Jimmy Carter
* Economic stagflation: The United States economy was in a state of stagflation during Carter's presidency, which meant that the country was experiencing both high inflation and high unemployment. This was a major concern for many Americans, and it contributed to Carter's defeat in the 1980 presidential election.
* Iran hostage crisis: The Iran hostage crisis, in which Iranian students held 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage for 444 days, began in November 1979 and lasted until January 1981. The crisis was a major embarrassment for the United States, and it further eroded Carter's support among the American people.
* Malaise speech: In July 1979, Carter gave a televised speech in which he said that the United States was suffering from a "crisis of confidence." The speech was widely criticized for being pessimistic and defeatist, and it further damaged Carter's standing with the American people.
Gerald Ford
* Watergate scandal: The Watergate scandal, which involved the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., and the subsequent cover-up by members of the Nixon administration, dominated American politics during Ford's presidency. Ford's handling of the scandal was widely criticized, and it contributed to his defeat in the 1976 presidential election.
* Economic recession: The United States economy was in a state of recession during Ford's presidency, which meant that the country was experiencing high unemployment and slow economic growth. This was a major concern for many Americans, and it contributed to Ford's defeat in the 1976 presidential election.
* Lack of charisma: Ford was often seen as lacking in charisma and leadership qualities. This made it difficult for him to connect with the American people, and it contributed to his defeat in the 1976 presidential election.