Jimmy Carter: Crisis of Confidence

View the full speech here: millercenter.org/scripps/archi...
President Carter speaks to Americans about the "crisis of confidence" in American government, values, and way of life, as the public expresses doubt in a better future for their own children. Carter challenges citizens to unite and address the problems in America by first addressing the energy shortage.
July 15th, 1979

[@evasenkari]

Like him or not, you'll never, EVER hear another speech as honest as this.

[@jetnut89]

Cast_Iron_Mike You do realize half the speech was edited out right?

[@TimRosenburg]

+Cast_Iron_Mike this is basically Bernie Sanders you only allowed to reply in 6 months to keep this going

[@mostlycensored7668]

While saying this, we destabilized the middle East so that Saudi Arabia could sell us oil on the cheap. Fasal... Khomeini... all durring this speech. Thanks CIA

[@pimperish666]

Because it’ll lose them their re-election.

[@kevinburke6055]

Reagan kicked his ass.

[@phuturephunk]

"Human identity is no longer defined by what one does, but what one owns." Carter was a complicated presidency, but that was an excellent line.

[@ericreingardt2504]

Carter has been through the depression and ww2. He saw the boomer generation get fat, lazy and entitled causing horrendous economic problems to come. Carter was an unsuccessful politician because he was a good and honest person

[@patrickkilduff4355]

Yeah...but thats the opposite of reality. Workers never got 'fat and lazy'...the leaders did. Productivity has gone up 75% while wages grew only 2%. It isn't the failings of 'lazy' workers or disassociation (just look at Trumpism)...it's that leaders used this accusation to cut safety programs and allowed corporations to decide how government runs. While others were saying corporate greed is the real problem and being poor isn't a personal failing...it's leadership failing. Not allowing working families to get a piece of the 'American Dream'.

[@patrickkilduff4355]

If the government 'giving you stuff' makes people fat and lazy, I guess all those white immigrants that were given land during the Homestead Act and the loans given during the New Deal were bad for us right? You know the two eras of American history that were followed by the biggest boom ever. The only problem with them, was they were racist...literally. These bills specially said white people are the only ones who can participate in them.

[@patrickkilduff4355]

Do you even know what the Windfall Profits Tax (the thing Carter is trying to push here) is about? He wanted to tax huge corporations (oil companies at that time) that grow faster then expected (windfall gains) and use the money to help unemployed people and start new job programs. You know...give it to the 'lazy' people you think he is talking about....

[@ericreingardt2504]

@@patrickkilduff4355 americans are addicted to consumption and Carter in the speech even said productivity is dropping.

[@ericreingardt2504]

@@patrickkilduff4355 the whole speech and my comment is about the unhealthy religion of consumerism and materialism perpetuated by the corporations. I don't disagree with anything you said otherwise

[@tommyl.dayandtherunaways820]

I remember a college speech class I took where this speech was specifically referenced in the textbook as an example of an ineffective speech. Now listening to it, I have come close to tears several times, this was only an ineffective speech to people who wanted to be lied to. Carter told us the truth we needed to hear then and still need to hear today. We still have a crisis of confidence, but now that crisis has veered off into full blown polarization and conspiracy theorism. It wouldn’t have been this way if we’d only listened to Jimmy back then...

[@timwhite2680]

I generally disregard anything modern college textbooks say on just about anything

[@mlh5434]

Carter....didn't tell the truth at all. He essentially spends 18 minutes blaming double-digit inflation on "consumers". This is a total joke. Inflation is caused in Washington DC by the Federal Reserve and loose monetary policy. Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon. A far more effective speech would've been much shorter and sounded like this: "My fellow Americans, I want to speak to you tonight about inflation. I'm going to nominate a monetarist as Chair of the Federal Reserve Board so we can finally stop printing all this money like we have since the mid 1960's. I am sorry that the current Fed has failed you and I'm going to get the right person in there ASAP so we can cure it. And if I don't do this ASAP, I'm going to get my ass kicked in the 1980 election and have a successor that will end up doing this instead (wink, wink)."

[@WhayYay]

@@mlh5434 you're hyper focusing on one aspect of this, the speech is less about economics and more so about society and their values, he basically starts the speech by saying this, did you listen to it?

[@mlh5434]

@@WhayYay Wait, so let me make sure I have it right. Carter just felt the need to randomly go on TV and give the nation a lecture about "society" and "values"? Conveniently during July 1979 when the country was crippled with double-digit inflation and an energy crisis? Call me crazy, but I think the speech was given in direct response to these problems. The reason the speech was poorly received is because "society" and "values" didn't create the inflation or energy crisis, so why preach to the country about these things for 18 minutes when they also won't solve inflation or the energy crisis? It would be similar today, with 8% inflation and supply chain shortages, for Biden to get on TV and say "My fellow Americans, I know you are struggling with rising prices at the grocery stores and empty shelves in many areas. What I'm asking all of you to do is to simply starting being nicer to each other and stop trying to buy so much stuff from the store" whilst completely ignoring the fact that the inflation was the direct result of his Keynesian spending package and wildly expansionist Federal Reserve policy.

[@garyspence2128]

You have no clue what you're talking about, but that's ok. Probably too young to have been aware of anything except Sesame St. I think this may have been Carter's best speech, although it was not well received. The political scene he described is where the USA is at now. Totally fragmented, gridlock, and the elites calling every shot. The isolation of Washington from the people themselves. Infighting and finger pointing galore. As for inflation, that was the result from a decade of spending on Vietnam, as well as the rise of Opec, and the energy crisis. All of which happened before Carter took office. Now we have inflation from 20 yrs. of military madness in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the rest of the Middle East. Add Covid to that, and here we are. Trump's delusions of grandeur, and his big lie about the election just fed the chaos. Carter's best move on inflation was to appoint Paul Volcker as Fed Chairman, but it was bitter medicine. The recession that followed cost Carter his chance at reelection, along with the Iran hostage drama. But the hostages came home alive, and that inflation was beaten back. Carter was on point about what was happening to the nation, and he was a bit to honest for those times. We could use some of that straight talk now. You don't have to believe me. I'm just another boomer, and 67 yrs young, but Jimmy Carter may have been our last totally honest President. Not bought by anyone, or beholding to some rich fixer. That's saying something these years. Carry on...

[@CegeRoles]

Not the speech we wanted, but the one we needed.

[@steevrawjers]

and still do not want but still do need

[@MCshlthead]

Perversely the people who most consider themselves patriots are the ones most repelled by this message and the ones that this message most applies to

[@user-ki1un4jg2d]

And Reagan was the President we needed at the time .

[@GoodKnightRob]

@3:59 "In a nation that was proud of hard work, strong families, close-knit communities, and our faith in God, too many of us now tend to worship self-indulgence and consumption. Human identity is no longer defined by what one does, but by what one owns. But we've discovered that owning things and consuming things does not satisfy our longing for meaning. We've learned that piling up material goods cannot fill the emptiness of lives which have no confidence or purpose."

[@bayernfan1960]

It was ironic that because of government policies we were in a recession where people weren't buying anything.

[@randysteele6741]

Not the speech Americans caught up in consumer culture wanted to hear.

[@AW-zk5qb]

This is what you get from the moral relativist materialistic left

[@randysteele6741]

@@AW-zk5qb Specifically, what are you talking about?

[@benkleschinsky]

Then the 80's came around and America said, screw it. Me me me.

[@bradforddean1]

This message turned out to be prophetic. 30 years since this message was made, the path taken by big business led us to global warming and exponential wasteful consumption of things we don't need

[@newchannelwtfwhy]

Now it's called "you will own nothing and be happy"

[@theholetruthandnothingbutt9146]

@Michael Fasko: Would be interesting to analyze (or deframe as we say today) this speech with the knowledge we obtained. He says its the peoples fault with their consuming behavior and their lost faith. Today, they have expertly exploited the people's weakness to take what they are offered. guilty conscience included. And our elitism led us to restore our lost faith in THEIR ability to rule US. It is truly a prophetic speech. If you then question how good ol' US of A solved their energy problem, then you know Putin is right and this little Ukraine flashpoint is a military operation. Neatly planned by all sides. Because nothing happens by chance in politics. 🖖

[@jdubb8107]

I was born in April of 79, 3 months before this speech. Now at almost 39 and seeing where we are as a nation, let it be said that this man was and still is ahead of his time.

[@tonifakerman9639]

Too far ahead. That’s why he’s the smartest but not best president we’ve ever had

[@scorps2222]

actually, in retrospect, this seems like a great sincere and passionate call from an american president to his fellow citizens to remember what a great nation's priorities should be and how to do it. Tough medicine - which no one likes to take.

[@onicronprime118]

Hahha now we might be to ill to save

[@masoncindy88]

I love President Jimmy Carter and I will forever. Not one bomb, not one bullet, not one missile fired at anyone, anywhere while he was president. That is what our country used to be about and that is why I am crying for the loss of it as we speak. God Bless You Jimmy Carter and thank you for giving all you did. You are in your nineties now and are still going around the world trying to change things that are still wrong. Like women in slavery all over the world and genital removal of the women in Egypt. I love you Jimmy and I will miss you when you are gone to heaven but hopefully I will see you there. You are one of my Heros in this world and I wanted to thank you.

[@lordrevan8572]

+Cynthia Mason He was a good president and he warned the world about the NWO and their crimes but the most human say the NWO is idotic to believe in it.

[@masoncindy88]

Darth Revan Well let them stay asleep and go about their daily lives. They will figure it out when all hell breaks loose and Walmart's shelves are empty

[@lordrevan8572]

Cynthia Mason that can´t be the plan we as the people must hold together against the financial elite

[@masoncindy88]

Darth Revan Darth you just can't wake some people up. Believe me I have tried. I still talk to people that are interested and let them in on what I believe. If we are going against the financial elite then we need to be putting our best unemployed snipers to work and fast. 1% vs 99% so they should not stand a chance. The NSA will probably read this and I don't give a damn. My grandchildren will have to live through it and that is all that bothers me. Peace Out.

[@lordrevan8572]

Cynthia Mason I know what you mean it´s the same in Germany when you talk about that you here in Germany you are always call a nazi. Yeah but I hope the foolish people see the truth. When Ttip is coming to Europe it is the end for the European economy.

[@Alphaman226]

Jimmy Carter will always be my favorite President. He is such a focused person. The only president I have met, and the only one I have talked to, like a person. This is a great speech, even though he was telling people they were wrong, he was right in the end!

[@gtc1961]

you should've been in the military under him, you might not be so gleeful of the man.

[@donovanlee4745]

@@gtc1961 What makes you say that?

[@alwillk]

@gtc1961 how about under the neocons? You could have died in Afghanistan or Iraq for oil.

[@tommyl.dayandtherunaways820]

@@donovanlee4745I guess because they didn’t have to do anything. There were no wars under Carter. Apparently, peace is bad.

[@robertpond4919]

He'd be considered a better president if people had actually listened.

[@Cardsfan112056]

Yeah, his policies were so great that we had to endure double digit unemployment, inflation and interest rates. The sorry mother fucker was absolutely clueless.

[@jmjfanss]

***** carter was big government just like reagan.

[@chasevernon2822]

Robert Pond indeed

[@QASIMARA]

yes. that is what most analysts concluded. this speech was often seen as a deflection. he thought a confidence speech would end the troubles he tried to make sound smaller than they were. inflation is very serious thing. you save for 10 years and realize you should have spent. it is very sad.

[@pimperish666]

They did. And they wanted him gone. The people wanted Reagan and lower taxes.

[@Spezzatura1]

The man was telling the truth.

[@dannyarroway4187]

Carter was (is) a visionary! This speech is so prophetic it's haunting! It's happening NOW!

[@darnfinecoffee706]

Possibly one of the greatest speeches given by a President in the modern era. You can tell that this is President Carter speaking and not a speech writer. Courage, honesty, truth and realism... that's what President Carter stood for. I'm proud to have voted for him in both 1976 and 1980.

[@mikefallopian3191]

LOL. Either that or the worst. This speech is a cringe-inducing embarrassment in both content and presentation. Petulance, pomposity, incompetence, failure .... that's what President Carter stood for.

[@misterysylver]

hahaha another smug republican Carter is obviously a better man than Reagan and the Bush boys

[@tommyl.dayandtherunaways820]

@@mikefallopian3191Well let’s see, Jimmy Carter got elected President, has been a genuine stand up human being for nearly 10 decades, and changed the lives of millions of people for the better through his humanitarian work. Meanwhile, you…have left a random, salty KZbin comment trashing the legacy of someone who actually had the compassion, empathy, and work ethic to do something right in the world. “Petulance, pomposity, incompetence, failure”, these words definitely apply, but probably not the person you intended it to…

[@davidwagner9659]

One of the best speeches ever given by a president

[@oksAjax]

the most underrated president.

[@MrOldheadtom]

ROTFLMAO

[@ericreingardt2504]

@@MrOldheadtom he was tho

[@kevinburke6055]

Most underrated ass kicking he got from Reagan in 1980 election.

[@gtc1961]

Possibly the worst president of the 20th century.

[@meta_blox3382]

@@gtc1961 not really the worst presidents of the 20th century are: Warren G. Harding 1921-1923 Herbert hoover 1929-1933 Woodrow Wilson 1913-1921 Richard nixon 1969-1974

[@MyMyMicah32]

Carter was too genuine and caring to be a successful president. He unlike most politicians had a conscience. It made him out to be weak but showed he had a strong heart.

[@gtc1961]

True...a president can't be weak.

[@askledhead]

@@gtc1961 I don't think Mr. Carter was weak but he was perceived as weak. As the the 1st commentor said, he had conscience, which I think is strength. ✌

[@gtc1961]

@@askledhead LOL...what? How old are you? You obviously didn't live though his administration. Explain exactly what he did to be "perceived" as strong? I loved the guy, very nice man...but his policies forced me to switch to being a republican.

[@benjafisha1]

He didn't have "presidential/leadership" qualities. He was too soft spoken...but goddamn, he absolutely was telling the truth. Extremely intelligent and down-to-earth. My respect for Carter just shot through the roof.

[@rgoodwinau]

One of the greatest men to be President of America. However, he was far from one of America's greatest presidents.

[@krisjack81]

He had great leadership qualities. The guy is the best president we have had in at least the last 60 years.

[@richavic4520]

The best ex-president ever.

[@richavic4520]

@Steven Rivers aside from the fact that the "energy crisis" was total BS.

[@myman7336]

Not really. I mean, yes, by the 1970s standard he was too soft spoken. But look at modern leaders now from Emmanuel Macron in France to Joko Widodo in Indonesia and even Vladimir Putin in Russia; these modern leaders are soft-spoken and polite. They all have more similarities with Carter in their attitude than with the so-called "alpha male" presidents of the past.

[@tacitus6384]

"In a nation that was proud of hard work, strong families, close-knit communities, and our faith in God, too many of us now tend to worship self-indulgence and consumption. Human identity is no longer defined by what one does, but by what one owns. But we’ve discovered that owning things and consuming things does not satisfy our longing for meaning. We’ve learned that piling up material goods cannot fill the emptiness of lives which have no confidence or purpose." I'm on the right, and this paragraph is exactly on point. 50 years later and it's only gotten worse.

[@eatcarpet]

Good God, this man was ahead of his time... This generation is more in tune with his message than ever before.

[@carollynbratcher3587]

i was born in 1980. This speech repeats in my heart over and over...I have cried but not given up!!!

[@Zack1440]

God bless Jimmy Carter, the only honest politician left in the US.

[@justinedse8435]

@Zack1440 Being a politican isn't a good thing.

[@marissa769]

I wish more people would listen to this speech. Still rings true today.

[@yellyman5483]

Jimmy Carter did a very good job when he was President. People blamed him for things that was out of his control. The revolution in Iran, the hostage situation, and the energy crises. The hostage situation was brought upon by criminals in Iran who invaded the U.S. embassy, and captured innocent Americans. It was not legal, and it cemented Iran as a criminal country. President Carter had every right on earth to respond by use of force, instead he chose to negotiate. And in the end, the hostages came back unharmed and alive thanks to Carter. Thousands of innocent civilians could have been killed because of Irans recklessness. But the President kept his head cool, and saved the lives of the hostages. He should be applauded for that. History will be kind to President Carter. He is a great man.

[@yahmom626]

Yellyman Gonzales The problem with President Carter was that he could've done so much more. Not attending the presidential debates until John Anderson wasnt invited damaged his reelection bid as well. Carter was too relaxed with the Shah of Iran, who was a puppet for the west who was a dictatorial king who violated human rights.

[@seanmcglynn3638]

You B4 freedomfighter are you serious...was it Obama or junior come on be honest with yourself once in your sorry little life..

[@contactkeithstack]

B4 freedomfighter economic decline? I can't find that, please please link the Brookings page.

[@CJDfromJTF]

Carter's presidency was out of control... He wanted people to go back to the horse and wagon and the spinning wheel.

[@jeklingames1692]

The Shah was open to reform though, and infact was reforming the country prior to the Iranian revolution.

[@joeosorio3645]

1979 and he speaking bout 2016

[@carlshadbolt9193]

I wish more people listened to this speech right now !! History is good to learn from !! but so many would rather be told than to learn for themselves !!

[@mostlycensored7668]

He is selling the CIA going into bed with the Saudis.

[@QASIMARA]

this is our time. history spans from the first records made by man. before that is prehistory.

[@GregBiggsDETHKIDS666]

I apologize, in a rush but this was filmed/broadcast in 1979 ?

[@bitscollins]

@@GregBiggsDETHKIDS666 Yes.

[@jannigan3198]

I love Jimmy Carter.

[@thisisutubnottwitterwhyhandles]

America needs more reality check presidents, and we need them quickly. People these days just listen to what they want to hear, give into what is easy, instead of taking the time to read and research what is true and what is not.

[@camdudzinski5206]

"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." 39th President Jimmy Carter

[@kelcritcarroll]

Jimmy carter....probably the wisest president in recent years

[@a__b__]

It's really great, Jim. You will always be one of my favorite US presidents ever.

[@dexterellis7818]

Carter's speech in 1979 could easily be addressed to his people in 2017. The same problems exist. Unfortunately people are no longer listen to each other, just shouting and tweeting.

[@jimmy27paul]

First three rules of US politics.....(1)Never wake the american people out of their lalaland, (2) Never tell them the truth and (3) Never tell them to be real people....(They really hate that).....

[@Azivegu]

jimbob jim Sadly that is true, but with the rise of self awareness with young americans, hopefully that will change.

[@af7318]

perfect analysis.

[@rokehdokey34]

jimbob jim claps to you my good sir

[@henryalbrecht2930]

jimbob jim Republicans do well because they do just that. They sell falsehoods and spin stories (except, of course, if a Democrat is in the big house).

[@elijahblechman8633]

well in a way trump does all that whether you like that or not.

[@kurtkaletka6207]

It’s refreshing to hear a president talk to Americans honestly and sincerely, addressing them as adults whose skills and dedication are required by their country. President Carter’s good works were undone by his successor, and we’re still paying for it. In case you’re wondering: this is what leadership looks like.

[@navylaks2]

They had a chance and they blew it and elected Ronald Reagan. Way to go;)

[@noonze1]

+navylaks2 Are you referring to the Reagan who almost instantly revived a demoralized nation that looked a lot like Obama's America does today - a nation tired of Carter's ineptitude and moralistic lecturing? The Reagan who took over at a time when the Soviets were at their most threatening, and within eight years had defeated them and ended the Cold War? Are you referring to the Reagan who created a booming economy (the same economy for which Clinton was able to take credit)? Are you referring to the Reagan who was a confident, admired leader - the one who was elected in a landslide in 1984 and still regarded as one of the greatest presidents in American history? Or was there some other Reagan of whom we weren't aware?

[@navylaks2]

noonze1 Reagan tripled the dept and created Al Qaeda what an achievement.

[@TimRosenburg]

+noonze1 the reagen that created both the Taliban and who's administration set a budget with a HUGERUHGUEHGUE (large) defecit

[@TimRosenburg]

***** oh come on that's just shit

[@TimRosenburg]

And you know it

[@orionsentry]

Over 40 yrs after the speech, this message even more valid Now than it was back then.

[@francosamericanmusings1560]

2023 and every word he said hits harder now

[@RY_1992]

4 decades later, this speech is more relevant and truthful than ever.

[@samb8779]

This speech could not be more relevant still!

[@davidsykes6584]

A hard truth that most people weren't willing to accept.

[@johndavila9190]

Sad part was the Reagan went after the crazy religious right and Carter was 100 times more religious that Reagan!

[@nicolakirton2252]

Now that is irony for you

[@Asemafilmi]

There's a different of being conservative and being religious. Conservatives use the religion as an excuse for their close-mindedness, religious people actually try to live according to Jesus's teachings. That's Jimmy Carter for you. If Jesus was a politician in modern times, he would be labeled as a communist.

[@abrahamlincoln5185]

My Republican party has been ruined today. Godless, materialistic and hateful now

[@marysella3836]

I would say he is more Christ-like than the people who claim to be Christian

[@patrickkilduff4355]

Thats how it always goes...people actually think Trump is religious...and Hillary literally ran prayer groups. For me, I wish we only elected Atheists, since that is the correct position to hold...but I would still fight for freedom of religion, as well as freedom FROM religion.

[@michaelmacdonald7972]

I came here after watching The Minimalist. Jimmy's spech was like a light bulb going off in my head. I'm going to try my best to follow your advice mate. Cheers Jimmy, you're a legend!!

[@Cton88]

"It is a crisis of confidence. It is a crisis that strikes at the heart, soul, and spirit of our national will." Great quote. I read this speech in for class in college in 2005. Made an A

[@shawncarobine]

42 years later and this speech still rings true!

[@Amoweffam]

“The people are looking for honest answers, not easy answers” well said Carter. ❤️ ❤️

[@coolesteagles09]

During a quarantine this helps a lot

[@Thomasservo]

This speech is truer now than then!!!

[@whateverpbk]

America? Why the hell din't you keep Jimmy Carter as president?

[@masoncindy88]

+NIV Only You are an idiot. I would rather have a president that thought for himself and said to hell with the rich assholes running our country into the ground so big corporations could get bigger and so could their bank accounts. Jimmy Carter said park your cars once a week, car pool, use solar power. What did Bush say while shit was hitting the fan everywhere? He said take your families and travel, enjoy the extras we have as Americans. Spend, Spend, Spend knowing when people did jobs were leaving and we were successfully fucked. Carter never fired a bullet, never shot a missile, never dropped a bomb on or at anyone. Peace was his goal and while he was there and could, he got it done.

[@TimRosenburg]

+NIV Only like Obama who's great but is crippled by the complete, beyond-the-point, disruption by the Republic party. Obama could have made the US great

[@masoncindy88]

Tom Perry Tom Obama had eight years and did absolutely nothing. Now that it is getting closer to him leaving he is trading uranium with Iran. Speaking and letting it be well known that he is a Muslim and that the rest of us can go straight to hell. I bet before the election he shows up at a speech wearing the whole dress up as a Muslim thing and speaks in Arabic. I have nothing against the Muslim faith or the good people that believe in it. Not all of any one group are corrupt, except maybe the KKK. Obama is at this point skirting around Congress and opening our borders for everyone to move to America. I voted for Obama the first term but not the second. I want Ron Paul to be our president and just so you know I have always loved Jimmy Carter. Pray for peace.

[@TimRosenburg]

+Cynthia Mason yeah when you said he was a Muslim you proved that you're a complete moron

[@masoncindy88]

Tom Perry Really Tom not long ago I watched him quoting the Koran and telling about how the Muslim religion was the most beautiful of them all. Stop calling me names and act like an adult.

[@paulalwayslearning8573]

One of the greatest men to have ever held that office......and also blessed with a well deserved great old age.

[@sergduchini7299]

Still relevant in 2024. Maybe more so.

[@sfdrew83]

Was this given today? Because this could be given today.

[@SSJRanulf]

+sfdrew83 It's crazy isn't it? What he says would perfectly apply today; if Bernie Sanders gave much of this speech in his campaign, people would think it was something he wrote.

[@chrisbleiman6259]

+sfdrew83 can easily dub in today's problems in on the voice track. could be epic! i already have good ideas . but i am computer stuuuuuuuuuupid! HA! goodness.

[@evanjones6204]

? Carter is saying the exact opposite from what Sanders would say. Sanders is calling for the government to raise the min. wage, give free college and healthcare.... Carter is saying to stop asking the government for stuff, quit being selfish...

[@MrDrmillgram]

That generation did solve the energy crisis as he predicted. With seismic underground imaging, horizontal drilling, fracking, and natural gas. Now the democrats, unable to remember those days, threaten to squander the gains.

[@JohnJohnson-oe3ot]

MrDrmillgram bc it ruins the planet... wake up

[@buttjohnson]

damn this shit is good as hell

[@RustyMcSteel]

I feel this. He spoke so honestly. Today's American people need to hear this more than ever.

[@Gasparro18]

I think the problem with our society as a whole, as a cultural attitude is that we don't like realness or reality. I think too many Americans just like to live in a world of play and pretend. Thats why our country screws people like Jimmy Carter because the elite don't want the people to know the truth and I think sadly Americans don't want to be inconvienced with the truth or else the public would have actually have to change and most people don't want to do that. Hell, I was one of those people at the time and it was pretty bad. But, I honestly think Carter was the best most honest president we had in a long time. He did what had to do and he did it at the expense of his political career even though people hated him for it. He had the power to lie and ride a wave of glory and deciet had he won a 2nd term. He didn't and thats what makes him self priortizing the truth before himself and his political goals. Reagan, on the other hand, just a cheap old fuck in a suit only good at one thing being the affable and making people feel good in a short span. Reagan very much represented the crack addiction in the 80's charming personality that draws you, makes you feel euphoric for a small amount of time then he made Americans sell their future without really giving back to the office he was elected. Carters' a real man, Carters the truth, and everybody knows it takes real balls to the truth even its an unpopular thing to do. It still takes balls. And Carter had balls to do what was right!

[@MrsGetOverYourself]

I'm really disgusted that there's a trump ad at the beginning of this video today 😡

[@richarris1111]

Nobody listened, nobody acted and now where are we. His problem was oil had more influence over congress than he did.

[@thejquinn]

We're still on the petro dollar till this very day

[@patrickkilduff4355]

Still does

[@oliveroliver8720]

WOW, I always wondered what would happen to a President who spoke the blunt truth to the American people...now I know.

[@Chakram82]

People today need to hear this message. It is so honest and timeless.

[@joshmartin1004]

Both Kennedy and Carter were the greatest presidents we ever had

[@jacksonbear1]

Don't forget George Washington

[@darrellallen2045]

And Reagan.

[@mickmac1888]

+Josh Martin FDR was the best.

[@user-gc8pc3ol6l]

@@darrellallen2045 Lol. A useless actor who was a great liar. Led America to the way it is today. A shallow empty consumerist bellicose nation with a huge divide between the haves and have nots. His protege's like Bush were the same. Now there is Biden and Trump two of the worst of the worst choices available.

[@henryzhao4622]

7:45 “the people are looking for honest answers not easy answers” Just to be ousted by Reagan. And now look at us.

[@MrOldheadtom]

ROTFLMAO you soy drinking liberal . Reagan pulled us out of the deepest recession since 1930 . Go put your crocs on and walk on the railing of a bridge

[@demetriuswright9982]

@@MrOldheadtomi believe that a large part of reagans political agenda was to perpetuate racism within the legislation that he made

[@brettsinger9565]

I think blaming Reagan for where we are today is worse than making excuses.

[@Asemafilmi]

​@@MrOldheadtom You know that Reagan tripled the national debt? Had congress given Carter $2 trillion to spend, I'm pretty sure he would have ended the recession too - without butchering the regulation that kept big companies from getting too much power and eventually turning USA into a oligarchy.

[@jbmuggins8815]

@@brettsinger9565 reagan and thatcher have shaped the modern world. That's why it's so fucking shit.

[@jacobroth1853]

Imagine where we would be if America had listen to him then!

[@epa2349]

He didn't had any actual plan, just telling about the problem doesn't solve it. Having a solution does.

[@mahershakhtur4600]

His words are immortal, December 1 2018 we are on a path that needs more of Jimmy Carter, JF Kennedy than ever.

[@patrickkilduff4355]

FDR would be more appropriate since he actually got the most done in the realm of helping struggling people.

[@Croupier23]

he may not have been everyone's favorite president but this man has integrity, class and wisdom.

[@markhayes9198]

One of the best speeches ever.

[@robertforster8984]

He was the last great president. It is a crying shame we went down the wrong path that he warned against.

[@delainatoothman3116]

He could certainly be giving this speech today, and that is sad. Nobody listened then and nobody would listen today. It is sad the direction our nation is going.

[@nicpier1985]

Give this man a second term!

[@bigceenc4612]

Thanks for this post! What a true president would fight and stand for! The people!!!

[@MannyPHX]

Looks like we haven't faced the truth yet.

[@bradfloyd8225]

Ever hear of a modern day profit? Take 17 minutes out of your overwhelming life and you will see and hear a modern day profit. Parents and Grandparents, show this to the young adults in your family, and tell them that this was once a proud and free nation with leaders that were held to the highest standard, and tell them that this man, President Jimmy Carter was one of the most intelligent, honest, and caring leaders modern America has known. Tell them that history will convey this story, and it won't be one about failure. It will be one about prophetic, highly intelligent, advice coming from the leader of the free world (then), The President of the United States of America. Finally, please tell them that President Carter was held to answer for his honesty, and ever since then his legacy has been brutally attacked by the greedy, the self-ingratiating, and the destroyers of freedom!

[@boggy7665]

Brad Floyd At first I thought your post was commercial spam ('profit'). The word you meant: 'prophet'.

[@patrickmaguire6877]

We need this speech now more than ever

[@leosammallahti239]

He told people what he thought they needed to hear, not what he thought they wanted to hear.

[@annemarieherrera844]

It's kind of scary how much this speech can apply to right now...

[@anasfarahi4401]

Remember when we let Carter down after one term and elected a Hollywood pretty boy instead?

[@MrOldheadtom]

Lmao that got out us out of the greatest recession since 1930 meathead 🤣

[@lizlandry3388]

Forget about the soaring debt that Reagan saddled us with. That was the beginning of republicans not caring about debt.

[@MrOldheadtom]

@@lizlandry3388 🤣🤣🤣 says the liberal nuts that holding the American people hostage right now playing politics with this stimulus money . Our country is ready to go into a deep recession over this coronavirus and you left wing luntaics wanna play politics..good luck getting the silent majority to vote with you in nov 🤣🤣🤣

[@MrOldheadtom]

@@lizlandry3388 but you dont need to worry about that anyway when your party is so radical it votes a self described socialist as its head of the party . Feel the burn lmaoooo

[@lizlandry3388]

The ‘liberal nuts’ are keeping trump from robbing the stimulus money for his own gain. And no one has appointed Bernie Sanders to lead the democrats, quite the opposite. The people have spoken on that one.

[@PrinnyKing3]

Man, this guy is waay before my time, but he had such good ideas, and it depresses me to think that this would be regarded as extreme and radical today, more than 30 years after this speech. Just as the people who originally watched this address, all we can do is passively nod our heads in agreement, knowing he's right but not wanting to do anything about it.

[@TheNomadicview]

And we chose Reagan who said that if you are not rich in the land of opportunity it was your own fault.

[@dchang11]

my favorite speech in american history...

[@pma9507]

1979 and he speaking bout 2019

[@niloii3254]

President carter is in my mind the president more 'human that America has had, as well as the most' sincere.A good policy on human rights and you are a good person.

[@Cardsfan112056]

This fucking guy was and is a phony. One of the most sorriest son of a bitches in the history of this great country. Currently, we now have a replay of this mother fuckers policies.

[@shirleyhusar]

Philip Wakefield LMAO!!!!!!!!!

[@boggy7665]

+Philip Wakefield Because something that's said punctuated with anger and vehemence is always truthful, right? Knuckle-dragging mouth breather much?

[@LeonardoTenan]

Thank you for making this available

[@LookingForTheTop]

35 years after it looks like a crushing defeat for America.

[@herniebadlautner.7340]

Dang this is the most serious and emphatic i've seen him.

[@stegervill1]

What I find impressive is how well-spoken and up to date he is on current world affairs to this very day. He still travels 50,000 miles a year, about 2/3 for peace-oriented and disease eradicating missions, and the other third for personal travel.....most 30 year olds can't say that! So I'm impressed by his smarts, energy, and goodwill. Watch and see - the DAY he dies the world will respect and miss him the way we should now.

[@benkleschinsky]

"This is not a message of happiness or reassurance, but it is the truth and it is a warning."

[@JohnJohnson-oe3ot]

Everything he said would fall apart has... The transportation system... we are still dependent on foreign oil and energy... hmmm lets just say he was right.. bet they wish they listened now..

[@jones0882]

40 years ago it is still going on today.

[@HooKnoo]

A truly great man. One of the few.

[@abrahamlincoln5185]

Honesty and integrity. The American people didn't much care for that

[@Ghost_Electricity]

Ahead of its time speech. Prophetic even, and we all know how people treat prophets...

[@howie954]

Jimmy Carter may not have been the greatest president of all time (definitely not the worst), but without a doubt one of the greatest humans and greatest minds of all time.

[@ShawFFA]

One of the greatest peacetime U.S. Presidents of all time.

[@Zoet50]

So much respect for carter

[@DZEyoyo123]

Jimmy Carter; the only modern president without a teleprompter.

[@T0rche]

For me, the absolute best part of this speech is from 4:15 to 4:55 ... I'm not even American and I am moved by this speech...

[@wolfejar]

As an American we seem so lost. It hasn’t changed. It’s my favorite part of the speech too. Such wise words that no one takes to heart.

[@hankbob2000]

It was in 1979, my child. That's why he looks so young. I watched this speech when he gave it and I was enthralled. Such a great orator, who actually says something.

[@danielsol1989]

Watching in 2020... The words are more real then ever before.

[@locutus94]

America truly needs to hear this message again...

[@lukerogers6133]

You did, albeit less eloquently, from Trump. And the result was the same. Telling people the truth will lead to your removal as president.

[@bannor99]

Carter always sounded like he had something to tell. Reagan always sounded like he had something to sell.

[@ryeezus]

Someone lost a bet.

[@JamesShelton59]

Now more than ever, listen to this great man.

[@greenbeargreen]

Prophetic...relevant today as it was back then....tragic we didn't listen and continued to measure ourselves not in what we've done but rather in what we own...tragically