What Role Did Jimmy Carter Play In The Election Of 1976

This week’s reading focuses on the election of 1976 and the difficult selection of the Democratic and Republican candidates. Leading up to the election of 1976, there were several individuals hoping to be elected president. The first decisions came when it was time to select the Democratic and Republican candidates that would participate in the actual election for President. On the Democratic side, Jimmy Carter faced off against George Wallace and Scoop Jackson (Perlstein 2014). Although Carter did not initially win the votes of the public, he pulled through in the end and was born again. Carter was able to make up for the losses he faced early on by obtaining some of the black vote and moving away from old politics, which were the focus of

His arrogance led Ford to gain more supporters, especially when the nation came to the realization that Ford had done a substantial amount of good for the nation. The issue of the Panama Canal also played an influential role in this election, and gave Ford some leverage over Regan, which resulted in more mudslinging. Ford’s ability to play the field, travel, and recruit uncommitted delegates helped him gain more support than Reagan. The bicentennial signing of the Declaration of Independence also played a role in this election (Perlstein 2014). Ford was able to show his patriotism by leading celebrations and using his presidential power to make the most of the celebrations. After several debates and continuous mudslinging, particularly on the issues of the ERA, abortion, détente, and the Cotton South, the time finally came for a Republican candidate to be chosen. Ultimately, Gerald Ford became the Republican candidate and Jimmy Carter became the Democratic candidate and the 39th President of the United States. Reagan’s inability to win the Republican Party nomination left many wondering if Reagan would make another run for president in the