POLICY: Warming Up to Jimmy

Four years ago, the very name McGovern sent shudders through the American business community and drove executives almost unanimously into the Nixon camp. Now, the name of Jimmy Carter is stirring a totally different reaction. This early in the campaign, Carter already is picking up a few business votes—including that of Henry Ford II, chairman of Ford Motor—and has got most businessmen at least to regard him without animosity. Says Seattle Investment Banker Robert Block: "People no longer seem to equate Democrats with doomsday."

More than anything else, it is Carter's personality and style that cause businessmen to warm to...