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Carter promotes new book

Ex-president signs latest work for eager Bruins, fans

By Phillip Carter

Daily Bruin Senior Staff

Former president, peanut farmer, senior statesman and now poet Jimmy Carter came to UCLA yesterday to publicize his new book titled "Always a Reckoning" in Ackerman Grand Ballroom.

Nearly 2,000 Bruins met Carter and had their books signed during the two-hour event, sponsored by Random House, Carter's publisher. This event is part of a tour the former president is making to promote his new book.

Those at the front of the line, including Mike Perman, the campus representative for Prentice-Hall publishers, waited for an hour and a half, in a line that stretched out of the ballroom and around the corner of Ackerman Union.

Perman, who was first in line, said, "I came early because I wanted to make sure I got my book signed ­ he's someone who is a genuine hero."

He added that the book of poetry was very touching and that it showed a very personal side of the former president.

Carter's book includes works of varying nature, from those describing an experience as a peanut farmer to poems about his wife and children. Many students said they were most deeply moved by his poem about segregated Georgia, and how it felt to live there.

An overwhelming number of those who came to the event said they were impressed by Carter, and were honored to be able to meet him. One student said that he would carry this memory with him for the rest of his life.

"I had this phrase rehearsed for when I went up there: I said, 'Thank you for being such a good mentor to me and the rest of the world,'" said Ivan Osuna, a fourth- year political science student. "He responded, 'Thank you very much son, that really means a lot for me.'"

Carl Weber, a 62-year-old resident of Palos Verdes, echoed Osuna's sentiment, saying that he was very touched by Carter's visit.

"We didn't have a chance to chat, but I had a chance to shake his hand ­ he seemed very cordial," Weber said.

Students' association officials and UCLA police officers hurried students and others through the line to greet Carter, and some students said that the event felt rushed and impersonal.

"I wish he spent more time with each person ­ I wanted him to personalize my book," said Javier Zamora, a fourth-year political science student. "I was rushed through like it was an assembly line, and it was very disappointing."

Another student agreed that meeting Carter was a hurried experience, and also added a critique of his poetry.

"(The signing) was going by so fast, and it's only once in a lifetime you get to meet a president," said Khai Nguyen, a first-year microbiology student. "I think he should keep his day job ­ he's a great leader, and he's a good man, but I didn't think this (poetry book) was vintage Carter."

Despite some critics, most students expressed positive sentiments after meeting the former president from Georgia.

"His book shows that he's very personal and in touch with his feelings and not afraid to express his opinions and feelings," said second-year law student Marina Llata.

Another student joined Llata in expressing her pleasure at meeting Carter, saying that though she wasn't here strictly for personal reasons, she enjoyed the event nonetheless.

"I'm here for my parents, because my dad is really into politics, and I'm getting this book signed for him," said Abi Karlin-Resnick, a first-year psychology student.

"But it's pretty cool to meet him, because I was only 4 years old when his administration ended. Carter in person ... wow," she mused.

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