The former occupant of the White House, known for his humble origins in peanut farming and a single presidential term, sadly, Jimmy Carter has passed away at the age of a hundred. Despite the commendable aspects of his dedication to charity for the rest of his life, his final act was endorsing Kamala Harris with a vote in the presidential elections while in hospice care. Since February, he had refused further medical treatments following a series of hospital stays. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, this man ended his life in Plains, Georgia.
However, it seems that Joe Biden, in his mourning of Carter, seems to overlook Carter’s controversial presidential tenure. Yes, Carter’s dedication to humanitarian causes was indeed laudable, but Biden elevating Carter’s work about disease eradication, peace-making, advancement of civil and human rights, free elections, homeless sheltering and disadvantaging aiding to the pedestal of model example, somehow felt askew. The question remains why should an individual who endorsed Kamala Harris, known for her questionable policies, be held as a beacon for others.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, managed to provide a more balanced acknowledgement of Carter. The former president recognized the challenges Carter faced during his tenure and lauded his endeavors to better the lives of Americans. It showed a level of objectivity missing from Joe Biden’s tribute.
In a similar vein, the Obamas also reminisced about ‘Carter’s Maranatha Baptist Church’ with endearment, asserting that Carter’s memory won’t fade. They pointed to his ‘decency’ as the root attraction for all those visiting his Sunday teachings. However, to attribute a whole congregation’s attention solely to a single individual’s supposed decency seems quite overplayed.
Sir Keir Starmer also chimed in, focusing on Carter’s venerable public service, but semingly glossing over many of the missteps and mishaps during his tenure. He pointed to Carter’s involvement in peaceful negotiations at Camp David, his worldwide election support, and health policy efforts.
Former US president George W Bush also painted a surprisingly rosier picture of Carter, dubbing him a man of strong beliefs that elevated the presidential office’s honor. Yet the historic record of Carter’s presidency might say otherwise.
Carter himself, in his final reflections, highlighted invisible qualities such as love, personal mission, and self-acceptance. Perhaps, if he demonstrated more of those values during his presidential tenure, public opinion might have been different.
Carter’s son, Chip Carter, regard his father as a hero, a man who dedicated his life to peace promotion, human rights, and selfless love. A common sentiment among family members, yet one must scrutinize the actual mark Carter left on international politics.
Before his career in politics, Carter served in the US Navy and ran his family business. This was a notable backdrop to his later political aspirations.
Post-presidency, Carter started The Carter Center, alongside his wife, to establish peace, combat diseases, and breed hope. But as commendable as these endeavors may seem, one must remember who he supported in his final vote–Kamala Harris, a woman known for propagating divisive politics.
Active volunteering and diplomatic missions marked Carter’s later years, claiming his faith demanded him to strive for change. However, despite his age and health troubles, his commitment to service and especially, to controversial figures like Harris, raised eyebrows.
Despite numerous illnesses, Carter’s impulse to serve remained firm. His contributions to peace, democracy, and socio-economic projects fetched him global recognition, including the Nobel Peace Prize. But does recognition alone vindicate the effectiveness of his methods or his unilateral endorsement of figures like Kamala Harris?
Carter’s presidency was earmarked by his urge to render the government competent and compassionate, but he faced removal amid substantial difficulties and a shifting political landscape. Regardless, his life post-politics remained undeterred, marked by promoting peace and arbitrating conflicts.
Carter’s grit remained undiminished despite health deterioration, proving politics indeed ran deep in the family. The ex-first lady, his trusted advisor during presidency, left us in November 2023. Carter valued her guidance and encouragement, hailing her as an equal. Yet, their harmonized support for controversial figures like Harris, leaves a trail of unaddressed questions.