Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, embodied a remarkable journey from a modest upbringing in rural Georgia to becoming a globally respected statesman and Nobel laureate. Ascending to the US presidency during a period of deep national malaise, Carter pledged honesty and integrity, promising never to lie to the American people—a stance that defined his tenure and legacy.
Born James Earl Carter Jr. on 1 October 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter was the eldest of four children in a family steeped in southern traditions. His father, a segregationist farmer, started the family’s peanut business, while his mother, Lillian, worked as a nurse. Growing up during the Great Depression, Carter’s Baptist faith and experiences of hardship deeply influenced his character and political ideals.
Carter’s early ambitions lay beyond the farm. A standout basketball player, he attended the US Naval Academy, serving as a submarine officer. After his father’s death in 1953, he returned to Georgia to salvage the failing family business. Through determination and innovation, Carter revitalised the peanut farm, achieving financial success.
Eager to serve, Carter entered politics, initially as a member of local school and library boards. He later won a seat in the Georgia Senate, navigating the contentious era of desegregation. Although he avoided direct confrontations with segregationists during his tenure, his election as Georgia’s governor in 1970 marked a bold shift. In his inaugural address, Carter declared, “The time for racial discrimination is over,” positioning himself as a civil rights advocate.
His governorship showcased progressive ideals, with African Americans appointed to public office and Martin Luther King Jr.’s portrait displayed in the state capitol. Yet, Carter’s faith often clashed with his liberal instincts, particularly on issues like abortion, where he supported women’s rights but resisted expanding access.
From outsider to president
Carter’s leap to the national stage came in the shadow of the Watergate scandal. Running as a Washington outsider in 1976, he leveraged his image as a humble peanut farmer untainted by political corruption. Despite early scepticism, his authenticity resonated with voters. Notably, an interview with Playboy magazine, where he admitted to having “adultery in my heart,” showcased his candour, ultimately strengthening his appeal.
Winning the presidency, Carter’s term began with acts of reconciliation. On his first day in office, he pardoned Vietnam draft evaders, a decision criticised by conservatives but lauded for its moral courage. He championed women’s rights, sought to amend the Constitution to combat gender discrimination, and elevated environmental concerns. Carter installed solar panels on the White House and enacted legislation safeguarding millions of acres in Alaska—an early recognition of climate change’s urgency.
Yet, Carter’s presidency was fraught with challenges. Domestically, an energy crisis, soaring unemployment, and high inflation eroded public confidence. His push for gasoline rationing and universal healthcare stalled in Congress, while his informal “fireside chats” struggled to unite an anxious nation.
Triumphs and trials on the world stage
On the international front, Carter achieved significant milestones, most notably the 1978 Camp David Accords. The landmark agreement brokered peace between Egypt and Israel, cementing Carter’s legacy as a peacemaker. However, his administration was tested by the Iranian Revolution, which saw American hostages taken in Tehran. A rescue mission ended in tragedy, undermining public trust and Carter’s reelection prospects.
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan further complicated his foreign policy. Carter responded with trade embargoes, boycotting the 1980 Moscow Olympics—a move that drew mixed reactions. Facing these crises, his approval ratings plummeted, paving the way for Ronald Reagan’s sweeping victory in the 1980 presidential election.
A legacy restored
Leaving office with one of the lowest approval ratings for a modern president, Carter could have faded into obscurity. Instead, he redefined his legacy through tireless post-presidential work. Establishing the Carter Center in Atlanta, he championed global health, human rights, and conflict resolution. His mediation efforts, including a peace mission to North Korea, demonstrated his enduring commitment to diplomacy.
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In 2002, Carter’s contributions were recognised with the Nobel Peace Prize. As the only US president to earn this distinction for post-presidential work, he used the platform to address inequality and poverty, which he deemed humanity’s gravest challenges. Alongside Nelson Mandela, he co-founded The Elders, a coalition of global leaders advocating peace and justice.
A modest life
In retirement, Carter eschewed the lucrative opportunities often pursued by former presidents. He and Rosalynn returned to their humble Plains residence, living modestly. Carter, the only modern president to return full-time to his pre-political home, continued teaching Sunday school and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Together with Rosalynn, he helped build or repair over 4,000 homes, embodying their lifelong ethos of service.
Even in his later years, Carter remained politically engaged. Celebrating his centenary in October 2024, he quipped about voting for Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. His enduring commitment to democracy, faith, and public service left an indelible mark on American history.
A life of integrity
Jimmy Carter’s story is one of resilience, humility, and a relentless pursuit of justice. From peanut farmer to president, and ultimately a Nobel laureate, he navigated the complexities of political and personal belief with unwavering integrity. As he once said, “You cannot divorce religious belief and public service.” Carter’s life exemplified this principle, making him a symbol of moral leadership in a divided world.
