The Nation: The Verdict Thus Far

TIME asked several Washington watchers from the campuses, business and other fields for their assessments of President Carter's performance to date. Their replies:

C. VANN WOODWARD, Yale historian. Complicated Carter undoubtedly is—and elusive as well. When he did choose a label for himself, however, it was that of "populist.'' In its Southern origins, populism struck roots in the best democratic tradition. Carter had legitimate claims in blood and heritage to that tradition. I would like to believe he will stick to it. If he does, the populist dogma —illustrated by automatic voter registration and overthrow of the Electoral College—may well be put...