Column: Jimmy Carter was the right candidate for 1976, but was he the right president?

Jimmy Carter was a smiling, homespun anti-Washington outsider who promised truth and decency, appealing to voters' better angels while preaching love, not hate.

Despite orchestrating a historic peace pact at Camp David, many viewed Carter as naive and overwhelmed in the sharp-elbows environment of Washington.

In 1980, Reagan criticized Carter's administration by stating, 'Mr. Carter did not give us a government as good as the people.' This proved resonant with voters.

Carter ultimately became an influential and highly regarded ex-president known for his humanitarian and diplomatic efforts, demonstrating energy and tenacity throughout his life.

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