ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the convergences and divergences in definitions and evaluations of presidential leadership between Jimmy Carter's White House communications advisers and presidential journalists. A significant amount of self-criticism by White House staff concerned the various White House efforts directed at the portrayal of Jimmy Carter. White House staff commented on the administration's early difficulties brought on by an ambitious policy agenda and the crucial Bert Lance controversy. Regarding symbolism and rhetoric, a number of White House communications specialists offered criticisms of Carter that reflected the press's assessments. White House staff explained that Carter's agenda contributed to press criticisms. White House staff members were most critical of the administration's approaches to policy development. Communications specialists in the White House criticized Carter for not emphasizing the importance of rituals of political Washington as compromising and "horsetrading."
