Question

What were the benefits and drawbacks to Jimmy Carter’s status as a Washington, D.C. “outsider”?

Answer 1

Answer: Some outsiders had important positions in the administration and Carter had great confidence in them. Carter's hopes of building support with the establishment outweighed any desire to enlarge his image as an outsider. The disadvantages that Carter had were:

1. Did not know how Washington D.C. worked

2. Lacked knowledge of key political players

3. Did not have a working relationship with Congress

4. Appointed people who did not work well with Congress

5. After Watergate, the media was vicious

Answer 2

Many politicians, especially today, like to claim "outsider status"--in that they aren't burdened by a history in Washington. The down side to this is that they also don't have many political alliances.