1976, Part 4: Building a President Jimmy Carter, Part 1

1976, Part 4: Building a President Jimmy Carter, Part 1

1:01:06 Feb 20, 2026
About this episode
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week on The Georgia Politics Podcast, we trace the remarkable rise of Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter from the Gold Dome to the White House. How did a little-known, one-term governor from Plains transform himself into a viable presidential contender in the wake of Watergate? We examine Carter's outsider message, his emphasis on honesty and reform, and the disciplined, state-by-state strategy that stunned the political establishment in 1976. We break down Carter's appeal to Southern and evangelical voters, and the broader national mood that made his campaign possible.  From rural Georgia to Washington, this episode looks at the political skill, timing and strategy behind one of the most improbable presidential ascents in modern American history. Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1 Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network. #gapol
Select an episode
0:00 0:00