Throughout history, many prominent elected political figures have faced moral decisions that put their re-election at risk. Jimmy Carter, by means of deciding to boycott the 1980 Olympics, proves an example of such a figure. Carter’s controversial decision stands out in the historical background behind his boycotting, the support and opposition he received regarding that decision, and the outcome of his run for re-election. Carter’s strong belief in traditional values prevails an underlying reason for the boycotting of the 1980 Olympic Games. Growing up in a small town in Georgia, Carter had learned the basics of farming and knew very little regarding politics when he emerged in the presidential race of 1976 (Kent 9). Carter, raised in a…show more content… Held in Moscow, the Games are remembered for non-participation perhaps more than participation (Back in Time). The Soviet Union sent troops into Afghanistan as aid, causing an uproar in conflicting views in regards to the participation in the 1980 Olympic Games (Fall of Jimmy Carter). This was due to the fact that Moscow was part of the Soviet Union, and safety of the athletes was in question. For these reasons, Carter made a controversial executive decision not to send American athletes to the 1980 Olympic Games. The lack of participation by the US and other countries protested Russian military aid to Afghanistan in order to fight American soldiers (Back in…show more content… This election, unlike many others, showed as unique in that a Democratic candidate, Senator Ted Kennedy, ran against Carter’s re-election in the primaries (US Presidential Election 1980). However, a strong competitor came into the spotlight as a candidate for the Republican Party: Ronald Reagan (US Presidential Election 1980). Voters viewed the election as a discussion of unimportant issues and ignorance of prevalent global strife, including massive inflation, increasing unemployment, and the Cold War, which ultimately proved itself as the root of the Olympic boycott (US Presidential Election 1980). In addition to worldwide issues, American voters worried about Carter’s capability to preside over a nation in need of a stable leader, as Carter had not portrayed himself as such in his first term (US Presidential Election 1980). One of Carter’s final decisions as president, the Olympic boycott, seemed to nearly ensure that he would not get re-elected (Fall of Jimmy Carter). Because this decision had been so unpopular amongst sports fans, Olympics enthusiasts, and athletes alike, many American citizens found reason to disagree with Carter’s views on the handling of the Cold War conflict with the Soviet Union (US Presidential Election 1980). While the reasons for Carter’s unpopularity accumulated, Reagan focused on his plan to deal with the Communist threats both in the context of the Soviet Union and