Question

how did Carter's status as a Washington "outsider" help him win the presidency? how did it end up hurting him as a president?

Answer 1

People were tired of fighting in the capital, and Carter's status as a Washington "outsider" helped him win the presidency. Because he lacked allies, it was tough for him.

Answer 2

In general, it was Carter's status as a Washington "outsider" that helped him win the presidency in that people were sick of fighting in Washington. It hurt him because he didn't have any allies.