Former President Jimmy Carter died on Sunday at his home in Plains, Ga., after deciding nearly two years ago to forgo further medical care following a series of medical crises, according to two people close to the family and The Carter Center, the nonprofit he and his wife founded.
At 100, he was the longest-lived president in American history and became known as much for his post-presidential diplomacy and charitable works as for his single, economically turbulent term in office.
(The New York Times, December 29, 2024)
Ironically, nothing became him in life quite like losing the presidency. After all, Carter went on to have the best post-presidency in US history. But it is notable that, as president, he brokered the Camp David Accords, securing peace between Egypt and Israel, established the Department of Energy, expanded national parks, and championed human rights abroad. Unfortunately, his handling of the Iran hostage crisis and economic struggles defined his single term.
But his post-presidency redeemed his life of public service. Carter redefined the role, dedicating himself to global diplomacy, election monitoring, eradicating diseases like Guinea worm, and building homes for the poor through Habitat for Humanity — earning him a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Truth be told, though, I thought he’d bow out within weeks of his beloved Roslyn passing over a year ago. But, the pioneering feminist that he was, I gather he fully expected Biden to resign and wanted to live to see the first female elected president. Ah well.
But I suspect he shuddered at the thought of Trump presiding at his state funeral. Especially with this buffoon making a mockery of one of Carter’s crowning achievements by threatening to reclaim the Panama Canal. So his death now seems both timely and strategic.
Farewell, Jimmy.