Susan Jetton oral history interview, 2019 January 23

Description

Susan Jetton recounts her experience as press secretary for 1990 North Carolina senatorial candidate Harvey Gantt. She recalls meeting Mr. Gantt in the 1970s and her dedication to his senatorial campaign, which she describes as a "cause." Ms. Jetton describes the Democratic primary race against multiple candidates, including future North Carolina Governor Mike Easley. Ms. Jetton discusses the general race against incumbent Senator Jesse Helms, including his media tactics such as the famous "White Hands" ad. She also describes the patchwork quilt that made up Gantt's support base of African Americans, urbanites, the LGBTQ and Jewish communities, environmentalists, and artists around the country as well as Gantt's dedication to local media and his base. Ms. Jetton reflects on her disappointment in losing the Senate race and her overall positive experience working on Gantt's campaign.