James Earl Carter Jr.
October 1st, 1924
Ask yourself a simple question.
What qualities do you want in a leader? Not as a person, that's another matter, but as a leader. Do you want someone who will speak in catchphrases and ask nothing of you other than that you vote for them? Or do you want someone who will challenge you to be a better person? Do you want someone who has trained for the job? Someone who believes in science? Someone who understands things on a global scale and believes in forecasting? Preparing for the long run is rare but vital in politics.
What you want from them as a person should be inarguable. Should be. What you should want from them is integrity, honesty, sincerity and a commitment to the public good. Not only of your particular country but all countries.
What you want is someone decent, kind, thoughtful, humble and someone who commits their life to be a public servant with an emphasis on the servant. Someone who steers from a personal compass, not a political one, who has ideals that they execute personally.
Do as I do, not as I say.
Someone who lives their life with intention. Someone who lives out their values.
In a few weeks America is going to decide on a new leader and right now we live in a world that cries out for moral and ethical leadership. You, and I'm not an American so I'm sitting this one out, are going to have to decide which of the candidates meets these criteria.
Few people have embodied them as clearly and consistently as Jimmy Carter. Say what you like about his time as President, and history in the long run will be kinder to his time in office than it has been in the short run, but as a person, as a public servant and as leader, America will be hard pressed to find another candidate more qualified. Carter represents something about America that threatens to disappear forever come November unless the majority of Americans who remain good people act.
In August, Jimmy Carter told his grandson Jason Carter, "I'm only trying to make it to vote for Kamala." Early voting in his home state of Georgis begins on the 15th of October.
So many fine words are said over the bodies of the dead. Jimmy Carter deserves to have that recognition now.
Jimmy Carter’s life is a testament to service, integrity, and a deep commitment to human rights, peace, and environmental protection. Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, James Earl Carter Jr. would rise from humble beginnings to become the 39th president of the United States, leaving an indelible mark on American politics and global humanitarian efforts. His journey to the presidency and his enduring legacy are defined not only by his time in office but also by the remarkable work he accomplished afterwards, focusing on human rights, international diplomacy, and environmental conservation.
Before his foray into politics, Carter’s life was shaped by his family and the strong values they instilled in him. His father, James Earl Carter Sr., was a successful farmer and businessman, while his mother, Lillian Gordy Carter, was a nurse known for her progressive attitudes, especially regarding racial equality. Carter’s upbringing on the family peanut farm in the rural South deeply influenced his outlook on life, imbuing him with a sense of duty, community, and respect for hard work.
Carter’s early education was centred around Plains, where he excelled academically. Upon graduating high school, he attended Georgia Southwestern College before transferring to the United States Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1946. His decision to pursue a career in the Navy was influenced by his love of science and technology, as well as a desire to serve his country. Carter's naval career was marked by distinction, particularly in the emerging field of nuclear propulsion. He worked under the legendary Admiral Hyman Rickover, a key figure in the development of the U.S. Navy's nuclear submarine fleet, and Carter’s experience in this cutting-edge field would later influence his views on energy policy.
During his naval career, Carter married Rosalynn Smith in 1946, beginning a partnership that would define both of their lives. Rosalynn, born and raised in Plains like Jimmy, was not only his lifelong companion but also an essential part of his political success. The two had known each other since childhood, and their bond grew stronger over the years. Rosalynn became deeply involved in his political career, actively campaigning for him and offering guidance and advice behind the scenes. Her advocacy for mental health awareness, both during and after Carter’s presidency, was groundbreaking, and the two shared a mutual dedication to service.
In 1953, following the death of his father, Carter made the difficult decision to leave the Navy and return to Plains to take over the family’s peanut farming business. It was a challenging transition; the farm was struggling, and the economic realities of rural Georgia presented significant obstacles. However, with Rosalynn’s help, Carter revitalized the business, making it profitable again. This period of his life, marked by hard work and deep involvement in his local community, set the stage for his political career/
Carter’s entry into politics began at the local level when he was elected to the Sumter County Board of Education in 1961. His focus on improving education for all children, regardless of race, and his efforts to bring new resources to rural areas quickly garnered attention. In 1962, he took a larger step into state politics, winning a seat in the Georgia State Senate. As a state senator, Carter distinguished himself by fighting corruption and promoting transparency in government, pushing for reforms that would make Georgia’s government more efficient and less influenced by special interests.
However, Carter’s political career in Georgia wasn’t without its challenges. In 1966, he ran for governor but was defeated in the Democratic primary. This loss prompted a period of reflection for Carter, who realized that he needed to broaden his appeal to a wider swath of voters. When he ran for governor again in 1970, Carter adopted a more progressive platform, focusing on racial equality, economic development, and governmental reform. He won the election and served as the 76th governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975.
As governor, Carter took bold stances, including a call for an end to racial discrimination. His famous inaugural address in which he declared, "The time for racial discrimination is over," shocked many in the state but demonstrated his commitment to civil rights. His governorship was also marked by efforts to streamline state government, improve education, and modernize Georgia’s infrastructure. Rosalynn played a crucial role during his time as governor, advocating for mental health issues and serving as a close advisor.
By the mid-1970s, Carter’s sights were set on the national stage. In the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, many Americans were disillusioned with politics, and Carter’s image as an outsider—a principled man with a clean record—appealed to voters across the country. His campaign for the 1976 presidential election focused on restoring trust in government and promoting human rights, both domestically and internationally. He narrowly defeated incumbent President Gerald Ford to become the 39th president of the United States.
Carter’s presidency was marked by significant achievements, particularly in the areas of energy policy and environmental protection. He came into office during a time of economic turmoil and an energy crisis, with rising oil prices and fuel shortages posing significant challenges to the U.S. economy. Carter recognized that America’s reliance on foreign oil was unsustainable, and he made energy conservation a central focus of his domestic policy. In 1977, he created the Department of Energy, and in 1978, his administration passed the National Energy Act, which promoted energy efficiency and the development of alternative energy sources like solar and wind power. Carter famously installed solar panels on the White House, a symbolic gesture that reflected his commitment to environmental sustainability.
Beyond energy policy, Carter’s environmental legacy includes the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), signed in 1980. This landmark legislation protected more than 100 million acres of land in Alaska, creating new national parks, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas. It was the largest expansion of protected lands in U.S. history and remains one of Carter’s most enduring achievements.
Carter’s foreign policy was centred on promoting human rights and peace. One of his most significant accomplishments was brokering the Camp David Accords in 1978, a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel that ended decades of conflict between the two nations. Carter’s personal mediation played a key role in securing the agreement, and the Camp David Accords remain one of the few lasting peace treaties in the Middle East. His administration also achieved the Panama Canal Treaties, which transferred control of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama, ensuring that the vital waterway would be operated by the Panamanian government.
Despite these accomplishments, Carter’s presidency faced numerous challenges, including high inflation, rising unemployment, and the Iran hostage crisis, which severely damaged his approval ratings. In 1980, Carter lost his bid for re-election to Ronald Reagan. However, Carter’s post-presidency would prove to be one of the most remarkable in American history.
After leaving office, Carter devoted himself to humanitarian causes and international diplomacy. In 1982, he founded The Carter Center, an organization dedicated to promoting peace, human rights, and democracy around the world. Under Carter’s leadership, The Carter Center has monitored elections in more than 100 countries, ensuring free and fair democratic processes. Carter’s dedication to conflict resolution and his work in mediation earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Carter’s environmental advocacy also continued in his post-presidency. He remained a vocal critic of policies that threatened the environment and urged the world to take serious action against climate change. His efforts to raise awareness about the connection between environmental health and global stability have had a lasting impact on environmental policy.
One of the most visible aspects of Carter’s post-presidency has been his work with Habitat for Humanity. Since 1984, Carter and Rosalynn worked with the organization to build homes for low-income families across the U.S. and worldwide. The couple has been hands-on in this work, helping to construct homes and raising awareness about the importance of affordable housing. Their work with Habitat for Humanity has allowed thousands of families to own their homes and improve their lives.
Carter’s commitment to public service is deeply rooted in his Christian faith, which has guided him throughout his life. A devout Baptist, Carter has taught Sunday school in Plains for decades, even continuing to do so after being diagnosed with cancer in his 90s. His humility, compassion, and sense of duty to his fellow human beings have made him one of the most respected and admired former presidents in U.S. history.
Jimmy Carter’s legacy is complex, shaped by his presidency and even more so by his post-presidential work. While his time in office was marked by significant challenges, particularly in economic and foreign policy, his lifelong commitment to peace, human rights, environmental protection, and public service has left an indelible mark on the world. As one of the longest-living former presidents, Carter continues to inspire people around the globe through his actions, demonstrating that leadership and service do not end when one leaves office.