Is Obama trying to be an improved version of Jimmy Carter?

[Colobo]

You know, even though I wasn't even born during the Carter years (born in '83), but I have watched videos of several of his speeches in order to understand why this man has been so underrated by his country. I say underrated, because based on what I have researched, President Carter seemed to try to make the best out of a diplomatic approach in a very difficult period in history, apart of his desire to lead America into an era of introspection, of an ontological quest- Carter wanted America to evaluate herself spiritually, knowing then that an internal change was needed in order to avoid the problems we are facing today as a nation. Very noble effort indeed.

When I hear Obama talking about a transformation in both domestic and foreign policy, with such an emphasis on a diplomatic approach to the foreign policy issues we face, and the desire transform America from within (the Community Organizer Approach)- I inmmediately think about Carter and wonder if Obama is trying to be just that: the Jimmy Carter of the 21st Century.

Has anybody else noticed this?

[Heidi]

1. If he were, I think that'd be great. Jimmy Carter is a great man.

Any improvement on his legacy would be even greater.

[MannyGoldstein]

2. I Don't Know If He's Trying, But...

He seems to be Carter-esque. For what it's worth, I've been suspecting for some time that the next President will be Carter-like - we're in a situation similar to Watergate, and as in Watergate, after this nightmare is over, we'll want to take a national hot shower and elect someone who is honest, earnest and hopeful.

[sandnsea]

3. I thought of Harry Truman

"I just tell the truth and they think it's hell."

That's what I've been hearing lately. When people really start tuning in to what the man is actually saying, this man will do in the country what he did in Illinois. He's talking about fundamental change, person by person, block by block, remaking the world.

[napi21]

4. People were so disgusted with the criminality of the Nixon crowd,

they voted for the HONEST man candidate. One thing for sure, Carter WAS the honest candidate! I remember the Pubs being soooo pi**ed off, the first thing they did was an investigation of his peanut farm profits. Well, Carter said go for it, and turned over all his paperwork. They found NOTHING WRONG!!!!!

The problem I've always heard about Carter here in the South is that he mirco-managed everything. I don't know for sure that was the problem, but he did have to deal with the WORST inflation I can ever remember! I recall the Co. I worked for was having to deal with 22% interest on borrowing! People had to pay 18% to 22% interest on mortgages! It was awful! I'm not good enough with economics to judge if there was anything Carter could have done about that, but he sure has turned out to be the BEST former President in History!

[Buzz Clik]

5. I see few parallels between Obama and Carter.

[Colobo]

6. It would be cool to read your analysis. Really looking forward to it.

[surfermaw]

7. Edward's more like Carter

In his campaigning at least , they way he goes about his campaign, talking to people.carter got out and traveled the U.S, speaking with people and had the election won before many people knew he was in the game... In the south at one time, especially in Georgia, if you won the primary your work was done... Clinton and Carter gained on their opponents by using that experience

[Buzz Clik]

9. I certainly agree.

[Buzz Clik]

8. Well, okay. But simply disagreeing with your analysis is not all that "cool"

Carter was the first Democrat for whom I voted. He was calm, soft spoken, and completely "not Nixon." Carter had some ideas, but that wasn't the big selling point: he was incredibly appealing in the aftermath of Vietnam, Nixon's impeachment/pardon, and Ford's disastrous economy.

The big, kind smile is the only similarity I see between Carter and Obama. Obama is a dynamic speaker, comes from a minority background, has many centrists points of view, and is 100% polished. Now, perhaps Obama has his equivalent to Billy Carter and mom Lillian hidden under the stairs somewhere, but I doesn't seem likely. Carter had his fibers of brilliance, but he made so many screw-ups it was excruciating.

I don't have much more than this to offer. I simply don't agree.

[Colobo]

10. Thanks- I appreciate the point of view of someone who lived through those years.

[Buzz Clik]

11. I really liked Carter. It was quite easy for me to vote for him over Ford.

[BeyondGeography]

12. There are some paralells

Carter ran as an outsider; "I'll never lie to you," is the line I always remember about his campaign. Obama is beginning to articulate an open government, anti-special interests narrative that is (thankfully) in line with his record as a legislator. Carter also made a statement of aligning his religious beliefs with policy, most notably (for me at least) in the area of human rights. Obama uses the same approach in domestic policy with his "brother's keeper" theme. Carter was attractive to many people because he was seen as a moral person and we had been living in a cesspool. I can say that, for me, the fact that we won't be blind-sided with any revelations about Obama's personal life was yet another reason to support him.