Virtual Tour » Race to the White House
A
carefully planned campaign strategy was accompanied by the enthusiastic
ballyhoo of campaign buttons, bumper stickers, and posters. Because
Jimmy Carter was not well-known, campaign items touted him as the candidate
who was a down-to-earth peanut farmer and the man with a winning smile.
Peanut jewelry, scarves, patches, and even an Amy peanut doll helped
Jimmy Carter came to the Democratic National Convention in New York City with enough delegate votes to win a first ballot nomination. Excitement centered on his choice of a running mate - Senator Walter Mondale of Minnesota - and Carter's address to the convention (PDF). His speech called for an "open" government, one secure in the nobility of its ideals. On Labor Day, 1976, Jimmy Carter kicked off his national campaign. He met President Gerald Ford in three televised debates that confirmed for many that Carter was qualified to serve as president.
The entire Carter family had traveled the nation, campaigning vigorously for Jimmy. The mothers of both Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter graced the campaign trail. Jimmy's mother, Miss Lillian, an outspoken advocate for her son, showed her special brand of enthusiasm when he won the election. On Inauguration Day, Jimmy Carter used the Bible that his mother gave him when he was sworn in as the 39th President of the United States. Read President Carter's Inaugural Address. Related Links: |
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Jimmy
Carter ran a hard race to the White House in 1976. A peanut farmer
from rural Georgia and relatively unknown Governor of Georgia, Carter
campaigned among a field of nationally recognized politicians. However,
his message to the American people was clear: he promised to restore
public trust in government. Although his campaign was a true grass-roots
effort, Carter beat a dozen other Democrats and Republican incumbent
Gerald Ford to be elected President of the United States.
to get out the message that Georgia was "Carter country." The
rest of the country also took notice, as Carter won state primary after
state primary, beginning with surprise victories in New Hampshire
and Florida.
From New York to Los Angeles, Carter took his message directly to
the people, promising that, with leadership, America would again become
a nation of faith and vision, of courage and greatness.
