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Jonathan Alter's avatar

Hi, Ariel:

When working on my book, I interviewed Carter a dozen times--either in person or by email. Unfortunately, he suffered a series of falls and in 2019 lost his ability to read email. And he no longer grants interviews to anyone. He's just too old. Also, there's not a lot else I'd ask him that I haven't already....

Btw, he and Rosalynn listened to my book on tape. He appreciated that I corrected the record on his presidency but wished I had covered his post-presidency more. (I had to cut some from that section to keep the book from being too long). Rosalynn's comment was: "Jonathan wrote some critical things about Jimmy but he only said nice things about me!" That's entirely accurate.

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H.  Watkins Ellerson's avatar

I have often (to loud guffaws and derision) declared that Jimmy Carter was probably one of the greatest Presidents we've ever had, and that I hope the continuing lack of appreciation and esteem for Carter's Presidency will eventually be rectified. I remain hopeful.

Thank you for your wonderful effort to correct the record.

H. Watkins Ellerson

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