President Biden paid a heartfelt tribute to former President Jimmy Carter on Sunday, highlighting his legacy as a statesman and humanitarian. While some may view Carter as a relic from a bygone era of honesty, humility, and faith, Biden painted a picture of a man who embodies timeless human values. The president’s fond words for Carter reflected their longstanding friendship, underscoring the profound respect they shared for one another.
Speaking from St. Croix, Biden delved into his personal memories of Carter, including being the first senator to endorse his 1976 campaign and the support he received from Carter during his son Beau’s battle with cancer. When asked what President-elect Donald Trump could learn from Carter, Biden succinctly answered, “decency”.
Looking back at Carter’s life, Biden emphasized the former president’s unwavering commitment to helping others, saying, “Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone who needed something and just keep walking? I can’t”. He also highlighted Carter’s global influence, stating, “The rest of the world looks to us. And he was worth looking to”.
Global Tributes Pour in for Carter
Carter’s death sparked a wave of tributes from presidents and political leaders from around the world. Carter served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981, heralding a new era in politics as an outsider who aimed to reform political culture. His post-presidential endeavors, including his work with Habitat for Humanity and election monitoring, earned him widespread acclaim.
President-elect Trump, who often compared Carter’s presidency to Biden’s during his campaign, commended Carter for doing “everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans”. Former Vice President Mike Pence also honored Carter’s devout Christian faith and his service to the country. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton celebrated Carter’s efforts to promote civil rights, protect natural resources, and advance peace and democracy.
World leaders paid their respects, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau all expressing their condolences. Carter’s death was particularly felt in his home state of Georgia, where he served as governor and continued to reside post-presidency.
Carter’s Legacy
As the world mourns the loss of Jimmy Carter, his legacy stands as a beacon of service and humanitarianism. His commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, and his philanthropic leadership are qualities that continue to inspire. His work with Habitat for Humanity, his efforts to support honest elections, and his initiatives to combat disease all bear witness to a life dedicated to improving the lives of others.
His death is a significant loss not only to his home state of Georgia but to the world. As the tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that Carter’s impact goes beyond politics. His life’s work serves as a testament to what it truly means to serve, and his memory will continue to inspire future generations.
As President Biden said, “We’d all do well to try and be a little more like Jimmy Carter”. In an era often characterized by division and strife, Carter’s legacy of decency, humility, and service is a poignant reminder of the values we should all strive to uphold.
Flags are expected to be flown at half-staff at Trump’s inauguration in January in honor of Carter’s death. The passing of this remarkable statesman and humanitarian truly marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched.
