Musings & Sardonic Commentary on Politics, Religion, Culture & Native American Issues. Bringing you the finest in radioactive screeds since 2002! "The Local Crank" newspaper column is distributed by Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.
Just a simple Cherokee trial lawyer, Barkman has been forcing his opinions on others in print since, for reasons that passeth understanding, he was an unsuccessful candidate for state representative in 2002. His philosophy: "If people had wanted me to be nice, they should've voted for me."
Former President Jimmy Carter and I at a fundraiser in Austin for his son Jack, who is running for the US Senate from Nevada. I am holding a copy of President Carter's book, "Turning Point," one of my favorites, which he was kind enough to autograph.
Labels: Elections, Jimmy Carter
posted by The Local Crank | 11:05 PM
5 Comments:
He was every bit as warm, charming and self-effacing as you would imagine. Jack Carter has a remarkably similar style, speaking and personal, as his father. And Luci Baines Johnson (the fundraiser was at her house/condo) is definately her father's daughter. Lady Bird Johnson was there, too. Despite being in a wheelchair now, she's still a wonderful, charming woman.
I'm envious. I "met" the former president at a book signing in Austin in 1996 (or thereabouts) and got him to sign a copy of "Living Faith." He's a good man and a great Christian. Sadly, I'm tempted to conclude that his presidency proved what we all fear: that very intelligent and morally upright individuals can't survive in politics for long. The "system" will ultimately reject their odious presence in favor of slicker, savvier, and less savory men.
Yes, but you've run for Congress, so you're still one up on me.
And I think you may be too cynical about politics. Yes, Carter was (and is) intelligent and morally upright, but he was also shockingly naive politically and that was what ultimately what doomed his presidency, not just that he was "too good for the office."
True, true... Carter WAS naive, and his presidency alone proves nothing. But looking back, one can discern a trend in politics--particularly since the advent of TV--in favor of style over substance. Presidencies seem to be won less and less by the "better man" than by the more telegenic candidate with the slicker team behind him (not to mention the deeper pockets). Reagan was the turning point. Now everyone uses his campaigns as the template.
May have started earlier than that, Eisenhower (who ran the first televised/Madison Avenue packaged campaign) or Kennedy. Before television, candidates had to speak well and think quick on their feet, as they were inevitably addressing large, unscreened crowds.
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