Carter and Staff Hold Reunion, Rap Reagan

Members of former President Jimmy Carter’s Administration gathered in Washington Sunday night to recall their days in the White House and praise the 39th President for his work since leaving office--and contrasted that humanitarian work with former President Ronald Reagan’s $2-million fee for going to Japan.

“When I look around the room, at the tremendous crowd, the first thought in my mind is, ‘Why don’t we take over again?’ ” Carter joked, drawing cheers from 1,100 former associates packing the ballroom of a Washington hotel.

“That was my first thought. My second thought, however. . . , “ Carter said, leaving the sentence unfinished.

Former Vice President Walter F. Mondale, Press Secretary Jody Powell, U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young, Budget Director Burt Lance and other Carter associates chatted about their activities since leaving the Administration in 1980.

The crowd had kind words for Carter’s work both in the White House and since leaving office, and several people contrasted Carter’s post-presidential human-rights work to Reagan’s acceptance of a $2-million speaking fee from the Japanese.

“Looking at the Reagan Administration’s trade policies, I’d say the Japanese owe him more than $2 million,” Powell said. “I’d say the Japanese got off cheap.”

Oregon Gov. Neil Goldschmidt, who was Carter’s secretary of transportation, also attacked the Reagan Administration and said Carter “carried the dignity and character of the American presidency to high ground on which is posted a sign: ‘Not for sale.’ ”