Button, Jimmy Carter, 1976

Jimmy Carter’s grin became such a signature part of his image that his name did not have to appear for him to be recognized as demonstrated by this button paid for by the Volunteers for Jimmy Carter. The use of the color green also helped voters identify Carter’s campaign items. The atypical color (red, white, and blue are much more common) was chosen both to set the 1976 Democratic nominee apart and to highlight his rural roots as a peanut farmer. Carter was elected by a narrow margin over his Republican opponent, President Gerald Ford.