Book Review: Jimmy Carter, Elected President with Pocket Change and Peanuts

By Annell Gerson

I can only say with a degree of confidence that what won the election for Jimmy Carter were the more than 600,000 hands he and Rosalyn shook. So says Dorothy Dot Padgett, author of her new history/memoir, Jimmy Carter: Elected President with Pocket Change and Peanuts.

Dot was an integral member of the Carter inner circle, heading up the Peanut Brigade, an army of loyal supporters. In his introduction to the book, Jimmy Carter writes, When I ran for President, she [Dot] organized and led the Peanut Brigade, made up of Georgians who knew me personally and who travelled to other states to campaign on my behalf. From her front seat perspective, Dot chronicles the election with inside stories filled with funny, poignant tidbits. The book begins with an array of campaign photos, literature and letters chronicling the intimacy and passion of the campaign. In her direct, no-nonsense style, Dot reminds us of Carters time at Annapolis, his run for Governor of Georgia and ultimately, the internal workings of his journey to the presidency.

Dot shares the passion and camaraderie of the campaign intimates, reminding us of its unique atmosphere and enthusiasm. She mentions his southernism, which often perplexed the status quo, noting, The Secret Service did not always know what to do with us. They had to protect their man, but there was no way to keep the rush of people from surrounding Jimmy as soon as he put his foot on the ground. They finally realized we were just that bunch from Georgia and left us alone.

After the election, Dot was appointed assistant chief of protocol at the State Department. She currently lives in Douglasville, Georgia and serves on the Carter Center Board of Councilors.

In person, Dot is a sharp, passionate, approachable, southern charmer. This charm and wit, coupled with her unique knowledge and experiences, makes for a great read.