How Jimmy Carter's 'Adultery' Admission to Playboy Nearly Cost Him the Presidency

In November 1976, just weeks before the U.S. presidential election, Playboy magazine published an interview with Jimmy Carter, the Democratic candidate. While Carter was widely regarded as a moral and religious man, his candid remarks in the interview created a media frenzy and sparked controversy. The interview included candid comments about religion, sin, and sexuality that many felt were inappropriate for a presidential candidate at the time.

As we enter round two a Trump presidency, we look back at how the moral panic of the 70’s seemed tame by todays standards of decency.

What Carter Said in the Interview

One of the most controversial aspects of the interview was Carter’s admission of "lusting in his heart." He said:

"I've looked on a lot of women with lust. I've committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do—and I have done it—and God forgives me for it."

This statement was a frank acknowledgment of human weakness and sin, grounded in Carter’s deep Christian faith. However, his honesty about private thoughts of lust, framed through a Biblical lens, was shocking to many Americans, particularly in the highly moralistic and image-conscious context of presidential politics.

Carter also criticized the moral failures of American society and said:

"Christ set some almost impossible standards for us. The Bible says, ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery.’ Christ says, ‘If you look on a woman with lust, you've committed adultery in your heart.’"

The interview delved into Carter's views on morality, faith, and social issues, but it was these candid admissions about personal temptation and sin that captured headlines.

Why It Was a Scandal

The controversy stemmed from several factors:

Cultural Norms of the 1970s: Although Playboy had a significant cultural presence and was known for its interviews with public figures, it was still a magazine associated with sexual content. For a presidential candidate to appear in its pages was considered unseemly by many voters.

Religious Undertones: Carter’s comments about sin, morality, and lust were seen by some as overly personal and undignified for a presidential candidate. The language of confession and inner struggle was unfamiliar in political discourse and clashed with expectations of a polished, restrained image for a president.

Media Reaction: The media amplified the scandal, focusing on the sensational aspects of the interview. Critics questioned whether Carter's openness about human frailty made him unfit for the presidency or undermined the dignity of the office.

Political Climate: Coming on the heels of the Watergate scandal, Carter was running on a platform of honesty and integrity. While his comments were sincere, some voters perceived them as too informal or out of step with the gravitas expected of a leader.

Impact on Carter's Presidential Legacy

The Playboy interview did not derail Carter’s campaign—he narrowly defeated Gerald Ford to become the 39th president—but it became a defining moment in how he was perceived. The incident highlighted Carter's commitment to honesty and transparency, even to the point of political risk. However, it also revealed his vulnerability to criticism over his unguarded nature.

During his presidency, Carter’s reputation as a moral and deeply religious leader continued to shape public perceptions of him. The Playboy interview became emblematic of his broader approach to leadership: idealistic, earnest, and sometimes out of sync with the demands of modern political life. In retrospect, the interview is often cited as a pivotal moment that underscored Carter’s authenticity but also his occasional political missteps.

Legacy of the Interview

The Playboy controversy reflects a unique cultural moment when candid expressions of personal morality intersected with the evolving expectations of political decorum. While the interview was seen as scandalous in its time, later generations have viewed it more as a testament to Carter’s honesty and humanity than as a disqualifying blunder. For better or worse, it remains a symbol of his deeply personal approach to faith, ethics, and leadership.