Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, is receiving widespread accolades from across the political spectrum as he enters hospice care. Both Democrats and Republicans, including former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and even Donald Trump, have expressed their respect and admiration for the former president. Trump, despite acknowledging his strong political disagreements with Carter, described him as a ”truly good man” dedicated to improving the nation. This bipartisan outpouring of goodwill harks back to a less polarized era in American politics, where respect for political opponents was more commonplace.
The tributes largely focus on Carter’s post-presidency work, highlighting his tireless efforts in advancing human rights, eradicating diseases, and alleviating poverty – endeavors that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His commitment to these causes has solidified his legacy as a humanitarian and global advocate for peace and justice. This focus on his post-presidency accomplishments paints a picture of a man who dedicated his life to service, both within and beyond the confines of the Oval Office. His unwavering dedication to these causes has transcended political divides and garnered widespread respect.
However, this current wave of goodwill obscures a more complex picture of Carter’s relationship with his successors. He was not averse to delivering political blows and broke with the traditional presidential decorum of refraining from criticizing those who followed him in office. This willingness to speak his mind, even if it meant ruffling feathers, distinguishes him from many other former presidents who have opted for a more reserved public persona after leaving the White House. His outspoken nature, though sometimes controversial, contributed to a more open and honest political discourse.
Carter’s criticisms began after his defeat to Ronald Reagan in 1980. He accused Reagan of lying and deemed the Iran-Contra affair, involving the secret sale of arms to Iran, ”worse than Watergate.” He later confessed to author Douglas Brinkley that his biggest mistake was allowing Reagan to become president. His criticism extended to fellow Democrat Bill Clinton, with their relationship marked by personal antipathy. He publicly expressed disappointment when the Clintons enrolled their daughter, Chelsea, in a private school, contrasting it with his own decision to send his daughter, Amy, to a public school in a predominantly African American neighborhood. This incident, and Carter’s subsequent comments on Clinton’s infidelities, further strained their relationship.
Carter’s strong moral compass played a significant role in his criticisms. In a 2017 interview, he mildly observed that both Clinton and Obama earned substantial sums through public speaking engagements, contrasting their choices with his own decision to avoid corporate boards and lucrative speaking opportunities. He emphasized that his focus was not on personal wealth but on maintaining his integrity and principles. He highlighted his close relationship with Republican George H.W. Bush, indicating a capacity for camaraderie across party lines despite his critical stance towards others.
Carter’s relationship with Donald Trump has been a mix of sharp criticism and unexpected praise. While convinced that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump, he also noted that the media was harsher on Trump than any previous president, a sentiment Trump appreciated. Conversely, Carter has maintained a good relationship with Joe Biden, dating back to Biden’s early support for Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign. Carter has offered measured praise for Biden’s presidency, a notable endorsement given his tendency towards candid criticism. This complex tapestry of relationships, marked by both conflict and cordiality, offers a more nuanced perspective on Carter’s interactions with his successors and reveals a man who held strong convictions and was not afraid to express them, even when it meant challenging his own party or praising a political adversary. The current tributes to Carter, while acknowledging his accomplishments, often overlook these complexities, presenting a somewhat sanitized version of his legacy. This omission, though perhaps understandable given the circumstances, misses an opportunity to fully appreciate the multifaceted nature of his character and the impact he has had on American political discourse.
