Today’s political scene has some interesting comparisons with the events of 30 years ago.

In 1976, it was a presidential campaign year, and people were fairly even on whether they wanted changes in leadership. It was incumbent Gerald Ford versus newcomer Jimmy Carter.

During the autumn of 2006, we’ve heard the theory that the suddenly lower gasoline prices have something to do with this being an important election year. Republicans are concerned that Democrats might get control in Congress.

Opening The Daily Star from a few days before the 1976 election and the day after, one can find some interesting news items. On Nov. 1, a story above the fold on the front page reported that grocery prices were down in a period of steady high inflation. It said nothing about the reduction being because of an election year. On Nov. 3, the day after the election, it was clear Democrats had retained Congressional control. Gasoline prices were 60 to 65 cents per gallon. Four years earlier, prices were about half of that.

As people head to the voting booths Tuesday, they’ll have a few things on their minds, including an increasingly unpopular war in Iraq, a president with low popularity ratings in the polls, and uncertainties in the economy, such as jobs, gasoline and heating-fuel prices, among other concerns.

In 1976, an unpopular war in Vietnam had recently ended. There was "lingering economic lethargy, unconscionably high unemployment, a still unsatisfactory rate of inflation, peace without pride, and a lack of trust in government," read an editorial in The Daily Star endorsing Jimmy Carter for president.

"We need a new spirit in Washington," the editorial stated. "Jimmy Carter represents that new spirit. Gerald Ford, an honorable man with good intentions, does not. President Ford is too easily satisfied with getting by." The Daily Star also endorsed James Buckley (R) for U.S. Senate. The winner was newcomer Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D) of Pindars Corners.

Ever since the 1976 presidential election, candidates have made very few campaign visits to Central New York, limiting their appearances and fundraisers to New York City. One exception was Ronald Reagan, who campaigned in Endicott in 1984.

Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford made appearances in Syracuse in October and early November of 1976. This was the first reported visit by a president to Central New York since 1964.

Carter appeared Oct. 14 for a rally at the former Hotel Syracuse. Some Otsego and Delaware County residents made the trip, as did a Daily Star reporter. Thousands of people jammed South Warren Street for a glimpse of the candidate. Inside the hotel, Carter renewed his pledge to "listen to the people" and derive his strength from them.[an error occurred while processing this directive]