In American political history, Jimmy Carter occupies a unique and fascinating place. He is both the oldest living former president and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, having left office unpopular only to see his star shine brighter with age. Carter, who celebrated his 100th birthday this week, arguably exerted his most significant influence not during his 1977-81 term, but in the decades that followed as a global mediator, rights advocate, and statesman.
A southern Democrat from Georgia, he left the White House in 1981 after a crushing defeat by Ronald Reagan, branded naive and weak in the cutthroat world of Washington politics. Even within his own party, he was long persona non grata. Yet over the years, Carter’s image has become more nuanced to reflect his post-presidential activities and accomplishments, including brokering a peace deal between Israel and Egypt.
He placed human rights and social justice at the heart of his tenure as the 39th president of the United States, a legacy that inspired the creation of the Carter Center in 1982, which is internationally acclaimed for its vision of global diplomacy.
Despite his 19 months in hospice care, Carter’s longevity has exceeded all expectations. Still passionate about politics, he is determined to vote in November for Democrat Kamala Harris. Born in the small farming town of Plains, Georgia, Carter began his political career after serving in the Navy and then as governor of Georgia. His 1976 presidential election was a turning point for a country battered by the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal and a deep recession.
Carter’s years in the White House were marked by successes such as the Camp David Accords in 1978 and the normalization of relations with China. Despite these accomplishments, his presidency was marred by the Iran hostage crisis and the oil crisis of 1979–80. This difficult period was a challenge for any president, as historian Julian Zelizer has noted.
After his presidency, Carter led one of the most dramatic transformations of any American leader, becoming the most respected “ex-president” in the United States. As an international mediator, he worked on complex issues such as North Korea and Bosnia, oversaw elections around the world, and engaged with controversial political figures such as Fidel Castro.
His humanitarian commitment alongside his wife Rosalynn, who died in 2023, and his battle with brain cancer marked his invaluable role after the presidency. Today, Carter’s public life is celebrated for his dedication to diplomacy, human rights, and social justice, values that continue to inspire present and future generations.
Through his actions and unwavering commitment, Jimmy Carter embodies the ideals of public service and enlightened leadership, demonstrating that a statesman’s impact extends beyond his official mandate and is measured by his contribution to making the world a better place.