From Jimmy Carter’s White House Diary:

I think it’s crucial that I keep in touch with the people of the country and let them know I’m interested in their viewpoint. The Congress has got to know that I can go directly over their heads when necessary. And of course, I wouldn’t hesitate to do it. So far I don’t feel isolated from the rest of the country since I’ve been in the White House. Reverend James Baker from South Carolina, immediately after he talked to me, called his sister-in-law and was so excited that he died, unfortunately. I called his wife to express my regrets.