WASHINGTON: Jimmy Carter won the Presidency today [Nov 3], edging Gerald Ford in one of the closest elections in US history. President Ford conceded victory to the Democratic candidate. Final results showed Carter with 303 electoral college votes and Gerald Ford with 235, including the largest state delegation, California’s 45 votes. ...
Carter, capping a 22-month drive from obscurity to the pinnacle of political power, led the Democrats to victory in Congress and the State Houses as well... . ... A smiling Carter claimed victory before cheering, spiritual singing supporters in Atlanta, Georgia. He pledged he would help the United States ‘tap its great strength and idealism and brotherhood and vitality ... and make this nation great once again’.
The wealthy Georgia peanut farmer became the first President-elect from the ‘deep south’ since 1849. The election also brought about the first defeat of a White House incumbent since 1932. Carter’s assumption of power ... will bring major shifts in US policies at home and abroad. It was a bitter defeat for the 63-yearold Mr. Ford, who fought his first national campaign in 28 years of political life.