Jimmy Carter’s Legacy and Modern Political Cycles

Mid-Atlantic - conversations about US, UK and world politics

This week’s Mid Atlantic explores the passing of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, who lived to 100 and left an indelible mark on American politics and humanitarian work. The panel examines his role as a symbol of a bygone era, bridging the post-war optimism of the mid-20th century and the rise of Reagan-era conservatism. Michael Donohue, Zee Cohen Sanchez, and Olisa Jones discuss Carter’s moral leadership and contrast it with today’s more polarised landscape, where figures like Trump and Elon Musk dominate.

The episode also tackles the growing fragmentation of Western politics, examining whether centrism still holds value as populism gains ground globally. From Biden’s tenuous legacy to Musk’s outsized influence, the conversation probes the future of governance in an age of spectacle and celebrity.

Quotes from the Show:

1. “Carter symbolized the end of the New Deal Democrats and the start of Reaganomics.” – Michael Donohue
2. “Kamala’s campaign showed the limits of box-ticking without a bold economic message.” – Zee Cohn Sanchez
3. “Populists thrive because they stand for something, even if it’s controversial.” – Alyssa Jones
4. “Musk’s entry into government is a symptom of a broader celebrity-driven politics.” – Royfield Brown
5. “The American electorate craves authenticity, not polished continuity candidates.” – Alyssa Jones

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