You might know Jimmy Carter as a recent centenarian.
I mean, a life that spanned an extraordinary
century. Or perhaps you followed the news of
his passing just a short while ago. Right. A
remarkable life. Either way you look at it. Absolutely.
But beyond those headlines and milestones, his
life and presidency offer this extraordinary
study in transformation and, well, enduring impact.
We're talking about a man who, despite a single
presidential term, often described as challenging,
maybe even difficult. Yeah, challenging is often
the word used. Became a universally admired global
humanitarian. It's a journey almost unlike any
other in American history. It really is quite
unique. And today we're taking a deep dive into
the vast array of sources about Jimmy Carter,
from his early, sometimes contradictory life
right through to his unparalleled post presidency.
There's a lot of ground to cover there. There
is. Our mission is to extract the most important
nuggets of knowledge and insight, helping you
the surprising facts, the pivotal moments that
shaped this truly unique figure. And also to
explore why his legacy has been, well, re -evaluated
so dramatically over time. Exactly. Offering
you a shortcut, if you will, to being truly well
-informed about a remarkable American life. Okay.
You can expect us to unpack his surprising journey,
you know, from a small -town Georgia farm to
the White House. We'll delve into the complexities
of his single presidential term. Which were many.
And then celebrate the humanitarian work that
truly cemented his place in history. So let's
start at the very beginning with the foundational
elements of his early life. Sounds good. Where
do we begin? Well, Jimmy Carter, born James Earl
Carter Jr. on October 1st, 1924 in Clains, Georgia,
he holds a unique distinction right off the bat.
He was the first U .S. president born in a hospital.
Huh. That's an interesting little detail, sort
of hints at the changing times even then. It
does. But what's truly fascinating is how his
early environment laid this foundation of contradictions
that would define his life. His family moved
several times, eventually settling in archery,
a community almost entirely populated by impoverished
black families. Right. And his father, James
Earl Carter Sr., was a successful local businessman
and farmer, but also a staunch supporter of segregation.
And yet, here's where the personal complexities
really begin to emerge. Despite his father's
pro -segregation stance, young Jimmy was not
just permitted, but actually encouraged to befriend
the children of Black farm hands. And his mother,
Bessie Lillian Gordy, worked long hours as a
registered nurse, embodying a spirit of service.
So you have these contrasting influences right
there in the household. Exactly. This early exposure
to stark racial division, coupled with those
formative personal connections across the color
lines, it truly sets the stage for the nuanced,
sometimes paradoxical decisions we'll see later
in his political career. This formative period
wasn't just about social dynamics. It also showcases
his innate drive and, well, entrepreneurial spirit.
As a teenager, Carter was remarkably enterprising.
Yeah, I read about this. He grew and sold peanuts
from his own acre of land. demonstrating an early
understanding of business and self -sufficiency.
He even went so far as to purchase and rent out
tenant housing. As a teenager. As a teenager.
This early business acumen, even in a rural setting,
it signals a deep -seated ambition and practical
skill that would serve him well later in life.
His education journey is also quite telling,
charting this path of consistent academic pursuit.
He attended Plains High School graduating from
the 11th grade in 1941. Apparently the school
didn't have a 12th grade at the time. Then he
moved through Georgia Southwestern College, Georgia
School of Technology, Georgia Tech, and ultimately
pursued his dream, the U .S. Naval Academy, where
he earned his Bachelor of Science in 1946. His
academic path truly showcases a diligent, almost
relentless student. Someone described as a book
devourer. Uh -huh. He was reserved and quiet,
a trait that contrasted sharply with the Naval
Academy's notoriously aggressive hazing culture.
Yet he graduated an impressive 60th out of 821
midshipmen. Wow, that's high. Very high. This
top academic performance, especially for a reserved
student, wasn't just about discipline. It showed
an intellectual rigor and quiet intensity that
would later define his meticulous approach to,
well, everything from nuclear safety to complex
peace negotiations. It was a key indicator of
the disciplined nature that would characterize
his entire career. And it was during his time
at the Academy that he met and fell in love with
Rosalind Smith, a friend of his sister Ruth.
They married shortly after his graduation in
1946. A marriage that would become the longest
of any presidential couple. a true bedrock of
his personal life, and a partnership that would
prove indispensable throughout his life. Absolutely.
Moving into his naval service from 1946 to 1953,
the Carters lived all over the country, Virginia,
Hawaii, Connecticut, New York, California, as
he was deployed in both the Atlantic and Pacific
fleets. Right. He began officer training for
submarine duty in 1948 on the USS Pomfret, even
undertaking a simulated war patrol to the Western
Pacific and Chinese coast. Promoted to Lieutenant
Junior grade in 19 - And later served as executive
officer on the USS K -1, where he qualified for
command. And his experience in the Navy's fledgling
nuclear submarine program was truly profound,
wasn't it? Coming under the intense tutelage
of then Captain Hyman G. Rickover. Rickover,
yeah. A legendary figure known for his exacting
standards. What's fascinating here is that Carter
later credited Rickover, alongside his parents,
as the greatest influence on his life. Rickover's
extraordinarily high standards instilled in Carter
a meticulous approach, an unwavering dedication
to detail, and a deep understanding of complex
systems and precision. And those principles,
you can see them carried into every aspect of
his later public service, from the governorship
right through to the presidency. Definitely.
Now, let's talk about a moment that really defines
his understanding of nuclear power. I mean, imagine
being lowered into a damaged nuclear reactor.
Wow. Knowing you only have 90 seconds before
your radiation exposure limit is hit. That's
not just a story. That's a visceral experience.
Yeah, truly terrifying. This pivotal moment occurred
on December 12th, 1952 at Atomic Energy of Canada's
Chalk River Laboratories. An experimental NRX
reactor accident caused a partial meltdown. And
Carter was ordered to lead a U .S. maintenance
crew. This painstaking process involved individual
90 -second exposures to radioactivity to disassemble
the crippled reactor. So What was the lasting
impact of that harrowing experience? Well, that
experience truly speaks volumes about his firsthand
understanding of nuclear risks, the sheer danger
involved. Carter later stated this profound personal
experience shaped his views on atomic energy.
And it directly influenced his decision to halt
the development of a neutron bomb during his
presidency, didn't it? Exactly. It was a direct,
visceral lesson in the power and peril of nuclear
technology, not some abstract concept from a
textbook. It's perfect sense. His promising naval
career, including plans for command of the USS
Seawolf, was unexpectedly cut short by a family
tragedy. Right. His father's death. His father
died of pancreatic cancer in July 1953, which
led Carter to obtain a release from active duty
on October 9, 1953, so he could take over the
struggling family peanut business. A huge life
change. He continued to serve in the inactive
Navy Reserve until 1961, leaving with a rank
of lieutenant and earned the coveted dolphin
badge, along with several campaign medals. Still,
a significant chapter of service closed. And
the transition back to civilian life was far
from easy. Returning to Plains, Carter faced
significant financial challenges, inheriting
comparatively little after debt settlements.
For a year, he, Roslyn, and their three sons
even lived in public housing in Plains. Which
is truly striking when you think about it. The
only U .S. president to have lived in subsidized
housing before taking office would later become
known for his profound empathy and consistent
focus on human needs globally. It's quite a contrast.
His first year's peanut harvest failed due to
drought, forcing him to open several lines of
credit just to keep the pharma flowing. But he
and Rosalyn were a formidable team. They took
classes, studied agriculture, and Rosalyn learned
accounting to manage the books, eventually transforming
the business into a considerable success. This
period of financial struggle and hands on business
rebuilding highlights his immense resilience
and practical skills traits that would later
define his political approach. Yeah. And Rosalyn's
indispensable role in the business also underscores
her significant partnership from these earliest
days, a partnership that would extend throughout
his public life and presidency. Absolutely. Now,
as racial tensions inflamed in Plains by the
landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme
Court ruling in 1954. A hugely divisive time.
Carter initially kept his pro -integration feelings
private, probably a pragmatic move to avoid making
immediate enemies in a deeply segregated community.
Understandable, given the context. By 1961, however,
he became more vocal as a Baptist church member
and chairman of the Sumter County School Board,
signaling a gradual but firm shift in his public
stance. And this growing civic engagement naturally
led him towards elected office. He announced
his campaign for an open Georgia State Senate
seat in 1962, where Roslyn's political instincts
and organizational skills were again. Absolutely
instrumental. But this early foray into politics
wasn't smooth sailing, was it? It delivered an
early stark lesson. Not at all. The election
was marred by fraudulent voting. Carter initially
trailed his opponent Homer Moore. However, a
new election was held and he won as the sole
Democratic candidate. So this early encounter
with political corruption deeply shaped his outsider
appeal and his later unwavering focus on government
ethics. It taught him the well. the gritty realities
of politics very early on. Definitely. He served
two two -year terms from 1963 to 1967. While
initially quiet on the polarizing issue of civil
rights, likely to avoid alienating his segregationist
colleagues, he did take principled stands against
literacy tests and an amendment implying compulsory
religion. He also helped rewrite state party
rules on the Democratic Executive Committee and
chaired the West Central Georgia Planning and
Development Commission, overseeing federal and
state grants for projects like historic site
restoration. Senate, particularly chairing the
Education Committee, led to expanding statewide
education funding and getting Georgia's Southwestern
State University a four -year program. Right.
These activities demonstrated an early focus
on public services and local development. And
crucially, he used these platforms to increase
his visibility, directly setting the stage for
higher ambitions beyond the state legislature.
After his state Senate terms, Carter set his
sights higher. He first announced a run for the
House, then pivoted to governor when his rival,
Bo Calloway, decided to do the same. A strategic
move. In the 1966 gubernatorial election, he
ran against liberal former governor Ellis Arnall
and conservative segregationist Lester Maddox.
And he described his ideology with remarkable
flexibility as conservative, moderate, liberal,
and middle of the road. Huh. covering all the
bases there, indicating an almost chameleon -like
political identity at that point. He lost the
primary but drew enough votes to force a runoff,
which Maddox won a result. Carter considered
the worst outcome. This defeat, however, became
a pivotal personal and spiritual turning point
for Carter. This period led him to declare himself
a born again Christian. Right. And in doing so,
he profoundly popularized the term into the American
lexicon. It wasn't just a personal shift. It
had a broader cultural impact. It really did.
And it was also during this time that his last
child, Amy, was born, marking a significant moment
of family expansion alongside his spiritual introspection.
Four years later, he returned with a new, much
more pragmatic and, well, some might say a controversial
strategy. Yes, the 1970 gubernatorial election.
His main opponent was liberal former governor,
Carl Sanders. Carter ran a surprisingly modern
campaign for the time, using printed graphics
and statistical analysis to hone his message,
targeting specific voter segments. And responding
to polls, he deliberately leaned more conservative,
positioning himself as a populist appealing to
the anxieties of the time. Right, he criticized
Sanders for his wealth and perceived links to
the National Democratic Party, and even accused
him of corruption without providing concrete
evidence when pressed by the media. This strategic
triangulation, appealing to different ideological
factions, was a pragmatic, if controversial,
political move to gain power in a racially charged
state. And his campaign tactics reflected this
pragmatic approach in a stark way. While he met
with black figures like Martin Luther King Sr.
and Andrew Young and visited black owned businesses.
He also praised prominent Alabama segregationist
George Wallace and promised to invite him to
speak in Georgia. Yeah, a real contradiction
there. His appeal to racial sentiment became
even more blatant with campaign aides distributing
a photograph of Sanders celebrating with black
basketball players. So how should we understand
this tension between his personal connections
and his public campaign strategy? This is a deeply
complex and often criticized point in his story.
Leroy Johnson, a black state senator at the time,
acknowledged the harsh political calculus, stating,
I understand why he ran that kind of ultra conservative
campaign. I don't believe you can win this state
without being a racist. Carter ultimately won
the runoffs and the general election against
Republican nominee Howe's suit. It demonstrates
a difficult reality of navigating the politics
of the Deep South at that time and willingness
to make uncomfortable compromises to achieve
office attention he would later grapple with.
Indeed. He campaigned as one thing, appealing
to conservative and even segregationist voters,
but almost immediately revealed another side
once in office. Quite the pivot. He was sworn
in as the 76th governor of Georgia on January
12th, 1971. And in his inaugural speech, he delivered
a bombshell that truly reshaped the political
landscape of Georgia, declaring the time for
racial discrimination is over. That statement
genuinely shocked the crowd, didn't it? And caused
many segregationist supporters to feel utterly
betrayed. a decisive break from his campaign
rhetoric. This inaugural declaration marked a
decisive and courageous shift, showcasing a willingness
to lead on moral issues despite the significant
political cost he had just incurred from his
base. It was a clear signal of his intentions.
However, he was initially unpopular with the
legislature, partly due to his reluctance to
engage in traditional political horse trading.
Despite this, he successfully expanded the governor's
authority through a massive reorganization plan.
Merging about 300 state agencies into a Streamline
22, though whether it ultimately saved money
is still debated. The deeper insight here, perhaps,
is that he valued efficiency and direct action
over political schmoozing, a trait that would
both define and challenge his effectiveness later
on. He didn't stop there. He announced the establishment
of a Georgia Human Rights Council in July 1971,
ordered department heads to reduce spending to
prevent a projected $57 million deficit. Showing
a keen eye for fiscal responsibility. Right.
He also requested substantial funding for early
childhood development, prison reform, and a significant
$48 million in pay taxes for state employees.
That's equivalent to roughly $270 million today.
Wow. He pushed through reforms for equal state
aid to schools, community centers for mentally
disabled children, and increased educational
programs for convicts, a broad commitment to
public services. And his commitment to civil
rights as governor was further evident through
concrete actions, like adding Black state employees
and commissioning portraits of three prominent
Black Georgians to be displayed in the Capitol
building. Actions that predictably angered the
Ku Klux Klan. This demonstrates a consistent,
if sometimes politically expedient in its initial
approach, long -term vision for racial equality.
It shows that once in power, his moral compass
became a much clearer guide for policy. What's
truly striking is that he wasn't just focusing
on social programs. In one of his more controversial
decisions, he vetoed a plan to build a dam on
Jordan's Flint River. Which attracted nationwide
attention from environmentalists, right? This
was an early and clear indicator of his strong
environmental stance, a theme that would consistently
run through his career long before it became
a mainstream political issue. Definitely. But
despite his efforts towards integration, there
were some complex positions that highlight the
political realities he operated within. Yeah,
like favoring a constitutional amendment to ban
busing for school integration. and even co -sponsoring
an anti -busting resolution with George Wallace
at the 1971 National Governors Conference. And
then, after Furman v. Georgia in 1972 struck
down Georgia's death penalty, Carter signed a
revised statute reintroducing it. A decision
he later expressed profound regret over, stating,
I didn't see the injustice of it as I do now.
This reveals a leader capable of significant
moral evolution. showing a capacity for self
-reflection that is quite rare in politics. Ineligible
for a second consecutive term under the 1945
Georgia Constitution, Carter almost immediately
began to actively engage in national politics
with a clear eye toward the presidency. Wasting
no time. He served on several Southern planning
commissions and was a delegate to the 1972 Democratic
National Convention. He even tried unsuccessfully
to become chairman of the National Governors
Association, an early attempt to boost his national
visibility. And then, with David Rockefeller's
endorsement, he was named to the Trilateral Commission
in April 1973. That was a significant step, wasn't
it? Gaining international policy exposure and
cultivating elite connections through this influential
non -governmental forum. Yeah. The next year,
he became chairman of the Democratic National
Committee's congressional and gubernatorial campaigns.
This was all strategic positioning, carefully
building a national platform from a relatively
obscure governorship. Demonstrating a remarkable
long -game approach to political ambition. Connecting
these dots, we see a methodical, almost relentless
strategic positioning, even when he was still
a relatively obscure figure on the national stage.
He was playing chess while others were playing
checkers, perhaps. Maybe so. In May 1973, he
warned his party against politicizing the Watergate
scandal, attributing it to President Richard
Nixon's isolation from Americans and secretive
decision -making. This carefully positioned him
as an ethical alternative, emphasizing transparency
and openness themes he would carry into his presidential
campaign. He also met with George Wallace in
1972 to discuss preventing a democratic landslide,
again showing his pragmatism in engaging with
different factions of the party, even those with
whom he fundamentally disagreed. OK, so now on
to his truly surprising ascent to the White House.
On December 12th, 1974. Carter announced his
presidential campaign. And he was widely seen
as a dark horse, right? Against 16 other candidates
with national recognition. His name recognition
was so low, opponents famously asked, Jimmy who?
Jimmy who? Yeah, and that's exactly what he turned
into his rallying cry. His famous self -introduction,
my name is Jimmy Carter and I'm running for president,
proved incredibly successful disarming voters
with its simple sincerity. His strategy was truly
groundbreaking and a master class in grassroots
campaigning. He campaigned extensively and early,
traveled over 50 ,000 miles, visited 37 states,
delivered over 200 speeches before many other
candidates had even formally entered the race.
Wow, that's commitment. He cleverly navigated
the South as a moderate after George Wallace
faded. And he appealed to conservative Christian
and rural voters in the North, forging a broad,
if sometimes ideologically diverse coalition.
And the lingering aftermath of the Watergate
scandal played a crucial role, didn't it? Absolutely.
Carter's outsider status and promise of government
reorganization resonated deeply with voters who
were hungry for integrity and a break from Washington
insiders. He even published his memoir, Why Not
the Best, in June 1976 to quickly introduce himself
to the American public and articulate his vision.
And Lawrence Shoup noted that national news media
played a key role in discovering and promoting
Carter. propelling him rocket -like to the top
of the opinion polls. This really highlights
the immense power of media narrative and political
ascendancy, especially for an unknown. There
was, however, a notable communication misstep.
In April 1976, Carter made that controversial
remark about ethnic purity in neighborhoods.
Right. While he later clarified he intended to
support open housing laws by opposing government
efforts to inject black families into a white
neighborhood just to create some sort of integration.
The phrasing itself was widely criticized for
its problematic connotation. Yeah, not great
phrasing. This incident kind of foreshadowed
later criticisms about his communication style
and occasional missteps in articulating complex
positions. It revealed a persistent challenge
he faced throughout his career in effectively
translating his intentions into widely understood
public statements. A learning curve, often the
public eye. His campaign platform was ambitious
and detailed, though. public financing of congressional
campaigns, creating a federal consumer protection
agency, establishing a separate cabinet -level
Department of Education, signing a nuclear weapons
limitation treaty with the Soviet Union, reducing
the defense budget, implementing a progressive
tax proposal, amending Social Security, aiming
for balanced budget. Quite a list. It was. On
July 15th, 1976, he selected U .S. Senator Walter
Mondale as his running mate, and they participated
in three televised debates with incumbent President
Gerald Ford, the first U .S. presidential debate
since 1960. And the campaign also saw an early
instance of intense media scrutiny into a candidate's
personal life that pushed new boundaries. That
controversial interview in Playboy in November
1976. Oh, yeah, the adultery in my heart quote.
Exactly. Where he discussed lust. famously saying,
I've looked on a lot of women with lust, I've
committed adultery in my heart many times, and
even profanity, it led to a media -feeding frenzy.
I bet. It sparked significant concerns about
the erosion of privacy boundaries for politicians,
a debate that certainly continues today, but
he truly was one of the first to face it so directly.
Despite his lead narrowing significantly in polls
before the election, Carter and Mondale narrowly
defeated Ford and Bob Dole, secured 297 electoral
votes and 50 .1 percent of the popular vote.
A close one. Very close. And his victory was
significantly attributed to overwhelming support
among black voters in key swing states like Ohio
and Wisconsin, where the margin was under two
points. Wow. Without these critical votes, Ford
would have won. This underscores the truly critical
role of specific demographics in his ascent to
the presidency and highlights the enduring impact
of his post -campaign shift on civil rights back
in Georgia. His transition and inauguration set
entirely new standards for incoming administrations.
Carter was the first presidential candidate to
allot significant funds and personnel to pre
-election transition planning. Establishing a
new, more methodical and formal standard for
future transitions. Quite forward -thinking.
During his first visit to Washington, D .C.,
after the election in November 1976, he met with
OMB Director James Lynn, Secretary of Defense
Donald Rumsfeld, and President Ford at the White
House. But relations between Ford and Carter
were described as relatively cold, indicating
a less -than -seamless handover, perhaps. Seems
like it. His focus on ethics was evident from
the outset, though, setting a very high bar.
Yeah, he promptly moved his peanut business into
a trusteeship to avoid any potential conflicts
of interest. and he asked all incoming administration
members to divest assets through blind trusts,
where assets are managed by an independent party
to prevent conflicts, demanding a level of transparency
and ethical conduct that was quite stringent
for the time. He was inaugurated as the 39th
president on January 20, 1977. One of his very
first acts was fulfilling a campaign promise
by issuing Proclamation 4483, which declared
unconditional amnesty for Vietnam War era draft
evaders, a significant and somewhat controversial
move right away. aimed at healing divisions.
Carter's tenure as president was marked by, well,
that economic stagflation, a challenging combination
of inflation, recession, and then the crushing
1979 energy crisis. This period, often described
as an economic malaise, also saw the Federal
Trade Commission briefly closed by a budget dispute
in May 1980 before quickly reopening. Lots of
turmoil. In terms of domestic policy, Carter
made notable strides in recognizing and promoting
diversity. In 1978, he signed a bill creating
Asian -American Heritage Week. Which was later
expanded into a month -long observance and then
renamed to include Native Hawaiian and Pacific
Islander Heritage Month, an early and important
recognition of diverse contributions to American
society, signaling a more inclusive approach.
On the economy, his early years showed some promise,
right? They did. The first two years saw unemployment
drop from 8 .1 % to 5 .7 % by July 1978, partly
due to stimulus legislation like the Public Works
Employment Act of 1977. This contributed to a
healthy 5 .2 % growth in real household median
income. But then? But then his last two years
were marked by historically high double -digit
inflation reaching 11 .3 percent in 1979 and
13 .5 percent in 1980, along with very high interest
rates, oil shortages and slow economic growth.
Largely triggered by the 1979 energy crisis and
the doubling of crude oil prices by OPEC. Right.
And Federal Reserve Board Chairman G. William
Miller's relatively loose monetary policy also
contributed to rising inflation. The acute gasoline
shortage in 1979, those long lines of gas stations
the national anxiety, partly from a Maratahis
refinery shutdown that came to symbolize the
crisis for the public. It really did. This period
illustrates the complex interplay of domestic
and global economic factors, many outside of
presidential control, that profoundly shaped
his public perception. Absolutely. It was a tough
hand to be dealt. Carter also had a significant
and lasting impact on the environment, though.
He signed the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation
Act of 1977, regulating strip mining. A critical
step for land preservation. And more dramatically,
in 1978, he declared a federal emergency in Love
Canal, New York, evacuating over 800 families
from a toxic waste landfill. Just horrific. This
discovery prompted the creation of the Superfund
law, and it was the first time federal disaster
money was used for such environmental remediation.
Carter himself noted it was one of the grimmest
discoveries of our modern era. What's particularly
significant here is his bold use of executive
power for conservation. In December 1978, he
used the 1906 Antiquities Act, an executive order,
to designate 56 million acres in Alaska as a
national monument. 56 million acres, protecting
vast, pristine areas like the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge. This was later codified by the
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act
of 1980, effectively doubling public land for
parks and refuges. Carter himself called it the
most significant domestic achievement of my political
life. Wow. Demonstrating his profound and enduring
commitment to environmental protection and resource
stewardship, a legacy that continues to impact
policy today. The U .S. energy crisis was undoubtedly
a defining challenge of his presidency. A moralistic
tone typified his actions. On April 18th, 1977,
he delivered that televised speech declaring
the energy crisis the moral equivalent of war.
M -O -W, yeah. Passionately encouraging conservation.
He famously installed solar water heating panels
on the White House. And wore the cardigan. And
wore the cardigan to offset turning down the
heat in the Oval Office. deeply symbolic gestures.
He signed the Department of Energy Organization
Act of 1977, forming the Department of Energy,
the first new cabinet position in 11 years, demonstrating
his commitment to addressing the crisis structurally.
His comprehensive energy proposals, however,
faced long and divisive congressional battles,
didn't they, highlighting the political friction
of his administration? They did. The approved
legislation in October 1978 deregulated natural
gas, dropped pricing disparities, and created
tax credits for conservation and non -fossil
fuels. However, his standby gasoline rationing
plan in March 1979 was rejected by the House.
Leading Carter to express being shocked and embarrassed,
criticizing Congress for prioritizing local or
parochial interests over national needs. This
episode vividly illustrated the difficulties
he faced in translating his broad vision into
actionable policy due to a challenging relationship.
of Congress. And of course, there was his nationally
televised crisis of confidence speech on July
15th, 1979, later infamously dubbed his malaise
speech. Right. Memorable for its mixed reactions
and rhetoric, perceived by some as overly reliant
on individual Americans to solve the nation's
problems rather than emphasizing his administration's
own efforts. It really captured the national
mood, but also fueled criticism. His relations
with Congress were often strained, which was
a significant factor in his presidency. Carter's
refusal to conform to Washington's traditional
political rules. Avoiding calls from members
of Congress, occasional verbal insults, and unwillingness
to return political favors. That didn't always
go over well. It often led to frustration and
difficulty in passing legislation. He himself
stated that conflict with Congress was inevitable,
but also found a growing sense of cooperation.
But he developed bitter feelings after unsuccessfully
attempting to scrap pork barrel water projects,
issuing a hit list, but ultimately signing legislation
that included many of them, which weakened his
position. And a significant rift ensued with
the Democratic Party's liberal wing, which Carter
attributed in part to Ted Kennedy's presidential
ambitions, highlighting the internal divisions
within his own party. These challenges contributed
to a perception of a lack of effective leadership
at times, fairly or unfairly. On the deregulation
front, though, Carter appointed Alfred E. Kahn
to lead the Civil Aeronautics Board, CAB, in
1977. He then signed the Airline Deregulation
Act in 1978. Which fundamentally removed government
control over fares, routes, and market entry
for commercial aviation, allowing market forces
to determine these. The CAB's powers were consequently
phased out. This was a truly significant policy,
supported by a rare consensus among economists,
think tanks, civil society, Senate leadership,
even parts of the airline industry. Illustrating
the broad backing for such a major reform which
transformed commercial air travel. And in a much
smaller but surprisingly impactful move, he also
signed that bill in 1978, allowing home brewing
and small scale craft brewing to operate legally.
Right, making it legal to sell malt, hops, and
yeast for the first time since prohibition. This
seemingly small act eventually led to the strong
craft microbrew culture we see in the U .S. today.
demonstrating how seemingly minor policies can
have massive long -term cultural and economic
effects. Who knew? Who knew? Now, in a major
economic crisis, Chrysler, one of America's iconic
automakers, faced near -certain bankruptcy in
the late 1970s, projecting a staggering $1 billion
loss. Carter initially opposed corporate bailouts,
a principled stance, but pragmatically assembled
a team to secure a $1 .5 billion loan guarantee.
In December 1979, Congress passed the Chrysler
Corporation Loan Guarantee Act, providing $3
.5 billion in aid, which included stock for workers,
wage cuts, and bank loans. Carter signed it into
law in January 1980, stating it saved thousands
of jobs and prevented a major industrial collapse.
The bailout was successful at the time, helping
the company recover. Though Chrysler would later
file for bankruptcy during the 2008 financial
crisis. Right. But at the time, this demonstrated
his pragmatic response to a major economic crisis
impacting American jobs, prioritizing employment
and industrial stability over his initial ideological
opposition to corporate bailouts. A difficult
but decisive choice. In healthcare, he embraced
reform, campaigning on a vision similar to the
bipartisan Universal National Health Insurance
proposed by Ted Kennedy. While in office, his
proposals included a 1977 mandatory healthcare
cost plan, which passed the Senate but was defeated
in the House, and a 1979 private health insurance
proposal. He met with Kennedy for a compromise,
but it was unsuccessful, and he later blamed
Kennedy for thwarting his plan for a comprehensive
American health care system. Politics. He did,
however, sign the Mental Health Systems Act,
MHSA, in 1980, which allocated block grants to
states for community health services, considered
landmark legislation. Though most of it was unfortunately
repealed by the Reagan administration by September
1981, a common fate for some of his initiatives.
On education, Carter collaborated with Congress
to create that cabinet -level Department of Education,
fulfilling a key campaign promise. Arguing in
February 1978 that education is far too important
a matter to be scattered piecemeal among various
government departments. The Department of Education
Organization Act was signed into law on October
17, 1979. His administration also added 43 ,000
children and families to the Head Start program,
doubled the percentage of non -defense dollars
spent on education, and extended Head Start to
migrant children, substantial long -term investments
in human capital and early childhood development,
reflecting his belief in accessible education.
And notably, his administration lifted the U
.S. Foreign Service's ban on gay and lesbian
personnel a significant step. And in 1977, it
became the first U .S. presidential administration
to invite gay and lesbian rights activists to
the White House to discuss federal policy regarding
employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.
a significant, if often overlooked, step towards
LGBTQ rights at a time when such discussions
were largely taboo in national politics. Moving
to foreign policy, Carter's approach famously
emphasized human rights, a stance that sometimes
created tension with the Cold War real politic
of the era. Definitely. From the beginning of
his presidency, he attempted to mediate the Arab
-Israeli conflict, which famously led to the
Camp David Accords in September 1978. He invited
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime
Minister Minister Menachem began to camp David
for 13 days of intense personal negotiations.
Though they couldn't agree on Israeli withdrawal
from the West Bank, the negotiations resulted
in Egypt formally recognizing Israel and the
creation of an elected government in the West
Bank in Gaza, effectively ending the state of
war between Israel and Egypt. A monumental achievement,
but the accords faced significant domestic opposition
in both countries, highlighting the political
risk he took. Historian Jurgen Jensahogan argues
that Carter, despite attempting to break with
traditional U .S. policy and emphasize human
rights, ultimately fulfilled its longstanding
goals, breaking up the Arab alliance, sidelining
Palestinians, building an alliance with Egypt,
weakening the Soviet Union and securing Israel.
So a complex legacy there, with both immediate
impact and long -term geopolitical consequences,
demonstrating how even reformist foreign policy
can still serve traditional strategic interests.
In Africa, Carter stated U .S. interest in a
strong, vigorous, free and prosperous Africa
and unified efforts to resolve the Rhodesian
Zimbabwe question. However, this commitment to
human rights faced practical contradictions.
Despite human rights concerns, he continued US
support for Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire, who received
nearly half of Carter's sub -Saharan aid, and
pursued an alliance with Liberia's Samuel Doe,
who came to power in a 1980 coup. Carter was
the first U .S. president to make a state visit
to sub -Saharan Africa in Nigeria in 1978 to
improve relations. His policy face blows from
the elections of Margaret Thatcher and Abel Muzarewa,
South Africa's rejection of Southwest Africa's
independence plan, and domestic opposition in
Congress, like that Senate vote to list sanctions
against Rhodesia. A mixed bag. Similarly, in
East Asia, Carter continued rapprochement with
China, collaborating against the Soviet Union.
In December 1978, he announced formal recognition
of the People's Republic of China, effective
January 1, 1979. And severed ties with Taiwan,
revoking their mutual defense treaty. This led
to a boom in USPRC trade. He even supported the
China -allied Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia
against the Soviet -backed Vietnamese invasion.
After the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, he
allowed military supplies to China and began
intelligence -sharing negotiations. The unilateral
revocation of the Sino -American mutual defense
treaty with Taiwan was challenged, but ruled
a non -justiciable political question, with the
U .S. maintaining quasi -diplomatic contacts
through the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act. His administration
also increased military assistance to Indonesia
under Suharto, peaking in 1978, despite human
rights violations in East Timor. which was clearly
antithetical to his stated policy of not selling
weapons if it would exacerbate a potential conflict.
Another contradiction. He also supported President
Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines. He reaffirmed
interest in a gradual withdrawal of American
troops from South Korea and even relieved Chief
of Staff John K. Singlaub for criticizing this
plan. He supported South Korean President Chun
Doo -won during the suppression of the Gwangju
Uprising in May 1980, but later intervened to
commute the death sentence of pro -democracy
activist Kim Dae -jung. These examples highlight
the persistent challenge of balancing his human
rights ideals with the pragmatic demands of Cold
War geopolitics, a tension that often characterized
his foreign policy decisions. The situation in
Iran, however, became a defining and ultimately
tragic crisis of his presidency. On November
15, 1977, Carter pledged positive relations with
Iran under the Shah, calling it an island of
stability. And praising the Shah's great leadership
and personal friendship. This unwavering American
support for the deeply unpopular Shah significantly
increased anti -American sentiment in Iran. Which
intensified dramatically after the Shah, who
was dying of cancer, was admitted to a New York
hospital in October 1979. This decision directly
preceded the crisis, proving to be a critical
miscalculation. Absolutely. On November 4th,
1979, Iranian students took over the U .S. Embassy
in Tehran, holding 52 American diplomats and
citizens hostage for an agonizing 444 days. 444
days. The hostages were famously freed only after
Ronald Reagan succeeded Carter, a fact that overshadowed
the end of his term. Carter remained isolated
in the White House for over 100 days, committed
to resolving the dispute without military action,
hoping to negotiate their release. He imposed
economic sanctions and other measures in April
1980. But the attempt to free the hostages, the
ill -fated Operation Eagle Claw on April 24,
1980, tragically failed. Resulting in eight American
servicemen dead and two aircraft destroyed, leading
to Secretary of State Cyrus Vance's resignation,
a real low point. And a declassified 2017 CIA
memo concluded that Iranian hardliners, especially
Ayatollah Khomeini, deliberately exploited the
hostage issue to bring about Carter's defeat
in the November elections, aiming to make the
world believe Khomeini caused Carter's downfall.
This insight suggests the crisis was weaponized
for political gain on both sides. With the Soviet
Union, Carter initially urged alignment with
the U .S. on a comprehensive test ban to stop
all nuclear testing and oppose their deployment
of the RST -10 Pioneer missile, trying to pursue
detente. The Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty
II Salts, too, was signed by Carter and Leonid
Brezhnev on June 18, 1979, a significant arms
control agreement. However, Soviet intervention
in the Second Yemenite War in 1979 and rising
tensions from the Iranian Revolution led to a
more assertive U .S. stance fundamentally shifting
the relationship. This shift was finalized by
the impending Soviet Afghan War. In his 1980
State of the Union address, Carter called the
U .S.-Soviet relationship the most critical factor
in determining whether the world will live at
peace or be engulfed in global conflict, recognizing
the escalating dangers. The Soviet invasion of
Afghanistan truly shifted the geopolitical landscape,
ending the era of détente. Following a communist
coup in Afghanistan in 1978, which led to mass
executions and political oppression, the Soviet
Union invaded on December 24th, 1979, executing
Hafizullah Amin and installing Babrak Karmal.
This aggressive move sent shockwaves through
the West. The West viewed this as a direct threat
to global security, Persian Gulf oil interests,
and the stability of Pakistan. This led Carter
to expand CIA Pakistan's Inter -Services Intelligence.
ISI collaboration, which had begun in July 1979
with non -lethal aid to the Afghan regime. Analysts
like Conor Tobin and Robert Gates suggest this
aid was a contingency, not an inducement for
the invasion. A presidential finding in December
1979 explicitly allowed the CIA to transfer lethal
military equipment and arrange training for harassment
of Soviet troops. Marking a significant escalation
in the Cold War, Carter responded harshly. imposed
sanctions on the Soviet Union, renewed aid and
Selected Service System registration for Pakistan,
committed the U .S. to Persian Gulf defense in
a January 1980 speech. He imposed a grain embargo,
tabled SALT II, requested a 5 % annual increase
in defense spending, and called for a boycott
of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, which
was ultimately joined by 65 nations. He also
initiated a program to arm the Mujahideen through
Pakistan's ISI and secured Saudi Arabia's pledge
to match U .S. funding this effort. Despite huge
expenditure, the Soviets eventually withdrew
in 1989. Carter, notably, expressed no regret
over supporting the Afghan freedom fighters,
even with controversy over Pakistan controlling
aid distribution. These actions fundamentally
redefined U .S. Cold War policy and set the stage
for future conflicts. His presidency included
12 international trips to 25 countries, making
him the first president to make a state visit
to Sub -Saharan Africa in Nigeria in 1978, demonstrating
his focus on global engagement. Carter's presidency
was also marked by personal scrutiny and ultimately
political defeat. In September 1977, his OMB
director Bert Lance resigned amid allegations
of improper banking activities. Right. A special
counsel investigated loans made to Carter's peanut
business by a bank controlled by Lance. Carter
became the first sitting president to testify
under oath as part of an investigation of him.
Although in October 1979, the investigation concluded
no evidence of campaign fund diversion. This
demonstrated his commitment to transparency,
but also the intense scrutiny he faced. For his
1980 reelection campaign, Carter focused primarily
on attacking Ronald Reagan, highlighting his
gaffes, age and perceived lack of connection
to everyday Americans. The campaign used rhetoric
akin to Lyndon Johnson's 1964 campaign, portraying
Reagan as a warmonger. Hoping to raise fears
about his conservative policies. Carter's attempt
to deny the Reagan campaign $29 .4 million in
campaign funds due to conservative groups exceeding
limits was, however, rejected, indicating his
struggle to control the narrative. And Senator
Ted Kennedy's challenge in the Democratic primary,
announced in November 1979, mobilized the liberal
wing of the party, weakening Carter's support
for the general election. Even though Carter
won most primaries and renomination, at the 1980
Democratic National Convention, Carter made that
gaffe, accidentally calling Hubert Humphrey,
Hubert Horatio, hornblower. Ah, yeah, I remember
that. And Kennedy's famous the dream shall never
die speech criticized Reagan, but notably did
not endorse Carter, signaling the deep divisions
within the Democratic Party that hampered his
reelection bid. Carter faced significant headwinds,
didn't he? A perfect storm of challenges. Absolutely.
The stagflation -ridden economy, the ongoing
Iran hostage crisis, perceptions of failing to
prevent Soviet gains in less developed countries
like Angola, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, and Afghanistan.
It all weighed heavily. His brother Billy Carter's
association with Muammar Gaddafi's Libyan regime
also caused controversy, adding to the perception
of a chaotic administration. He alienated many
liberal college students by reactivating the
selective service system for draft registration
in July 1980, a move many saw as a return to
Vietnam era policies. His campaign manager resigned
amid uncorroborated cocaine use allegations,
further destabilizing his efforts. In the sole
presidential debate where both were present on
October 28, 1980, Reagan's iconic phrase, there
you go again, became instantly famous, leading
to a surge in his polling. And it was later discovered
that Reagan's team had acquired classified Carter
debate prep documents, adding a layer of intrigue
to the outcome. Ultimately, Carter and Mondale
were defeated in a landslide by Reagan and George
H .W. Bush, winning only 49 electoral votes,
the second fewest for an incumbent seeking reelection.
The Senate went Republican for the first time
since 1952, marking a major political shift.
In his concession speech, Carter admitted hurt,
but pledged a very fine transition period, displaying
grace and defeat. Now, we move into the era that
truly cemented his enduring legacy and profoundly
reshaped his public perception, his post presidency.
Right. After losing reelection, Carter consciously
pledged to emulate Harry S. Truman, avoiding
self -enrichment in public life and instead dedicating
himself to service. This was a critical decision,
setting him on a profoundly different path than
many former presidents. Interestingly, his family
peanut business had accumulated a $1 million
debt by 1981, leaving him in a precarious financial
position. So to pay this off, he turned to writing,
publishing over 30 books, including bestsellers,
a novel, a children's book averaging one per
year. This literary career became a significant
part of his public identity. This necessity to
write to address personal debt showcases his
disciplined approach and how he leveraged his
intellectual capacity to rebuild his financial
standing, inadvertently creating another successful
career and a vast influential body of work. And
in 1982, he founded the Carter Center, a non
-governmental and non -profit organization dedicated
to advancing human rights and alleviating human
suffering globally. This became the primary vehicle
for his transformative second act, channeling
his energies into concrete humanitarian efforts.
His post presidency became an incredible period
of diplomacy and global humanitarianism, and
it yielded truly remarkable achievements. A major
focus of the Carter Center has been working with
the World Health Organization to eradicate draconculiasis,
also known as Guinea worm disease, a painful
and debilitating parasitic infection. The impact
here is monumental and often goes unsung. The
incidence of this disease decreased from 3 .5
million cases in the mid 1980s to just four in
the first seven months of 2024. Four cases down
from 3 .5 million. That is a truly monumental
public health achievement, a near eradication
directly attributable to the tireless efforts
of the Carter Center and its partners. It represents
an often overlooked triumph of global health
driven by his personal commitment. His post presidency
Diplomacy began almost immediately in the Middle
East with meetings with Israeli Prime Minister
Menachem, began in 1981, and a tour of Egypt
that included meetings with the Palestine Liberation
Organization in 1983, maintaining his engagement
with the region. Later in 1994, President Bill
Clinton sought Carter's help with North Korea.
Carter actually negotiated an understanding with
Kim Il -Sung. Which he controversially announced
to CNN without the Clinton administration's explicit
consent, leading to the agreed framework in October
1994. always his own man. He later negotiated
the release of American citizen Eijalon Gomes
from North Korea in 2010 and, as tensions escalated
in 2017, even volunteered to the Trump administration
as a diplomatic envoy, recommending a peace treaty.
What's truly fascinating here is his persistent
commitment to conflict resolution, often operating
outside traditional governmental channels, and
sometimes even at odds with current administrations.
He demonstrated a willingness to take risks and
pursue peace through direct engagement. In July
2007, he joined Nelson Mandela in founding the
Elders, a group of independent global leaders
focused on peace and human rights, bringing together
a powerful collective voice for global justice.
His work with the elders included visits to Darfur,
Sudan, Cyprus, the Korean Peninsula, and the
Middle East. He was notably blocked from visiting
Zimbabwe by Robert Mugabe's government in 2008,
highlighting the challenges of such independent
diplomacy. He even met with Syrian President
Bashar al -Assad in 2008 and accurately warned
that Egyptian military generals might take full
power in Egypt in 2012. Pretty prescient. His
engagement on Israel and Palestine also remained
a central and often controversial focus. He was
an international observer for the first Palestinian
general election in 1996, with the Carter Center
sending an 85 -person team attesting to his commitment
to democratic processes. His 2006 book, Palestine,
Peace Not Apartheid characterized Israel's policies
in the occupied territories as amounting to apartheid,
a claim that generated significant controversy
and backlash. He stated, this perpetrates even
worse instances of apartheid than we witnessed
even in South Africa. Strong words. Carter staunchly
defended the book as an attempt to stimulate
a debate that he felt had not existed in the
U .S. regarding the Israeli -Palestinian conflict.
In 2007, he did apologize for wording that suggested
Palestinian suicide attacks were justified, calling
the sentence completely improper and stupid,
showing a capacity for self -correction even
on sensitive topics. His 2010 book, We Can Have
Peace in the Holy Land, further cited Israel's
unwillingness to withdraw from occupied territories
and settlement expansion. as the primary obstacle
to peace. This highlights a deep personal conviction
and a willingness to risk personal criticism
to bring attention to issues he felt were morally
imperative. Beyond his direct diplomatic efforts,
he remained a keen observer and occasional often
unvarnished critic of subsequent administrations.
Offering his unique perspective as a former president,
he initially pledged not to critique Ronald Reagan,
even siding with him on building neutron arms
after Afghanistan. However, that didn't last
long. No, he frequently denounced Reagan's Middle
East actions, his handling of the Sabra and Shatila
massacre, the lack of effort to rescue American
businessmen, his support for Star Wars. and claims
of international conspiracy on terrorism. He
later criticized Reagan for conceding to terrorist
demands, nominating Robert Bork to the Supreme
Court, and his handling of the Persian Gulf crisis,
consistent concern for ethical foreign policy
and judicial appointments. He even predicted
Reagan's successor would face less favorable
media coverage. a somewhat prescient observation.
Carter had a mostly poor relationship with Bill
Clinton, who infamously snubbed him from his
inauguration, a sign of the lingering political
differences. Carter questioned the Clinton administration's
morality, particularly regarding the Clinton
-Lewinsky scandal and the pardon of Mark Rich.
For George W. Bush, he was initially disappointed
in almost everything. Post -9 -11, however, he
offered praise, calling for national unity in
a moment of crisis. Later, though, he strongly
opposed the Iraq War, accusing Bush and Tony
Blair of using lies and misinterpretations to
oust Saddam Hussein. He believed Bush exploited
the 9 -11 attacks. And in 2007, called the Bush
administration the worst in history on foreign
affairs, later clarifying he was comparing it
to Nixon's. The Bush administration, in turn,
famously called Carter irrelevant, highlighting
the sharp ideological clash. With Barack Obama,
he praised him early on, but later disagreed
sharply with policies like drone strikes, keeping
Guantanamo Bay open, and the federal surveillance
programs revealed by Edward Snowden. Even stating
that America has no functioning democracy due
to these programs. A powerful critique from a
former leader. During Donald Trump's presidency,
he spoke favorably of Trump's potential for immigration
reform, but criticized his handling of national
anthem protests. In 2017, he said media covered
Trump more harshly than any other president,
a surprising observation from a Democrat. In
2019, Trump actually called Carter to express
concern about China getting ahead. And Carter
agreed, stating China's strength came from its
lack of involvement in armed conflict and controversially
calling the U .S. the most warlike nation in
the history of the world. Wow. In his final recorded
interview in July 2021, Carter said President
Joe Biden has done very well in office. And notably,
Biden was asked by Carter to deliver his eulogy,
signifying a respected connection. Carter also
remained incredibly active in presidential politics
as an ex -president, demonstrating a continued
engagement with the democratic process. He ruled
out a 1984 run endorsing Mondale and critiqued
Reagan's campaign, later attributing Mondale's
loss to his platform of raising taxes. He ruled
out a 1988 run and spoke at the DNC. He campaigned
for Clinton in 1992, fully expecting consultation
during his presidency, which didn't fully materialize.
He endorsed Al Gore in 2000, believing Gore won
despite the Supreme Court's ruling. And endorsed
John Kerry in 2004, expressing concern about
voting mishaps in Florida. In 2008, he eventually
endorsed Barack Obama, serving as a superdelegate,
and even advised against picking Hillary Clinton
as VP. In 2012, he expressed a preference for
Mitt Romney to win the Republican nomination,
believing it would assure Obama's reelection,
a fascinating strategic calculation, and spoke
at the DNC via video. In 2016, he was critical
of Trump, but later said he preferred Trump to
Ted Cruz, though he ultimately rebuked Trump's
campaign and endorsed Hillary Clinton. In 2019,
he controversially stated Trump wouldn't have
been elected without Russian interference and
agreed Trump was an illegitimate president. He
voted for Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic
primary, demonstrating his progressive leanings.
He and Roslyn endorsed Joe Biden for the 2020
DNC and condemned the Capitol attack in 2021.
In an unusual action in 2022, he filed an opinion
supporting a lawsuit against a Trump administration
land swap in Alaska, citing the Alaska National
Interest Lands Conservation Act as his most significant
domestic achievement, bringing it full circle.
And in 2024, his son revealed Carter wanted to
live to 100 to vote for Kamala Harris, which
he impressively did on October 16th, 2024. This
act of engagement right up to the end is truly
remarkable and speaks to his deep civic commitment.
His commitment to humanity continued in other
post presidential activities, including hurricane
relief, often offering critiques where he saw
shortcomings. He criticized the Bush administration's
handling of Hurricane Katrina, for example, and
actively built homes in the aftermath of Hurricane
Sandy. He partnered with other former presidents
for the One America Appeal to Aid Victims of
Hurricanes Harvey and Irma and wrote op -eds
praising Americans' assistance during natural
disasters, consistently using his voice and platform
for those in need. He attended the dedications
of his own presidential library in 1986 and those
of Presidents Reagan, George H .W. Bush, Bill
Clinton, and George W. Bush, maintaining a respectful
presence. He delivered eulogies for Coretta Scott
King, Gerald Ford, and Theodore Hesburgh, honoring
his contemporaries. He also founded the new Baptist
Covenant Organization for Social Justice in 2007.
He was a key figure in Habitat for Humanity,
actively working on housing construction projects,
like in Queens Village, New York, in 2013. Famously
picking up a hammer himself well into his old
age, he served as honorary chair of the World
Justice Project and continued to teach Sunday
school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains
as of 2019, a tradition he maintained for decades.
He also taught at Emory University for 37 years,
awarded tenure in 2019. These activities show
a sustained dedication to service and education
far beyond the demands of the White House, showcasing
a life consistently committed to giving back.
Now let's turn to some personal reflections that
truly illuminate his deeply rooted life. Carter
had three younger siblings, Gloria Spann, Ruth
Stapleton, and Billy Carter, all of whom, sadly,
died of pancreatic cancer. He was also a distant
cousin of the famous Carter family musicians.
His marriage to Rosalind Smith was truly extraordinary,
lasting from July 7, 1946 until her death on
November 19, 2023. making them the longest one
presidential couple at 77 years and four months.
After Rosalyn's passing, his statement was so
incredibly poignant, offering a window into their
profound bond. Rosalyn was my equal partner in
everything I ever accomplished. She gave me wise
guidance and encouragement when I needed it.
As long as Rosalyn was in the world, I always
knew somebody loved and supported me. That's
a testament to an incredible partnership, a bond
that clearly shaped his entire being and was
a source of immense strength throughout his life.
Beautifully put, they had four children. sons
John, James III, and Donald and daughter Amy.
Amy's nanny, Mary Prince, was an African American
woman wrongly convicted of murder. later pardoned.
And Carter, with his commitment to justice, helped
enable her to work in the White House. His family
remained active in politics with his eldest son,
Jack, as a 2006 Democratic nominee for U .S.
Senate in Nevada and his grandson, Jason Carter,
as the 2014 Democratic nominee for governor of
Georgia. In 2015, he announced the death of his
28 -year -old grandson, Jeremy, to a Sunday school
class. a profoundly personal moment shared with
his community. Beyond politics and family, Carter
had a remarkably rich life of interests and beliefs.
His hobbies included painting, with one painting
even selling for over half a million dollars
at auction, showcasing his artistic talent. He
also enjoyed fly fishing, woodworking, cycling,
tennis, and skiing, demonstrating a varied and
active life. He had a lifelong interest in poetry,
especially Dylan Thomas. And during a 1977 state
visit to the UK, suggested Thomas should have
a memorial in Poets Corner at Westminster Abbey,
which remarkably came to fruition in 1982. He
even published a book of poetry, always reckoning
at other poems, in 1994. Carter was also a personal
friend of Elvis Presley, meeting in 1973 and
remaining in contact by telephone until two months
before Presley's death in 1977. Carter noted
Presley was almost incoherent due to barbiturates
during their last calls. Highlighting the tragic
decline of the superstar, Carter issued a statement
upon Presley's death saying he changed the face
of American popular culture. But what's truly
unexpected and quite a delightful humanizing
detail is his story about a certain celestial
encounter. He filed a report with the International
UFO Bureau and the National Investigations Committee
on Aerial Phenomena claiming to have seen an
unidentified flying object in October 1969. and
a former Air Force scientist found old government
reports about a barium cloud launched that day
to examine the upper atmosphere, which would
have appeared at the exact elevation Carter reported.
giving a scientific explanation to his remarkable
sighting. Still a great story though. It is.
From a young age, Carter showed a deep, unwavering
commitment to evangelical Christianity, famously
teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church
in Plains for decades. He popularized the term
born -again during his 1976 presidential campaign,
prayed multiple times a day as president, and
consistently said Jesus was the driving force
in his life. He was greatly influenced by a sermon
from his youth that asked a powerful question.
If you were arrested for being a Christian, would
there be enough evidence to convict you? Powerful.
In 2000, he renounced his membership in the Southern
Baptist Convention after it announced it would
no longer permit women to become pastors, stating,
I personally feel that women should play an absolutely
equal role in the service of Christ in the church.
And he remained a member of the Cooperative Baptist
Fellowship. His support for the Equal Rights
Amendment further cemented his progressive stance
on gender equality. and notably led many evangelical
conservatives to leave the Democratic Party,
contributing to the development of the Christian
right. This highlights a nuanced and principled
approach to his faith, even when it caused political
or denominational friction, demonstrating his
willingness to follow his conscience above all
else. His health and longevity are truly a testament
to extraordinary resilience. On August 3, 2015,
he underwent surgery for a small liver mass,
then announced on August 12 that he had been
diagnosed with metastasized cancer melanoma in
his brain and liver. He began treatment and announced
on December 5 that, miraculously, medical scans
no longer showed any cancer. Incredible. Despite
these significant health challenges, his resilience
continued to be tested. He broke his hip in May
2019, required stitches after another fall in
October, and sustained a minor pelvic fracture
from a third fall that same month. In November
2019, he was hospitalized for a procedure to
relieve pressure on his brain due to bleeding
from falls and later for a urinary tract infection.
It's an incredible list of challenges, yet he
persevered. On February 18, 2023, the Carter
Center announced that after a series of short
hospital stays for an unspecified illness, Carter
decided to spend his remaining time at home with
his family in Plains and receive hospice care.
A deeply personal and dignified decision. His
longevity milestones are unparalleled. At 100,
Carter was the longest lived former U .S. president.
He surpassed Herbert Hoover as the longest retired
president in 2012, became the first president
to live to the 40th anniversary of his inauguration
in 2017 and post presidency in 2021 and the oldest
former president to attend an inauguration in
2017. He became the longest lived U .S. president
on March 22, 2019 and famously attributed his
longevity to a good marriage, a poignant reflection
on his life partner. His 100th birthday on October
4th, 2024 was celebrated with Jimmy Carter 100,
a celebration in song, an F -18 Super Hornet
flyover by Navy pilots, and a naturalization
ceremony for 100 new citizens at Plains High
School. a truly fitting tribute to a man of service
and global perspective. Carter made arrangements
to be buried in front of his home in Plains,
with a funeral also planned in Washington, D
.C., and visitation at the Carter Center. President
Biden was asked to deliver his eulogy, a testament
to the respect he commanded. Jimmy Carter died
at his home in Plains, Georgia, on December 29,
2024, at the age of 100. President Joe Biden
issued a statement honoring his legacy, calling
him a man of principle, faith, and humility.
A state funeral and day of mourning were held
on January 9th, 2025, attended by all five living
U .S. presidents, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush,
Barack Obama, President -elect Donald Trump,
and incumbent Biden. A rare and powerful display
of national unity for a man whose life transcended
political divides. When he left office in 1981,
scholars and many Democrats viewed his presidency
as a failure. Political scientist Betty Glad
summarized the consensus. He didn't have a well
developed political philosophy and gave people
a feeling he didn't quite know where he was headed.
Historians ranked his presidency below average,
even as the 10th worst in a 1982 survey. Carter,
however, famously predicted history would be
kinder. This initial assessment, of course, highlights
the immediate impact of the economic challenges
and foreign policy crises that plagued his single
term, overshadowing many of his policy achievements.
However, some of his policy accomplishments have
been much more favorably received in hindsight.
And Stuart E. Eisenstadt, his chief White House
domestic policy advisor, wrote that, This reflects
a growing recognition of the long -term impact
of policies like deregulation, environmental
protection, and a human rights focus, often only
truly appreciated years later. While historians
generally consider his presidency below average,
his post -presidency activities have been universally
praised, particularly his peacekeeping and humanitarian
efforts. The Independent famously wrote in 2009,
encapsulating this dichotomy, Carter is widely
considered a better man than he was a president.
His public opinion trajectory is truly fascinating,
isn't it? Illustrating a profound transformation
in how he was perceived. In 1976, seen as sincere,
honest, moral, with approval ratings starting
high, 66 -75%. Then they dipped below 50 % by
March 1978 due to the economy, rebounded after
Camp David in 1978, then dipped again to 28 %
during the 1979 energy crisis. It surged to 61
% at the beginning of the Iran hostage crisis,
but slumped to 30%. by June 1980 due to his failure
to free the hostages. He left office as one of
the most unpopular presidents with a 46 % average
approval. However, post presidency opinion saw
a dramatic shift. By 2006, 61 % approved, his
highest since 1979. A 2021 survey found 43 %
regarded him as average and 27 % as outstanding
or above average. And by 2025, a YouGov poll
listed Karger as the most popular politician.
in America with a remarkable 64 % approval. So
what does this all mean? From a worst president
ranking to the most popular politician in America,
that's quite a transformation in public perception.
Yeah. A testament to a life lived in unwavering
commitment and a clear demonstration that legacies
can be and often are redefined over time. He
received the American Academy of Achievement's
Golden Plate Award in 1984. The Jimmy Carter
Library and Museum opened in 1986, and buildings
related to his life became national historic
sites in 1987, later renamed Jimmy Carter National
Historic Park in 2021. He was made an honorary
member of Phi Beta Kappa in 1991 and elected
to the American Philosophical Society that same
year, recognizing his intellectual contributions.
The U .S. Navy named the USS Jimmy Carter a Sea
Wolf class submarine in 1998, a unique honor
for a living former president and a nod to his
naval past. He received the United Nations Prize
in the field of human rights, the Hoover Medal,
and most famously the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Which was notably awarded partially in response
to George W. Bush's threats against Iraq and
Carter's outspoken criticism of those policies,
highlighting his continued willingness to challenge
power. even on the world stage. The Sutherfield
Airport in Georgia was renamed Jimmy Parter Regional
Airport in 2009. He received his 10th Grammy
Award nomination in 2024 for best spoken word
album, having won four times for audio recordings
of his books, making him the most nominated and
awarded recipient in the category, a remarkable
achievement for a former president. In 2024,
the White House Historical Association unveiled
its official Christmas ornament honoring his
naval service and peace efforts. The first time
a president being honored was alive at the unveiling.
And in a heartwarming international gesture,
Kartapuri, a village in India, was renamed in
his honor after he visited in 1978, demonstrating
his global impact beyond official diplomacy.
Wow. We've journeyed through the remarkable,
complex, and ultimately transformative life of
Jimmy Carter. From his humble origins and disciplined
naval career, through a challenging presidency,
to an extraordinary post -presidential period
of humanitarian work. You've seen a man of deep
convictions evolving principles and unwavering
commitment to service. His legacy, initially
fraught with criticism, has blossomed into widespread
admiration creating a powerful narrative of redemption
and sustained purpose. It's a testament to a
life of quiet determination and a profound sense
of purpose that transcended political office.
Showing that impact can truly be measured over
a lifetime, not just a single term. Right. So
consider this. How does a leader who experiences
such a dramatic shift in both public and historical
perception from being initially assessed as below
average to becoming arguably the most respected
ex -president challenge our conventional metrics
of success? That's a great question. What enduring
lessons does Jimmy Carter's full life offer us
about the long game of impact, the power of perseverance,
and the ultimate value of humanitarian service
over political victories? Perhaps true legacy
isn't forged in a single term, but in a lifetime
dedicated to constant learning, compassionate
action, and a persistent pursuit of justice,
even when it means standing apart. We encourage
you to reflect on how such an outlier in presidential
history offers a unique perspective on leadership,
integrity, and what it truly means to leave a
lasting mark on the world.