Running for President: A Journal of the Carter Campaign

This is a gripping, revealing look at a Presidential campaign. Author Martin Schram brings us into the inner circle of Governor Carter and his advisors as they race for the White House. Readers enjoy a revealing look at Carter's winning primary campaign, and his imperfect effort in the Fall against President Gerald Ford. We see how the views and personalities of Carter and his top staffers (Hamilton Jordan, Jody Powell, Pat Cadell, Charles Kirbo, etc.) affected the campaign. We also get a brief but revealing look at President Ford's ¨Rose Garden¨strategy - hide in the White House and let your more accessible opponent take the media scrutiny. Carter came from nowhere to win the nomination, then saw his large-but-soft lead dwindle from his unclear message, misstatements, and the Rose Garden strategy of his opponent. The book also shows why both men made unstellar leaders; Ford wasn't quite bright enough, while the more cerebral Carter lacked personal skills and fortitude. This book is a bit dated, yet remains a highly readable, well-recommended insider's view for political junkies and others.