0 okebet168 The opinions expressed below are Jon Keller's, not those of WBZ, CBS News or Paramount Global. BOSTON - Jimmy Carter was little-known nationally when he won the presidency in 1976. But he faced an even tougher test for re-election in 1980 -- a challenge from the most famous name in American politics, an epic showdown between Sen. Ted Kennedy and the incumbent that made a big impact on national and local politics. Showdown between Carter and Ted Kennedy It was an awkward moment at the October 1979 dedication of the Kennedy Library on Columbia Point when Carter told a story about the late President John F. Kennedy being told that "your brother Ted said recently on television that after seeing the cares of office on you, he wasn't sure if he'd ever be interested in being president ." Nervous laughter ensued. But 18 days later, Kennedy was in, seeing opportunity in the economic problems and international crises that had beset the Carter administration. "People are very distressed by the partial answers of Mr. Carter on the economy, the economy is the key issue," he told one interviewer. The president's reaction? "He said 'well, of course, if he gets in, I'll whup his ass," recalls legendary Boston political strategist Ed Jesser, who was press secretary for Carter's re-election campaign. Carter "reacted more effectively to the fact of Watergate - the post-Watergate condition of the American electorate - than anyone who ran against him. He was better at it," says Jesser, quoting Carter's famous line from the 1976 campaign: "I will never lie to you." The Kennedy political operation was famously skilled and aggressive. But the peanut farmer from Plains didn't get to the White House by shrinking from political hardball. "Senator Kennedy is well known as the largest spender perhaps in the history of the United States Senate," Carter said. "And the only cuts I know he has advocated have been cuts in the defense budget." Opened the door for other Mass. lawmakers In the end, it was no contest. By beating Kennedy so soundly, Carter punctured the myth of the Kennedy family's political supremacy, and opened the door for other Massachusetts pols like Michael Dukakis, Paul Tsongas and John Kerry to go national. And while 1980 ended in defeat for Carter, the loyalty he engendered from political allies like Jesser lives on. "He's the hardest working, the smartest, and the most decent human being who ever held that office in my mind," says Jesser. Jon Keller is the political analyst for WBZ-TV News. His "Keller @ Large" reports on a wide range of topics are regularly featured during WBZ News at 5 and 6 p.m.

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Biden and Trump lead tributes to 'extraordinary' Jimmy Carter after death

Middle East latest: UN General Assembly demands a ceasefire in GazaAnthony Hopkins reveals near-death experience 49 years ago which turned his life upside down Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com READ MORE: Trump details why he keeps bringing up Hannibal Lecter By ADAM S. LEVY FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 22:21 EST, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 22:30 EST, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments Anthony Hopkins marked nearly five decades of sobriety via social media Sunday, regaling his fans with a story of what led him to turn his life around. The two-time Oscar-winner, who turns 87 Tuesday, said on Instagram that a 1975 incident convinced him to stop drinking, noting, 'Forty-nine years ago today, I stopped.' The iconic Welsh actor admitted he 'was having such fun' until he 'realized' he was 'in big, big trouble' as he 'couldn't remember anything' and 'was driving a car drunk out of [his] skull.' Hopkins, known for playing the role of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in multiple films, said the near-tragedy led him to seek support to deal with his addiction to alcohol . 'Then, on that fatal day, I realized I needed help - so I got it,' said the Nixon actor. 'I phoned up a group of people like me - alcoholic. And that was it - sober. Anyway, I've had more fun these 49 years than ever.' Hopkins told more than 5.3 million followers that help is available for those in search of it. Anthony Hopkins, 86, marked nearly five decades of sobriety via social media Sunday, regaling his fans with a story of what led him to turn his life around 'If you do have a problem - having fun is wonderful, having a drink is fine - but if you are having a problem with the booze, there is help,' Hopkins said. 'It's not a terrible deal - it's a condition if you're allergic to alcohol, get some help, there's plenty of help around. 'One thing I didn't realize, that I was not unique. There are thousands of people around like me - anyway, I got sober and, it sounds a dull word, but I've had a wonderful life.' Read More Anthony Hopkins shares New Year's message while celebrating 48 years of sobriety He added: They still employ me, they still give me jobs. I'm going to be 87 in two days now.' The actor captioned the clip, 'One day at a time. 49 years. Life is in session.' Hopkins wrapped up in saying, 'So I'm celebrating my long life - unexpectedly long life.' He added, 'So if you have a problem, you know where to go. Phone any intergroup, 12-step program, whatever you could do - because it is a killer - with that, happy new year!' Hopkins has had a busy year professionally, amid a number of professional endeavors. He provided the voice of Jimmy in the Zack Snyder film Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver, which debuted on Netflix in April; and played the role of Vespasian on the 10-episode Peacock series Those About to Die, which debuted in July. The actor was pictured in 1975, the year he said he confronted his alcoholism problems Hopkins told more than 5.3 million followers that help is available for those in search of it Earlier this month, he played the role of Herod in the Netflix drama Mary opposite Noa Cohen. Hopkins won his first Academy Award for his portrayal of Lecter in 1991's The Silence of the Lambs. The film also won the Best Picture, Best Actress for Jodie Foster and Best Director for the late Jonathan Demme, among other honors, at the 1992 Oscars . He reprised the role in 2001's Hannibal opposite Julianne Moore , and 2002's Red Dragon opposite Edward Norton . Hopkins won his second Best Actor Oscar for 2021's The Father opposite Olivia Colman for filmmaker Florian Zeller. Anthony Hopkins Share or comment on this article: Anthony Hopkins reveals near-death experience 49 years ago which turned his life upside down e-mail Add comment