two campaigns: 1976 and 1980

1976

1980

Carter was running against President Gerald Ford. His name got out early because by winning the Iowa caucuses. The way Carter worked the campaign is he traveled over 50,000 miles, delivered over 200 speeches and visited 37 states before any other candidates announced they were in the race. Jimmy became an assent because he was an outsider to the sill relevant Watergate scandal. He promoted government reorganization. In June of 1976 he published Why Not the Best? his initial introduction to the American public. In the South, he followed in George Wallace's footsteps because his heavy impression. In the North, he mainly appealed to the conservative christian and rural voters. The campaign ended closely, popular vote Carter 50.1 percent and 297 electoral votes - Ford 48.0 percent and 240 electoral votes.

The 1980 campaign was more difficult than the 1976 election. Carter ran against Ronald Reagan(R), John B. Anderson(I) and Ted Kennedy(D). The main competitor however was Ted Kennedy, opposing Carter's current liberal views with new different liberal views. A few weeks before the general election his campaign manager stepped down because of cocaine usage. The Iran hostage event was extremely prevalent during this campaign. Also Jimmy had to run against his own 'stagflation'-ridden economy. During this campaign he re-instated registration for the military draft. Carter winning most of the primaries and Kennedy running a weak campaign was a shock to the public. Despite the defeats Carter had Kennedy mobilized the liberal wing of the Democratic Party giving Kennedy the win. 

THE ELECTORAL MAP OF THE 1976 ELECTION

Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia Carter and President Ford debate.

THE ELECTORAL MAP OF THE 1980 ELECTION