October, 27, 1976

Porno Politics

The incredible thing about Jimmy Carter's interview in Playboy Magazine is not that "in his heart he lusts after other women" - that's born-again rhetoric.

There are two aspects of the situation that floor me:

• That a presidential candidate would choose a hard-core pornographic magazine to discuss his views on morality.
• The conclusions of the reporter about the swinging morals of Carter's top staff aides who might go with him into the White House.

In fact, the entry of pornography into politics - or vice versa - is a campaign development further degrading the election process.

Playboy sandwiches a personal interview of a presidential candidate between close-up color photos of female genitals.

Penthouse features an analysis of Carter that equates him with Richard Nixon.  Accompanying material consists of clinical views of copulation.

Genessis sports a cover and a large selection of naked pictures of Elizabeth Ray, Senator Wayne Hay's mistress paid with tax money.

Even the most "broad minded" voter can not make a case for political discussion in association with the seamier side of sex.  There is a time and place for everything.  There can be no meaningful consideration of politics when the viewer is breathing hard.

Carter defends his bad judgment with the argument that Governor Jerry Brown of California and Treasury Secretary William Simon have granted interviews to Playboy.

Bad judgment is bad judgment no matter who commits it.  Nevertheless, there is a vast difference in the circumstances of Carter's interview and that of any others - Carter seeks election to the highest office in the land and bases that bid on superior morality.

Carter has demonstrated he "is only human," but that is not enough for a president.  We expect our top leader to be above, or rise above, the crass emotions.

The Democratic candidate has put his stamp of approval on a dirty magazine.  We can only assume that Playboy will have a place in the White House waiting room.

Worse than Carter's casual outlook on pornography is active participation of his campaign manager, press aide, and others in acts of self indulgence.

The writer claims that Carter's staff members drink alcohol heavily, smoke pot, and regularly engage the services of prostitutes.  So far, neither Carter nor the aides named have denied the allegations.

This is the group that will take over the White House should the former Georgia governor be elected.  They make Nixon's gang look like Sunday school teachers.

With the decreasing influence of political parties on office holders, the life style and character of individual candidates become paramount.

It is a naive boast these days to "vote for the man."  If this is a valid consideration, then the associates a candidate surrounds himself with becomes critical.

Jack Kennedy had his "Irish Mafia" and they plotted the assassination of foreign leaders.  Lyndon Johnson had his "cronies" and they sold political favors for high prices.  Nixon had his "plumbers" who made a practice of spying on their enemies, real and imagined.

It is unsettling to speculate about the impact on government of Carter's "swingers".

Somehow we have got to discover and support for public office the men and women of higher character.  It is not enough to be "as human as the rest of us."

Our elected leaders must show us a good example, and truly believe in and live that example.  I want those I entrust with responsibility to be better than me.

Morality is a key issue in the campaign drawing to a close this week, according to the public opinion polls.

This being so, Carter has defaulted the race.

Pornography and politics as a normal combination can not be allowed advocates in high places.

Author: Lindsey Williams