Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States Born: October 1, 1924, Plains, Georgia Education: Georgia Southwestern College, ; Georgia Institute of Technology, ; United States Naval Academy, (class of 1947); Union College, Religion: Baptist Marriage: Eleanor Rosalynn Smith (b. August 18, 1927), July 7, 1946 Children: John William (Jack) (1947-); James Earl III (Chip) (1950-); Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff) (1952-); and Amy Lynn (1967-) Career: Soldier; Farmer, Warehouseman, Public Official, Professor Writings: Why Not the Best? (1975); A Government as Good as Its People (1977); The Wit and Wisdom of Jimmy Carter (1977); Keeping Faith (1982); Everything to Gain (1987); An Outdoor Journal (1988); Turning Point (1992); The Blood of Abraham (1993); Always a Reckoning (1995); Living Faith (1996); The Virtues of Aging (1998); An Hour Before Daylight (2001); The Hornet's Nest (2003); Sharing Good Times (2004). Noble Peace Price Winner: In 2002, Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize for his "efforts to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development."

In 1976, Carter in his presidential bid ran against the memory of Nixon and Watergate as much as he ran against his Republican opponent, Gerald Ford. His most effective campaign pitch was his promise that “I’ll never lie to you.”

YearInflation Rate (percent) Unemployment Rate (percent) Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States

Domestic Affairs: He enacted strong environmental legislation deregulated the trucking, airline, rail, finance, communications, and oil industries bolstered the social security system appointed record numbers of women and minorities to significant government and judicial posts Foreign Affairs: Camp David Peace Accord Salt II Treaty Boycott of Olympics Panama Canal Treaties Iranian revolution and oil crisis Iranian hostage crisis Established full diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China Championed human rights throughout the world and used human rights as the center of his administrations foreign policy

Jimmy Carter, Energy and National Goals (popularly known as the "malaise" speech) (1979) Main Points: 1.Americans suffer from a lack of confidence. I want to talk to you right now about a fundamental threat to American democracy.... I do not refer to the outward strength of America, a nation that is at peace tonight everywhere in the world, with unmatched economic power and military might. 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. We can see this crisis in the growing doubt about the meaning of our own lives and in the loss of a unity of purpose for our Nation.

2. Americans have lost faith have lost faith in their government and in their ability to shape their government. Our people are losing that faith, not only in government itself but in the ability as citizens to serve as the ultimate rulers and shapers of our democracy…. 3. Americans have become addicted to consumerism, which has sapped their confidence and sense of purpose. In a nation that was proud of hard work, strong families, close- knit communities, and our faith in God, too many of us now tend to worship self-indulgence and consumption. Human identity is no longer defined by what one does, but by what one owns. But we’ve discovered that owning things and consuming things does not satisfy our longing for meaning. We’ve learned that piling up material goods cannot fill the emptiness of lives which have no confidence or purpose….

4. The sad truth: many Americans have lost respect for once honored institutions. As you know, there is a growing disrespect for government and for churches and or schools, the news media, and other institutions. This is not a message of happiness or reassurance, but it is the truth and it is a warning…. Question: Is this statement true. If it were true, do Americans really want to hear the truth, or do they prefer messages of reassurance from their leaders?

5. By coming together to meet the energy challenge, we can win for our nation a new sense of confidence, control and destiny. However, we must take the following measures: 1. Never use more foreign oil than we did in Set import quotas 3. Commit national funds and resources to develop alternative sources of fuel 4. Utility companies cut their use of oil by 50% and switch to other fuels, especially coal. 5. Establish an energy mobilization board to cut through roadblocks to completing key energy projects. 6. All of us need to embark on a bold conservation program. A.I ask Congress to give me authority for mandatory conservation and for standby gasoline rationing.

6. Americans must make sacrifices in their consumerism to meet the crisis. …I’m asking you for your [own] good and for your Nation’s security to take no unnecessary trips, to use carpools or public transportation whenever you can, to park your car one extra day per week, to obey the speed limit, and to set your thermostats to save fuel. Every act of energy conservation like this is more than just common sense—I tell you it is an act of patriotism….

APPRAISAL Appraisal of the speech’s effectiveness: Terrible. People have a need to feel good about themselves, and they seek leaders who make them feel good. Leaders who criticize their people soon lose their people’s support, even if their message is valid.