An assessment of the events that led up to Jimmy Carter's infamous 1979 "malaise" speech places it against a backdrop of such events as the gas crisis and the Iran-hostage situation while explaining that the speech had far greater relevance than its reception reflected.

"What the heck are you up to, Mr. President?" -- Diagnosing the nation's heart of glass (April 1979) -- Making friends and enemies in a time of crisis (May 1979) -- "The worst of times" (June 1979) -- "One of my best" (July 1979) -- The speech becomes a "turning point" to the end (July 1979 to January 1981) -- Epilogue: In dreams there begin no responsibilities -- Appendix: The speech "The crisis of confidence" (July 15. 1979).