Jimmy Carter and Me...sort of
In Atlanta in the late 80s and 90s it really wasn’t that unusual to cross paths with President Jimmy Carter and the Former First Lady. They seemed to enjoy Atlanta with its urban vibrance, philanthropic and charitable work opportunities and, well, fun stuff. They were, after all, former residents of the city when they were the First Family of the State of Georgia.
We all know that his heart was in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. But Plains was two and a half hours from Atlanta where the Carter Presidential Center was located. I hope they had a driver or better yet an Atlanta residence. The Carter Center, home of the presidential library, museum and think tank, appeared to be his office. It made sense that there was a chance you might see the Carters around town.
As I’ve mentioned, I lived in Atlanta and Decatur, Georgia for nearly twenty years. I really don’t remember hearing much about seeing Jimmy and Rosalynn around town at first. From my perspective that seemed to shift after Atlanta hosted the 1988 Democratic Convention. On the opening night of the convention, in prime time, President Carter was greeted as a hero, a welcome statesman and citizen. Since his loss to Ronald Reagan in 1980 and after years of apparent public banishment, the phoenix had risen.
Next thing you knew there was Jimmy Carter signing his most recent book at a local bookstore.
And then the ball games! The 80s were dark years for the Atlanta Braves as well as President Carter. But he and Rosalynn could be seen as guests in then-owner Ted Turner’s box down first base side. Their attendance was occasional initially but 1991 kicked off an incredible run by the Braves culminating in a World Series win in 1995 and the Carters were regulars alongside Ted Turner and then-wife Jane Fonda. Ol’ Jimmy threw out the first pitch of Game 6 of the 1995 World Series at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. He threw from the mound to a Braves bench rider named Mike Mordecai. It was a strike. Jimmy Carter was in his 70s and the Atlanta Braves won the World Series that very night.
Best of all there was a fantastic place called Manuel’s Tavern named for and owned by Manuel Maloof, known as the Godfather of Georgia Democratic politics. It was patronized by folks from all walks of life; journalists, politicians, artists, musicians, actors, broadcasters, the residents of the neighborhood of Virginia-Highlands. Heck, when my former husband and I left Atlanta, Manuel’s is where our friends threw our going away party. I loved that place!
Forgive me, I’ll get back on topic now. Since Manuel’s Tavern was near the Carter Center, you’d see from time to time the former President and First Lady (and Secret Service detail) enjoying a meal and perhaps something tasty from the taps or refreshing glass of sweet tea because you know…the South.
Unfortunately for me there were only 2 occasions when I crossed paths with this amazing couple. Once they were leaving Manuel’s Tavern as my workmates and I were arriving for lunch. The other was in the tunnel of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium before a game that I was working for SuperStation WTBS. I had to go to the Braves clubhouse to fetch something. The Carters were arriving for the game and no doubt that was the most secure place for them. On both occasions, at Manuel’s and the ballpark, I did the same thing. A big smile and a reverent nod of my head. In return I got a little wave and a smile like no other.
I think if I was in Atlanta right now, I’d line up in the cold and damp to pay my respects. My respect for President Carter in office and after runs very deep.
One final Jimmy Carter story.
As a high school senior in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin in 1978 my friend and I found ourselves with extra graduation announcements. We decided it would be fun to send them to famous people. Dopey teenagers. I only received one response. I can’t even remember who the others were. Athletes? The Governor of Wisconsin? Who knows. What I do know is that I only received one response. God Bless Jimmy Carter.
