Jimmy Carter Republicans Divided Democrats – “We could run an aardvark this year and win.” – So they ran a peanut farmer Narrowly defeats Ford – Restore Honesty and integrity

Carter Brings down-to-earth feel to White House – “fireside chats” – Congress Didn’t want to “play ball” with insiders Relied on advisors from GA Even managed to alienate Democrats Very few allies in Congress…

Energy Crisis April 1977 Carter urges Americans to cut energy consumption 100+ proposals on energy conservation and development – Fierce battles with congressmen and interest groups – “It was impossible for me to imagine the the bloody legislative battles we would have to win.”

1979 Energy Crisis Iranian conflict cause an oil shortage OPEC announced major price increase Inflation Carter’s scatter shot approach – Array of measures to combat inflation… None worked Many felt he had not economic policy

Malaise Carter responds to Crisis and criticism with his, now famous, Malaise speechMalaise – “Crisis of spirit” has struck the heart and soul of America – Many felt Carter had given up – Helped to further turn the public against him By 1980 – Inflation almost 14% – Standard of living dropped to 5 th – Neither of help his reelection efforts

Seeds of a Recession Moving from manufacturing to service based economy – High paying service jobs required education – Increased competition East Asia and West Germany

Civil Rights Administration included more African Americans and Women than ever before Andrew Young first African American U.S. ambassador to U.N. Appointed numerous women and minorities Criticism – Legislative failures – Regents of University of California v. Bakke Effective affirmative action policies more difficult to establish