"Nixon had his enemies list and President Carter has his friends list. I guess I'm on his friends list and I don't know which is worse." -- Senator Joe Biden, 1977
This quotation appeared in a Doyle McManus column featuring Jimmy Carter, who was aloof from Congressional members even of his own party and inattentive to their interests. "Carter thought politics was sinful," Walter Mondale said. "The worst thing you could say to Carter if you wanted him to do something was that it was politically the best thing to do."
Then-senator Biden remarked, "The president is learning, but not fast enough," before mentioning the enemies and friends lists.
Politics, the give and take of negotiation, making deals to achieve something worthwhile -- these are things that a good president must master. They are hardly bad in and of themselves. They are consistent with -- in fact, they are indispensable for -- democracy. Better than threats and violence. Better than failure to approach a beneficial goal.
No one gets everything they want in a democratic system. There is conflict. People disagree, often vehemently. But if we can come together with the folks who share our country with us (or our state or community), we can often reach an accord: give up something to gain something. We may end up with half a loaf, but that is better than none.
As president, Carter was the leader of his party, which represented a broad coalition. Listening, cajoling, negotiating -- these are critical skills. Carter has been a great former-president. Because of a handful of shortcomings, he was not a great president. (Note: Carter skillfully negotiated the Camp David Accords of 1978, perhaps because he recognized higher stakes in making peace between Israel and Egypt, than, say, pleasing a senator regarding a parochial request.)
Many people disdain politics. Presidents should know better.