Carter lost the general election to Republican nominee Ronald Reagan in an electoral landslide. Polls of historians and political scientists usually rank Carter as an average president; he often receives more positive evaluations for his post-presidential work. 9.5 Same-sex marriage. Carter lost the general election to Republican nominee Ronald Reagan in an electoral landslide. Polls of historians and political scientists usually rank Carter as an average president; he often receives more positive evaluations for his post-presidential work. 9.5 Same-sex marriage. The family moved several times during Carter Jr.'s infancy. 9.5 Same-sex marriage. The family moved several times during Carter Jr.'s infancy.