James Earl Carter (1924 -) Jimmy Carter was born James Earl
Carter, son of a farmer, on October 1st 1924 in Plains, Georgia.
After joining the Marine from 1946 until 1953, he returned to
his family and continued helping out on the farm. After being a
member for some time of the Democratic Party he was chosen
Senate of Georgia in 1962. Nine years later he became gouvernor
for a period of four years (1971-1974). Up to then he was not
really well-known, but when he wanted to run for President in
1976, he organized a brilliant campaign to let the Americans
know who he was. His opponent was Gerald Ford. Ford was a very
unfortunate President who had to clean up the Watergate-mess
which Richard Nixon had left behind. After Ford's administration
the American people still did not feel secure and because Carter
emphasized the moral aspects of politics and because he was very
confident and enthusiastic, it was no surprise the American
people chose him in 1976. The American economy was in a deep
recession when Carter was