A New Appreciation of Jimmy Carter with Jonathan Alter

The Bill Press Pod

In this episode, an in-depth discussion of the life and legacy of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, as seen through the eyes of presidential historian Jonathan Alter. The key points: Carter's remarkable journey from a relatively unknown Georgia governor to becoming the 39th U.S. President, and how the Watergate scandal helped propel him to the White House despite low initial poll numbers. Carter's presidency is often misremembered as a failure, but Alter argues that while Carter struggled politically, he was a "substantive and often visionary success" who achieved significant legislative and foreign policy accomplishments. Carter's post-presidency is highlighted as a model for how former presidents can continue to serve the public, through initiatives like the Carter Center, election monitoring, and Habitat for Humanity. The crucial role and influence of First Lady Rosalyn Carter is emphasized, with Alter describing her as one of the most important and impactful First Ladies in history. The depth of the Carter's 77-year marriage is also noted as an extraordinary love story. Overall, the interview provides a comprehensive and sympathetic reassessment of Jimmy Carter's life and legacy, underscoring his many substantive achievements. You can subscribe to Jonathan Alter's newsletter, Old Goats at OldGoats.substack.com and buy his biography of Jimmy Carter, His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life here. Or his latest book, American Reckoning: Inside Trump’s Trial―and My Own here.

Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. More information at UFCW.org

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