Thanks to Bill for his wonderful story about meeting President Carter. So many Carter stories indicate what a very decent and thoughtful person he must be. Who can challenge that of all the past Presidents, upon leaving office, he has been a force in elections throughout the world monitoring and when you look at the "Habitat For Humanity", well he is to be saluted.
Your story Bill reminded me of Carter's running for the office of President, not being very well known. In 1975 he hadn't won a primary, hadn't won a caucus, and was just starting to campaign around the country, operating on a shoestring. I was at that time Democratic Committeeman of Gravois Township, a political entity in South County St. Louis. I was also coaching football at one of the great institutions of learning in St. Louis, DeSmet Jesuit High School. It was I believe late August, the toughest month for football players and coaches when one of my managers came out on the field and gave me a message. "Could you attend a reception for Governor Carter at the Cheshire Inn in St. Louis tonight?" Governor Carter wants to meet with as many politicos as possible. Needless to say, it wasn't the best time for me and the note had asked me to bring some others along because it was going to be a sparse crowd. Having a "good old boy" on my staff, a bachelor, always in need of some good chow, I approached Tennessee's finest Tim Clepper and asked "if he was was interested in meeting former Governor of Georgia Jimmy Carter , now running for President. Tim was game and we both headed for the Cheshire immediately following our PM practice. I'm guessing there were about 15 people on hand to greet Governor Carter and yep, there he was but what was really neat, we spent some quality time with the candidate, just like they do in Iowa and New Hampshire and then he talked to the group and we will never forget one of his stock lines: "If I ever lie to you or deceive you, I want you to leave me!"
When we left that evening I turned to Tim and succinctly predicted: "He might be considered for VP. This guy is pretty sharp!
Thanks again Bill for taking time out to relate a great visit with Jimmy Carter!
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AHHH yes! - The GRAVOIS Township -- A Democratic political machine 2nd only to the Concord Village group that so many in my family were part of. My Uncle, John J. Johnson, a state senator in the 60's and early 70's, who, like many fellow Dems, lost (to [R] Frank Bild) in the "disaster of '72" - his brother Tom, who was a longtime councilman, Tom's wife, Carole who was a leader for the "Missourians for Bobby Kennedy" campaign in '68. Oh yes, I cut my teeth on Democratic politics of South County from as early as I can remember.
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