to you.