[johnohara]

A couple of observations to give insight into the USA's political sentiment at the time:

1. In 1976, Ford carried California, Illinois, Virginia, and every western state except Texas. Carter carried Texas, Wisconsin, Ohio and almost all southern states including Florida.

2. When Carter won the country was still coming to terms with Vietnam, was completely dismayed by the Watergate scandal and subsequent pardon, was witnessing chaos in Iran, was living under the threat of mutually assured destruction, was experiencing rampant inflation, rising oil prices, a stagnant economy, and possessed a large group of rebellious baby-boomers kicking at the stalls but not quite ready-for-primetime.

The USA needed Jimmy Carter's southern sensibilities, humility, and values in order to take a deep breath.

Rest in Peace Mr. President. Well done in retrospect.