ATLANTA — The former deputy press secretary for then-Governor Jimmy Carter spoke with Channel 2′s Sophia Choi about his days with Carter.
“What I found most pleasing was his loyalty and honesty,” Bob Klingensmith said.
Klingensmith was just 29 years old when he worked for Gov. Carter in 1971.
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Now he’s 82 years old and remembers those days fondly.
“He let you do your thing. He wasn’t a micro-manager,” Klingensmith said.
He said Carter never needed much help.
When speaking to people, he did it off the cuff, using only an index card with some basic information as a guide.
“He only used prepared text on the state of the state, state of the budget, and the inaugural address,” Klingensmith said.
He describes Carter as fun-loving and easygoing, but always on point.
“You know he had a way of getting things done,” he said.
While working with Carter, Klingensmith said he also got to know First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
He even once interviewed her in the governor’s mansion bedroom.
“She was finishing putting her makeup on and I did the interview,” Klingensmith said.
They are cherished memories for Klingensmith, who once called Carter “boss” and a friend.
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