Born: 1924, Plains, GA

A top graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, engineer Jimmy Carter reluctantly left the Navy in order to run his family’s peanut business. He entered Georgia politics and was elected Governor in 1970. In 1976, he captured the Democratic Presidential nomination — a Washington outsider untainted by the insider politics of the Nixon era. Carter’s earnest oratory, deep religious faith, and down-to-earth policies impressed a jaded electorate, especially his vow that he would never lie to the American people.

One of Carter’s first Presidential acts was to pardon the Vietnam draft dodgers. He decreased the federal budget deficit, deregulated domestic oil prices and formed an Energy Department. He also improved bureaucratic efficiency, and placed many women and minorities in senior government jobs. but Carter never got along with Congress and he was blamed for high interest rates and inflation. In foreign affairs, Carter stressed human rights. He facilitated the historic Camp David Accord between Egypt and Israel, and the Treaty ceding the Panama Canal. But these accomplishments were overshadowed by the Iranian hostage crisis. Carter’s inability to secure release of the American hostages, by force or otherwise, frustrated the public, who rejected him in the 1980 election. After leaving office, Carter has remained active in the cause of human rights and world peace.

Thirty-Ninth President
Democrat