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‘As you know, there is a growing disrespect for government and for churches and for schools, the news media, and other institutions. This is not a message of happiness or reassurance, but it is the truth… and it is a warning.’- PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER, “MALAISE SPEECH” (7-15-79)

Due to his post-presidential good works, President Jimmy Carter will go down in history as our best x-President.  Virtually all objective Americans, on the right and left, should agree on that point. However, I believe that he will also be noted for being a seer, seeing America’s future all too clearly. Americans are very dissatisfied with our government, with only 28% satisfied with the way that democracy is working. Less educated Americans are even more dissatisfied. (https://news.gallup.com/poll/548120/record-low-satisfied-democracy-working.aspx?utm_source=gallup_brand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=front_page_5_december_12312024&utm_term=information&utm_content=full_story_textlink_2 ).

Back then, our nation was faced with many of the same tough issues that we are faced with today- including high inflation, soaring energy prices and nasty problems in the Middle East. Although well-liked as an individual, these problems ultimately caused his defeat in the 1980 presidential campaign.

Carter’s 1979 speech, named by the media the “malaise Speech” although he never used those words, was roundly criticized as pessimistic and downbeat.  Especially, when he stated- “The erosion of our confidence in the future is threatening to destroy the social and the political fabric of America” (https://billofrightsinstitute.org/activities/jimmy-carter-malaise-speech-july-15-1979 ).

From a purely political viewpoint, I completely agree that the speech was a total disaster and helped lead to his downfall.  Much like when Hillary Clinton told the world in 2016 that “deplorables” were a substantial part of Trump’s base. Carter was a truly religious man. And, I have little doubt that Carter’s strong belief in the more positive parts of the New Testament influenced his thoughts.

But if you read the Malaise Speech again, it was a prescient warning as to what is happening today. He correctly criticized America as having “self-indulgence and consumption” as its aims versus having more utopian, idealistic goals. On the other hand, to be fair, he did indicate that our energy production would have to be increased, despite his environmental concerns.

To this day, a politician being honest with the voting public is a minefield to be avoided at all costs. For example, how many successful politicians on the right or left want to talk about cutting back any popular program? And how many openly advocate increasing specific taxes to balance the budget and bring down the annual deficit, now in the trillions?

Carter wanted America to be inspired, rise above its problems and help the downtrodden (https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/jimmy-carters-mistake-was-telling-america-it-was-wrong/). On the other hand, President Ronald Reagan denigrated the role of government in alleviating poverty, sarcastically stating- “The most terrifying words in the English language are- ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’” Under Reagan, the USA ideal became one of ignoring those on the bottom end of the income scale. While those on the top prospered (https://www.epi.org/publication/charting-wage-stagnation/ ). 

The true pity is that the Democratic Party has yet to figure out how to get this fact through to the masses, who have proven that they believe that a government controlled by self-interested billionaires is in their best interest. Which is a key factor in the Democrats loss of the Presidency.