Why were both Ford (R) and Carter (D) considered extremely weak Presidents? Were these assessments fair?

Ford, a non-elected president, and Carter, a victor over a split Republican party, failed to inspire confidence in the American people.

This is all the aftermath of the Watergate Crisis Ford is a President that was never elected Carter is an outsider but becomes President

Who is Gerry Ford? Representative from Michigan Small part of Michigan, didn’t even represent the whole state Appointed by Nixon after Spiro Agnew resigned. Confirmed by Congress Now: President—essentially chosen by one “voter”, Nixon (who is not really all that respected)

Personality Likeable and Honest “I’m a Ford, Not a Lincoln.” “Played too many games of football without his helmet”—President LB Johnson

Problems for Ford’s Administration Chose Nelson Rockefeller as his VP (25 th Amendment) Pardoned Nixon for any “possible wrongdoings he may have committed” – Left his guilt or innocence unresolved – Did so to “put it all behind us” Economy worsened as OPEC oil prices increased massively – Inflation goes from 6% to 11% in 1974 – Tried WIN (Whip Inflation Now) – Asked Americans to cut usage of oil and gas and introduced other ways to save energy – Huge gasoline shortage in 1974 led to long lines at the pumps Battled a Democratic Congress with a different agenda – Vetoed funding for health, education, and housing – Vetoed over 50 pieces of legislation in only 2 years as President!

Ford’s Foreign Policy is Better Relied on Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger Continued Nixon’s policies with China and USSR Led 35 nations to sign the Helsinki Accords— promoted cooperation between Eastern Europe and Western Europe BUT struggled with Southeast Asia

Cambodia Seized USS Mayaguez US responded with massive show of force Ordered air strikes on Cambodia Sent in Marines to rescue the crew of the ship 41 Americans were killed Did all of this without Congress’s approval Appeared to be escalating the war

1976 Election Ford runs but dumps Rockefeller and ran for re- election with Bob Dole – Ronald Reagan challenged him in the primary Unusual for the incumbent President to be challenged Did happen to LBJ and he dropped out – Republicans are divided ideologically Democrats run a relatively unknown politician – Jimmy Carter the Governor of Georgia Previously a peanut farmer He said in a southern drawl: “I will never tell a lie to the American people.”

Carter is Elected Makes himself available to the people – Has “fireside”-like talks – Held “phone-ins” for people to talk directly with him – Failed to be as open and accessible to Congress, however He refused to play Washington games, even with his own Democratic party

Carter’s Domestic Policy Concentrated on energy and economy – Called on Americans to cut oil and gas consumption – Turn thermostats to 65° in the day and 55° at night (Winter); wear sweaters – Representatives from oil producing states objected – Proposed a Department of Energy Resulted in National Energy Act – Taxed gas guzzlers – Removed price controls on oil and gas – Extended tax credit to develop alternative energies

The Economic Crisis Worsens 2 nd Fuel shortage occurs in 1979 OPEC raises prices again Inflation soars to 11.3% Carter takes action – Freezes wages and prices – Cuts government spending – Deregulates controls on trucking, railroads, and shipping – Got Federal Reserve to raise interest rates None of this worked, however By 1980, inflation was 14%

Carter’s Foreign Policy Cut military aid to countries that imprisoned or tortured their own citizens This created problems with countries that were dictatorial but anti-Communist Big Problem—he gave the Canal Zone back to Panama (actually took place on December 31, 1999). This barely passed the Senate. He insisted on human rights which to the end of détente with USSR and China Although SALT II talks were successful, the Senate objected When Soviets invaded Afghanistan, Carter refused to fight for SALT and it died

Camp David Accords September 11, 1978 Carter’s Crowning Achievement Invited Begin of Israel and Sadat of Egypt to Camp David to finalize what Kissinger had started in 1974 – Five year transition where Israel and Jordan would work out provisions for Palestinian self-rule West Bank, parts of Jerusalem, Gaza Strip – End all hostilities between Israel and Egypt

Iran Hostages Revolution in Iran broke out in January of 1979 Ayatollah Khomeini led the rebels Overthrew the Shah Carter let the Shah come to US In retaliation, 66 American hostages were taken in Iran Rebels would trade hostages for the Shah US refused to negotiate with terrorists Carter banned all trade with Iran US negotiated their release after 444 days But delay after delay held it up until January 20, 1981, the day Carter left office

Map 30.4 Presidential Election of 1980 (p. 903)