America boycotted the Moscow Summer Olympics in 1980 in response to the Russian occupation of Afghanistan. Here on the eve of the next winter Olympiad we’ll have the story of that decision by President Jimmy Carter.

Whistlestop is Slate’s podcast about presidential campaign history. Hosted by our political correspondent and Political Gabfest panelist John Dickerson, each installment will revisit a memorable (or even a forgotten) moment from America's quadrennial carnival.

Podcast production and edit by Jocelyn Frank.

Research by Brian Rosenwald.

Love Slate podcasts? Listen longer with Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, ad-free versions, exclusive podcasts and more. Start your two-week free trial at slate.com/podcastplus.Email:[email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices