Tangle Podcast Episode Summary: Jimmy Carter's Life and Legacy
Hosted by Isaac Saul | Release Date: January 9, 2025

Introduction & Corrections

In the opening segment of the episode, Isaac Saul addresses necessary corrections related to a previous discussion on ranked-choice voting (RCV). He acknowledges inaccuracies regarding voters' requirements and ballot certification times, attributing these errors to Overzealous efforts to counter biases in support of RCV initiatives. Saul emphasizes transparency, noting that this is the 124th correction in Tangle's 283-week history and extends an apology for the misinformation. He also previews upcoming content, including the grading of Tangle's 2024 writings.

Quick Hits by John Lowell

Timestamp: [03:58]

John Lowell begins with a heartfelt message concerning the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County, expressing solidarity with those affected and hoping for swift containment and relief efforts. He then presents a series of quick news updates:

1. Wildfires in Los Angeles County:

   • Palisades Fire: Burning 17,234 acres, 0% contained as of Thursday morning.
   • Impact: At least five fatalities and 2,000 structures destroyed.
   • Additional Issue: All water storage tanks in Palisades are depleted, complicating firefighting efforts.

2. Labor Negotiations:

   • Union dock workers and port employers have tentatively agreed on a six-year contract, averting strikes at East Coast and Gulf ports.

3. Attorney General Merrick Garland's Plans:

   • Intent to release Jack Smith's report on Donald Trump's 2020 election interference.
   • Decision against releasing the report on Trump's classified documents due to ongoing cases.

4. Israel-Hamas Hostage Situation:

   • Israel recovers the body of a hostage from the October 7th Hamas attacks.
   • Concerns remain that up to half of the remaining 100 hostages in Gaza may be deceased.

5. Fulton County DA Fani Willis vs. Georgia Supreme Court:

   • Willis petitions for review of an appeals court decision disqualifying her from prosecuting Donald Trump in the Georgia election interference case.

Jimmy Carter's Life and Legacy Overview

Timestamp: [06:20]

John Lowell offers a comprehensive overview of Jimmy Carter's life, emphasizing his transition from peanut farmer and community leader to the 39th President of the United States. Key points include:

• Presidency (1977-1981):

  • Faced double-digit inflation, energy shortages, and the Iran hostage crisis.
  • Achievements: Camp David Accords (peace treaty between Israel and Egypt), SALT II arms control agreement, formalizing diplomatic relations with China.
  • Election History: Won the 1976 election against Gerald Ford but lost the 1980 re-election bid to Ronald Reagan by a landslide.

• Post-Presidency:

  • Established the Carter Center for humanitarian work.
  • Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.
  • Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for efforts in resolving international conflicts and promoting democracy.

• Legacy Debate:

  • Praised by both Democrats and Republicans for his humanitarian efforts.
  • Ongoing debates about the impact of his presidency versus his post-presidential achievements.

Perspectives from the Left

Timestamp: [09:59]

The Left generally holds a favorable view of Carter's legacy, highlighting his character, commitment to service, and ethical approach to politics. Notable comments include:

• Representative Ro Khanna (The Guardian):

  • Quote: "Jimmy Carter was an antidote to politics as spectacle... a refreshing reminder that it is possible to have a politics of dignity and statesmanship" ([08:30]).
  • Commends Carter's commitment to universal human rights and achievements like the Camp David Accords.

• Nick French (Jacobin):

  • Quote: "Jimmy Carter worsened the American malaise he decried... His policies paved the way for a few at the top to grow fabulously wealthy while the majority of Americans saw their wages stagnate" ([11:15]).
  • Criticizes Carter's neoliberal policies for contributing to societal atomization and economic inequality.

• Stuart Eisenstadt (The Washington Post):

  • Quote: "In his post presidential years, Carter's accomplishments... were more extensive and longer lasting than those of almost all modern presidents" ([09:45]).
  • Highlights Carter's ethics reforms, establishment of the Department of Education and Energy, and environmental conservation efforts.

Perspectives from the Right

Timestamp: [15:00]

The Right offers a more critical view of Carter's legacy, questioning the historical significance of his presidency and post-presidential actions:

• Philip Terzian (New York Post):

  • Quote: "Jimmy Carter brought the end of an era in presidential politics... a transitional figure" ([16:10]).
  • Attributes Carter's narrow victory and subsequent defeat to broader political shifts post-Watergate and the Vietnam War.

• Connie Marschner (Daily Signal):

  • Quote: "Jimmy Carter unwittingly played a role in bringing evangelical Christians into the political process... his policies attacked traditional family and feminist agendas" ([17:35]).
  • Criticizes Carter for alienating his Christian base and advancing policies contrary to evangelical values.

• Philip Klein (National Review):

  • Quote: "Carter was a terrible president, but an even worse former president... his actions post-presidency were treasonous" ([18:50]).
  • Accuses Carter of undermining U.S. foreign policy and damaging relationships with allies.

Isaac Saul’s Take on Carter’s Legacy

Timestamp: [20:31]

Isaac Saul presents a nuanced perspective of Jimmy Carter, outlining 16 key thoughts that balance critique and commendation:

1. Best Ex-President:

   • Quote: "He may not have had a great presidency, but he was the best ex president we ever had."

2. Outsider President:

   • Highlights Carter's humble beginnings and outsider status in Washington.

3. Presidential Challenges:

   • Addresses Carter’s strained relationships with Congress, notably with Senator Edward Kennedy, leading to his 1980 defeat.

4. Economic Turmoil:

   • Context: 1970s inflation at 1% monthly, stock market decline, and high interest rates.
   • Quote: "This inflationary period was not Carter's fault alone, but he took the brunt of the blame from the public."

5. Iran Hostage Crisis:

   • Quote: "Carter allowed the Shah of Iran to come to the United States... leading to the hostage crisis."

6. Camp David Accords:

   • Acknowledges Carter's role in brokering peace between Egypt and Israel despite later criticisms.

7. Era of Social Upheaval:

   • Societal rifts over civil rights, inflation, Cold War tensions, and the hostage crisis defined his presidency.

8. Aging Legacy:

   • Quote: "With the benefit of hindsight, I will say there is much to like [about Carter]."

9. Camp David Summit:

   • Quote: "He literally isolated himself from the world and just took advice and listened to people over the course of a week and a half."

10. Crisis of Confidence Speech:

    • Excerpt: "In a nation that was proud of hard work, strong families... we've discovered that owning things and consuming things does not satisfy our longing for meaning."

11. Pardon of Vietnam Draft Dodgers:

    • Reflects on the controversial decision, suggesting it appears more favorable with historical context.

12. Economic Reforms:

    • Credits Carter for hiring Paul Volcker to combat inflation, despite the immediate economic fallout.

13. Rosalynn Carter's Influence:

    • Acknowledges the significant role of his wife in shaping his legacy.

14. Genuine Love for Americans:

    • Quote: "He had a genuine love for the American people... he ran on a campaign promise to never lie, and he upheld that promise better than most politicians have."

15. Post-Presidential Achievements:

    • Highlights Carter Center’s global humanitarian efforts and diplomatic missions.

16. Complex Legacy:

    • Quote: "Carter's legacy is not black and white. He wasn't simply a failed president and he wasn't simply a model citizen."

Listener Question: January 6th Coverage

Timestamp: [29:34]

A listener from Washington, D.C., inquires why the January 6th insurrection was omitted from Tangle's January 6th, 2025 newsletter, especially in light of the House certifying President-elect Donald Trump's Electoral College vote count. Isaac Saul responds by explaining that the decision was based on prioritizing more current and pressing stories, such as the attack in New Orleans and debates over the H1B visa. He asserts that the January 6th events, while significant, did not have new developments warranting in-depth coverage at that time. Saul acknowledges the importance of the insurrection but maintains that their media role focuses on the most relevant news of the day.

Under the Radar Story & Numbers

Timestamp: [32:07]

Under the Radar Story:
John Lowell reports on U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's accusation of genocide against Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The U.S. plans to impose sanctions on RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan de Galo (Hemedti) and associated businesses due to allegations of systematic murder and sexual violence amid ongoing conflicts in Sudan.

Numbers:

• Electoral Votes:

  • 1976 Election: Jimmy Carter won 297 electoral votes.
  • 1980 Election: Lost with 49 electoral votes.

• Approval Ratings:

  • February 1977: 66% approval (Gallup).
  • December 1980: 34% approval.
  • Average during presidency: 45.5% (third lowest post-WWII, excluding Joe Biden).
  • June 2023: 57% approve of Carter’s job performance (Gallup).

• Political Impact:

  • 1978 Midterm Elections: Democrats lost 11 House seats.

• Public Admiration:

  • Carter finished in Gallup's Most Admired Man Poll 29 times, third most of any public figure since the poll's inception.

Nice to Have Story

Jason Stalter, part of an inmate club in the Penitentiary of New Mexico, highlights the positive impact of inmate-led initiatives. These clubs, covering topics like religion and gardening, have collectively raised $15,000 for charities such as the Ronald McDonald House and the Children's Cancer Fund. Additionally, they have funded school lunch debts for local students. Stalter emphasizes the desire of incarcerated individuals to reintegrate positively into the community.

Conclusion

Isaac Saul wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to support Tangle through memberships, which offer benefits like ad-free podcasts and exclusive content. He previews the upcoming Friday edition newsletter and podcast, which will evaluate Tangle's work throughout 2024.

Notable Quotes

1. Ro Khanna on Carter's Ethics:
   "Jimmy Carter was an antidote to politics as spectacle... a refreshing reminder that it is possible to have a politics of dignity and statesmanship."
   ([08:30])

2. Nick French on Carter's Policies:
   "His policies paved the way for a few at the top to grow fabulously wealthy while the majority of Americans saw their wages stagnate."
   ([11:15])

3. Isaac Saul on Carter's Best Ex-Presidency:
   "He may not have had a great presidency, but he was the best ex president we ever had."
   ([21:00])

4. Crisis of Confidence Speech Excerpt:
   "In a nation that was proud of hard work, strong families... we've discovered that owning things and consuming things does not satisfy our longing for meaning."
   ([21:45])

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, viewpoints, and insights presented in the Tangle podcast episode on Jimmy Carter's life and legacy. The structured sections provide clarity, while notable quotes and timestamps offer depth and attribution, ensuring the summary is both informative and engaging for those who have not listened to the episode.