Carter Talks in Playboy

Pinback button publicizing the interview Jimmy Carter gave as presidential candidate in Playboy magazine, 1976. Issued by Playboy to promote its November 1976 issue, in which the interview appeared.

Many were surprised when Carter, known for his strong evangelical Christian beliefs, granted an unprecedented interview to a pornographic magazine. Asked whether he had ever sinned, Carter said: "I try not to commit a deliberate sin. I recognize that I'm going to do it anyhow, because I'm human and I'm tempted. And Christ set some almost impossible standards for us. Christ said, 'I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.' I've looked on a lot of women with lust. I've committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do—and I have done it—and God forgives me for it." The comments offended many conservatives and women, and were partly responsible for Carter's slide in the polls in the run-up to the election.