Jimmy Carter's achievements have too readily been overlooked by historians. Journalist Robert Alter's magisterial biography provides the needed corrective.
Thanks for your thorough review of this Jimmy Carter reassessment biography.
One lasting image from the Carter years was his hyperventilating into the arms of Secret Service guardians on a 10K fun/run. His PR people noted that he returned to greet successful runners – demonstrating to me the guy’s decency despite disappointment. It seemed that he and his Georgia crowd thought they knew better - a kind of moral superiority (religious?). So, I look forward to reading the book because for years I was left with the impression that he was a terrific former president but a micro-managing failure as he leader of the free world. For example, I wondered why he did not take decisive action when Iranian revolutionaries held captive American diplomats. I believe this led to the election of Ronald Reagan. By the end of the Carter terms, the nation was despondent ready for a change.
As an aside, I was also put off by his seeming religiously based moral rectitude. I always wondered if this prevented him from wheeling and dealing with Congress.
Thanks, Joe. I believe as you and Alter apparently do that Carter doesn’t get nearly the credit he deserves. By the way, the show you referred to was called America Held Hostage, which is why I blame Roone Arledge for helping to elect Reagan. It evolved into Nightline after the hostages were freed.
Thanks for your thorough review of this Jimmy Carter reassessment biography.
One lasting image from the Carter years was his hyperventilating into the arms of Secret Service guardians on a 10K fun/run. His PR people noted that he returned to greet successful runners – demonstrating to me the guy’s decency despite disappointment. It seemed that he and his Georgia crowd thought they knew better - a kind of moral superiority (religious?). So, I look forward to reading the book because for years I was left with the impression that he was a terrific former president but a micro-managing failure as he leader of the free world. For example, I wondered why he did not take decisive action when Iranian revolutionaries held captive American diplomats. I believe this led to the election of Ronald Reagan. By the end of the Carter terms, the nation was despondent ready for a change.
As an aside, I was also put off by his seeming religiously based moral rectitude. I always wondered if this prevented him from wheeling and dealing with Congress.
Thanks for your thoughtful and detailed article on CArfter-a great man!
Thanks, Joe. I believe as you and Alter apparently do that Carter doesn’t get nearly the credit he deserves. By the way, the show you referred to was called America Held Hostage, which is why I blame Roone Arledge for helping to elect Reagan. It evolved into Nightline after the hostages were freed.
I thought the article was great
I greatly admired Jimmy Carter
He was indeed a great humanitarian
His example has inspired many people
Thank you for this overview