Jimmy Carter: Reflecting on the Life and Legacy of a Centenarian Humanitarian

Jimmy Carter, newly married and a Naval officer, left his small hometown in 1946 with ambitions of rising through the ranks. However, his father's unexpected death brought him and his wife, Rosalynn, back to rural life. Although he never became an admiral, Carter eventually rose to the position of commander-in-chief and later earned a Nobel Peace Prize after his presidency.

The life of James Earl Carter Jr., who passed away at 100, began and ended in Plains. This town was pivotal in his journey as the 39th US president. It welcomed him back after his presidency and supported him during four decades of global humanitarian work. His optimism was deeply rooted in Baptist faith and an engineer's determination.

Humanitarian Efforts and Legacy

Carter's presidency faced criticism for not resolving the energy crisis or improving the economy. However, he gained admiration for The Carter Centre, established in 1982 to advocate for public health, human rights, and democracy. He and Rosalynn also contributed significantly to Habitat for Humanity.

His allies appreciated that he lived long enough to see historians reassess his presidency. "We shouldn't judge presidents by how popular they are in their day," said Carter biographer Jonathan Alter. "We should judge them by how they changed the country and the world for the better."

Carter's presidency was marked by efforts to restore America's virtue post-Vietnam and Watergate through transparent governance. Despite this, Republicans criticised him for inefficiency, while Democrats sometimes found his approach too rigid. Nonetheless, he achieved successes in environmental protection, education, mental health care, and human rights.

Political Challenges and Achievements

Carter's charm won voters over in 1976 with promises of honesty. Yet in Washington, he appeared more like a stern engineer than a charismatic leader. His tenacity helped broker peace between Israel and Egypt at Camp David but failed to inspire Americans during a "crisis of confidence."

Ronald Reagan capitalised on Carter's lecturing tone during debates, leading to a sweeping victory. Carter later admitted he struggled with Washington insiders who viewed his team as unsophisticated outsiders.

Rosalynn Carter was his closest adviser, attending Cabinet meetings. She once advised him against giving up the Panama Canal too soon. "She'd remind him you have to win to govern," recalled her aide Kathy Cade.

Early Life and Political Rise

Carter was born on October 1, 1924, in a home without modern amenities. Raised by a progressive mother and a racist father, he privately supported integration but didn't push for desegregation as a state senator.

He ran to the right of his opponent to win Georgia's governorship in 1970 but later declared an end to racial discrimination. He didn't connect with Martin Luther King Jr.'s family until his presidential campaign.

"He very shrewdly took advantage of his own Southernness," said Amber Roessner from the University of Tennessee. As president, he appointed more nonwhites than all previous presidents combined.

Personal Reflections and Continued Influence

Carter later expressed regret for not consulting Rosalynn before major decisions like moving back to Plains or running for state Senate. He described her as "a full partner in government" and at The Carter Centre.

Despite being labelled a failed president, Carter remained influential as a diplomat and author of over 30 books. He commented on societal issues and warned Democrats against moving too far left after Donald Trump's election.

Pilgrimages to Plains became popular among aspiring presidents again. Even into their 90s, the Carters welcomed visitors at Maranatha Baptist Church where Jimmy taught Sunday School.

In his farewell address as president, Carter urged citizens to unite for human rights regardless of differences. He committed to staying active as he returned "home to the South where I was born and raised," becoming "a fellow citizen of the world."