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This episode introduces the other main character in our documentary series, President Jimmy Carter. He rose out of a field of political insiders all of whom were better known to capture the White House in 1976.  Carter was perfectly situated as the consummate outsider from the state of Georgia to pull off such an improbable upset. He would face a list of Democratic leaders all of whom were higher profile, Jerry Brown, George Wallace, Mo Udall, Henry Jackson and Frank Church. However, the real opportunity for Carter was created by who was not on the ballot, former Vice President Hubert Humphrey. 

In a field of such well known figures, it was amazing the vision that Congressman John Jenrette had to step up and out front for Jimmy Carter. Jenrette was the first sitting member of Congress to endorse and campaign on behalf of Jimmy Carter for President. It was a political risk and favor that Jimmy Carter never forgot. In this episode you will hear that story and the common upbringing in the rural South that bonded the two men together. For both of them had stood up against the tide of their two deep South states and been strong supporters of protecting the civil rights of their African American constituents and those stands had launched them both on to the national stage. 

For most of the next four years Jimmy Carter and John Jenrette turned the political World on its head. It would be a successful run for both men with accomplishments both the World and our region of South Carolina continue to benefit from all of these many years later. Over the next few episodes we will listen in on what could only be described as a remarkable political run. 

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