Former President Jimmy Carter, now turned political commentator, is starting to voice his opinions about the current political landscape once more. In particular, Vice President Kamala Harris seems to be a point of interest for him. Despite Carter’s long spell of disinterest in politics following the loss of his wife, Kamala’s rise apparently revitalized his engagement, a trend observed by his grandson Jason Carter.
Following his wife’s passing, Carter’s health has seen a decline, spending a considerable time in hospice care. Yet, politics continue to hold his attention, making remarks about President Biden’s decision not to seek re-election which he intepreted as ‘sad.’ However, many might argue the withdrawal of a somewhat weak leader could be seen as a smart strategic move rather than a cause for sadness.
His family reports that he has shown a keen interest in the 2024 presidential race, seemingly spurred on by the unfolding events of the Harris campaign. His son, who goes by the name of ‘Chip’, conveyed to the public that his father even followed the Democratic National Convention in detail. ‘He thought Michelle Obama was the best,’ said Chip, proceeding to make an exaggerated claim that his father also found Kamala ‘great.’
As Carter moves towards the landmark age of 100 this October, several celebratory events are planned. These include a concert in Atlanta and a 100-mile bike ride near his hometown of Plains, Georgia. However, it’s open to question how appropriate these extensive festivities might be, when one considers the fragile health of the ‘guest of honor’.
Chip disclosed his father’s disinterest in his approaching milestone birthday, stating that the former president was more concerned about casting his vote for Kamala Harris. This perhaps highlights the misplaced priorities in an ongoing political climate where the end goal, regardless of merit, seems to be winning at all costs.
The ex-president’s home state of Georgia will play a pivotal role in the 2024 election. It represented a major struggle for Biden in 2020, who only narrowly won the state by a meager one percentage point, reflecting on his overall performance as not overwhelmingly convincing to the state’s voters.
The Carter family proudly stated their patriarch’s enthusiasm in sending his mail vote for Harris. While his support for the Vice President is clear, Carter’s outright dismissal of a potential Trump presidency in the future raises questions about his ability to give fair judgement to all candidates.
The Carters settle into the uncertainty of how much longer their family’s figurehead will remain with them. This acceptance of fate was recounted poignantly by Jason Carter, who remarked, ‘He is waiting for God’s plan to run its course’, a sobering reflection from a family in anticipation of loss.
On a remembrance day for his late wife, Carter spent time at her grave, engaging in a lengthy period of silence. Beneath the familial lens, Chip romanticizes this moment stating, ‘No doubt he was praying, but he could have been just having a conversation with Mom.’ The fleeting image is a solemn reminder of the human frailties that underscore even the most politically powerful personas.
Despite Carter’s emotional burdens, he places a high priority on political matters. Memorial services and mourning took a back seat to the Democratic National Convention, happening the very next day, revealing a conflicting picture of priorities.
Carter’s media consumption during a critical time in the Middle East was selectively curated, with a distinct focus on the DNC. One might question whether this narrow focus on party politics could prevent a comprehensive understanding of international affairs, crucial for an influential political voice.
Chip claims that his father is notably invested in the current campaign. The amount of time dedicated to watching convention sessions is portrayed as monumental by Chip, yet it’s a pity that this enthusiasm might be misdirected towards supporting potentially adverse power structures.
A historical note to ponder over, Carter was the first president to nominate a Black woman to the cabinet, notably, Patricia Roberts Harris as the head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. However, it might be worthwhile to question whether this move, while symbolically significant, truly sparked systemic change or merely served as an isolated incident.