(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . From Carter to Trump: How America’s Values Have Shifted Over Time [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2024-12-30 When Jimmy Carter left the White House in 1981 after serving one term, he carried with him one of the lowest approval ratings in presidential history. His tenure was marked by economic struggles, an energy crisis, the Iran hostage situation, and a growing sense that America had lost its swagger on the global stage. But more than policy outcomes, it was Carter’s approach to leadership—his honesty, modesty, and preference for moral clarity over political theater—that many believe sealed his fate as a one-term president. Fast forward to 2016, and Donald Trump ascended to the presidency under a very different set of circumstances. Trump’s brashness, unapologetic nationalism, willingness to "tell it like it is," and disdain for traditional political norms resonated deeply with a large portion of the American electorate. Interestingly, some of the very qualities that doomed Jimmy Carter are the ones that propelled Donald Trump to the highest office in the land. Carter’s Honesty vs. Trump’s Boldness Jimmy Carter was, by most accounts, an honest man—sometimes painfully so. He spoke openly about the “crisis of confidence” facing America in his infamous “malaise speech.” Instead of sugar-coating hard truths, Carter called for collective sacrifice and discipline to address rising energy costs and inflation. However, this honesty came across to many Americans as weakness or even pessimism. Voters wanted a president who made them feel good about being American, not one who reminded them of their struggles. Donald Trump, on the other hand, offered a brash and often contradictory boldness. His campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again,” promised not introspection or self-sacrifice but a return to dominance. His supporters often praised his lack of political polish and his willingness to say things other politicians wouldn’t dare utter. Where Carter’s sincerity was seen as defeatist, Trump’s blunt confidence was viewed by many as strength. Carter’s Humility vs. Trump’s Showmanship Carter was a humble president. He famously carried his own luggage, wore simple sweaters instead of suits during energy-saving efforts, and projected a modest Southern charm. But in an era of increasing economic insecurity and a fading sense of American exceptionalism, humility wasn’t the trait Americans were craving in their leader. Donald Trump, by contrast, was pure showmanship. A billionaire businessman with a knack for reality television, he didn’t shy away from excess. His gold-plated skyscrapers, private jets, and bombastic speeches became part of the brand. For many Americans, Trump’s larger-than-life persona symbolized success, strength, and a rejection of the political elite. Carter’s Global Responsibility vs. Trump’s America First Carter approached foreign policy with an eye toward global responsibility. He championed human rights abroad, brokered the Camp David Accords, and emphasized diplomacy over aggression. However, his inability to resolve the Iran hostage crisis became emblematic of perceived American weakness during his presidency. Trump, on the other hand, pursued an “America First” policy, often prioritizing domestic interests above international diplomacy. He pulled the U.S. out of global agreements, imposed tariffs, and reshaped alliances. Where Carter’s internationalism was seen as overly accommodating, Trump’s unilateralism was viewed by many as a necessary correction to decades of perceived foreign exploitation of American goodwill. What Changed? America Did. The stark contrast between Carter and Trump is not just about two very different men—it’s about how America itself has changed. In the late 1970s, Americans were grappling with economic stagnation, an oil crisis, and a loss of global prestige. They wanted optimism and confidence but found Carter’s earnestness uninspiring. By 2016, after decades of growing economic inequality, cultural divides, and distrust in institutions, Americans were no longer seeking humility or moral responsibility in their leaders. Instead, they craved someone who could project dominance, reject political correctness, and promise a return to past glory. Carter’s presidency might have been a poor fit for his time, but his virtues—humility, honesty, and a sense of shared sacrifice—are qualities we often praise in hindsight. Trump, meanwhile, rose to power precisely because he leaned into opposite qualities: showmanship, audacity, and an unwavering focus on national self-interest. Where Do We Go From Here? America today sits at a crossroads. Are we a nation that values humility, collective responsibility, and quiet moral leadership, or do we prioritize strength, boldness, and individual triumph? The legacies of Carter and Trump remind us that presidential success isn’t just about character—it’s about how well that character aligns with the mood of the nation at a particular moment in history. If history tells us anything, it’s that the pendulum swings. Perhaps the future will call for another Carter-esque leader, or perhaps the era of Trump-like dominance is here to stay. Either way, the story of these two men tells us more about America’s evolving identity than it does about their individual presidencies. History has a funny way of repeating itself, but the real question is: Which version of ourselves will we choose next? 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