President Joe Biden remarked on the life of Jimmy Carter, stating that he “lived a life measured not by words, but by his deeds,” during televised comments following the former US leader’s passing.
Like many other tributes from US and global leaders, Mr. Biden’s homage centered on Mr. Carter’s integrity, with the outgoing president noting that his predecessor felt as though he belonged to a “bygone era.”
“Just look at his life, his life’s work,” Mr. Biden stated, speaking from the US Virgin Islands where he was vacationing. “He took initiative to eradicate disease, not only in the United States but worldwide.”
“He championed peace, advanced civil rights and human rights, and advocated for free and fair elections globally. He even built housing for the homeless with his own hands,” he continued.
Jimmy Carter ascended from modest roots in rural Georgia to serve as the nation’s leader from 1977 to 1981.
Both Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin commended Mr. Carter for his dedication to fostering peace in Northern Ireland.
Mr. Carter passed away yesterday afternoon at the age of 100 after spending nearly two years in hospice care. He emerged from humble beginnings in rural Georgia to govern from 1977 to 1981 and later earned a Nobel Peace Prize during his active post-presidential years.
He was ousted from office in 1981 in a decisive electoral defeat as voters rallied behind Republican challenger Ronald Reagan, a former actor and California governor.
Throughout his journey, he garnered a reputation as a more impactful former president than he was during his presidency—a point he openly acknowledged.
His presidency was characterized by notable achievements such as the Camp David accords in 1978 between Israel and Egypt, contributing to some level of stability in the Middle East.
His nonprofit organization, the Carter Center, established in 1982, focused on diplomacy, election monitoring, and global public health efforts.
The Carter Center confirmed Mr. Carter’s passing yesterday afternoon in Plains, Georgia.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and selfless love,” remarked Chip Carter, the former president’s son.
“My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the world through these common ideals. The world is our family because of his ability to unite people, and we appreciate you honoring his legacy by continuing to uphold these shared values,” he stated.
“We’d all do well to try and be a little more like Jimmy Carter.”
Recognized for his warm smile, Mr. Carter believed that fundamental Christian principles, like justice and love, served as the foundation of his presidency.
“The rest of the world looks to us… and he was worth looking to,” Mr. Biden remarked.
These comments were made as Mr. Biden prepares to vacate the White House, with Republican challenger Donald Trump set to assume office in January after defeating Mr. Biden’s vice president Kamala Harris in a contentious campaign.
“Some view Jimmy Carter as a man from a bygone era, embodying honesty, character, faith, and humility,” said the 82-year-old Mr. Biden.
Jimmy Carter was the oldest living former US leader and the nation’s longest-lived president.
“However, I see him not as a relic of the past but as a man for our times and all times, embodying the essential human values we must strive to uphold,” he added.
“We’d all do well to try and be a little more like Jimmy Carter.”
Mr. Carter was the oldest living ex-US leader and the longest-lived president in the nation’s history—an outcome that seemed improbable back in 2015 when he revealed he had brain cancer.
But the US Navy veteran and devoted Christian consistently surpassed expectations to enjoy a lengthy and fulfilling post-presidency after four years in the Oval Office that were often criticized.
His wife, Rosalynn Carter, passed away on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96.
Mr. Carter is survived by their four children: three sons and a daughter.
