Jimmy Carter: The American Presidents Series: The 39th President 1977-1981

The maverick politician from Georgia who rode the post- Watergate wave into office but whose term was consumed by economic and international crises . A peanut farmer from Georgia Jimmy Carter rose to national power through mastering the strategy of the maverick politician. As the face of the New South Carters strongest support emanated from his ability to communicate directly to voters who were disaffected by corruption in politics. . But running as an outsider was easier than governing as one as Princeton historian Julian E. Zelizer shows in this examination of Carters presidency. Once in power Carter faced challenges sustaining a strong political coalition as he focused on policies that often antagonized key Democrats whose support he desperately needed. By 1980 Carter stood alone in the Oval Office as he confronted a battered economy soaring oil prices American hostages in Iran and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. . Carters unpopularity enabled Ronald Reagan to achieve a landslide victory ushering in a conservative revolution. But during Carters post-presidential career he has emerged as an important voice for international diplomacy and negotiation remaking his image as a statesman for our time.