Jimmy Carter 1924-2024

  

Analysis: Carter was not a great president – ​​but a great American

Jimmy Carter's only term in office, from 1977 to 1981, was marked by both domestic and foreign setbacks: a sluggish economy, the Harrisburg disaster and the Iran hostage crisis. Kevin Sullivan and Edward Walsh write for the Washington Post.

"The nation's 39th president ruled with a strong Democratic majority in Congress in a country that was becoming increasingly conservative."

However, he had a brilliant career after the White House as a champion of global health, peace and democracy, they continue.

In USA Today, Susan Page quotes historian Douglas Brinkley, who wrote a biography of Carter in 1998:

"He will never be classified as a great president, but as an American he was a giant."

Until the end of his life, the former peanut farmer from Georgia was involved in peace projects and charity, which resulted in the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, writes Page. She adds that many today want to reevaluate his presidency as well.

Almost no one thought Carter would be elected president, pass the Camp David peace agreement in the Middle East in 1978, win the Nobel Peace Prize or defeat cancer, writes Peter Baker for the New York Times.

“But Jimmy Carter defied expectations with a life that lasted a century. And he did it again, towards the end.”

Only six percent of hospice patients survive a year, writes Baker – Carter survived almost two.

Carter is praised: “Always cared for the weakest”

Tributes to Jimmy Carter are pouring in after the news of his death.

President Joe Biden calls him “an outstanding leader, statesman and human rights fighter.”

“With compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, broker peace, advance civil and human rights, support free and fair elections, provide housing for the homeless, and always protect the most vulnerable among us.”

President-elect Donald Trump writes on Truth Social that all Americans owe Carter a debt of gratitude.

“The challenges Jimmy faced as president came at a defining moment for our country, and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans.”

Former President Bill Clinton wrote in a statement that Carter “fought tirelessly for a better, more just world,” according to the New York Times.

“With faith as his guiding light, President Carter lived to serve others—to the end.”

Barack Obama wrote that Carter “taught us all what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service,” according to AFP.

Former Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt (M), who made several trips with Carter to the Middle East, tells Ekot that he remembers him as a "very honorable, genuine, admirable personality."