Carter, Jimmy (1924–)

• Author: Louis Fisher
• Pages: 320

Page 320

As the first President elected after the WATERGATE scandal, Jimmy Carter was strongly oriented toward moral duties, Christian ethics, faith, trust, and personal rectitude. The "nobility of ideas" theme evoked in his inaugural address ranged broadly from human rights to the elimination of nuclear weapons. Missing from this pantheon of principles, however, was an understanding of the constitutional system and the mechanics of government needed to translate abstract visions into concrete accomplishments.

Carter considered himself an activist President and wanted to use the power of his office to correct social, economic, and political inequities. Some of his contributions to the legal system were long-lasting, such as the large number of women and persons from minority groups he placed on the federal courts. But comprehensive reforms for welfare, taxation, health, and energy became mired in Congress because of Carter's inability to articulate his beliefs and mobilize public opinion. He and his associates wrongly assumed that institutional resistance from Congress and the executive branch could be overcome simply by appealing to the people through the media.

Carter's congressional relations staff started off poorly and never recovered. By campaigning both against Congress and the bureaucracy, Carter had alienated the very centers of power he needed to govern effectively. He advocated "cabinet government" until the impression of departmental autonomy suggested weak presidential leadership. A major shake-up in July 1979 led to the firing or resignation of five cabinet secretaries, all with a history of friction with certain members of the White House staff. The abrupt nature of these departures cast doubt on Carter's judgment and stability, implying that in any contest between personal loyalty and professional competence, loyalty would prevail.

In foreign policy, the Camp David accord in 1978 marked a high point for Carter when he produced a "framework for peace" between Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. The ratification of the PANAMA CANAL TREATIES also marked a personal triumph, although Carter required last-minute assistance from several senators. His recognition of the...