Jimmy Carter: A President We Criticized, A Man We Admired

Note: Original Article published on Liberty Affair

A Complex Legacy: The Life of Jimmy Carter

Yesterday, America lost one of its most unique statesmen: Jimmy Carter. His legacy is a complicated one, marked by profound challenges during his presidency and extraordinary contributions in his post-presidential life. As the 39th president, Carter struggled to lead a nation grappling with economic turmoil, energy shortages, and international crises. Yet as a man, he exemplified faith, intellect, and an unyielding commitment to service. Reaching the rare milestone of 100 years, Carter’s life was not only the longest-lived of any U.S. president but also a testament to enduring moral character and unwavering public service.

George Will’s column marking Carter’s passing captured this complexity in a single sentence: “Richard Nixon made Jimmy Carter tempting; Carter made Ronald Reagan necessary.” This observation succinctly places Carter’s presidency in the broader arc of American political history, as both a reaction to the corruption and cynicism of the Nixon era and a prelude to the confident conservatism of the Reagan years. Yet to reduce Carter’s legacy to his presidency alone would be to miss the deeper story of his life—a life defined by integrity, compassion, and a steadfast belief in serving others.

A Turbulent Presidency

Carter’s rise to power was rooted in his promise of honesty and accountability at a time when the nation was reeling from the Watergate scandal. Americans longed for a leader who would restore trust in government, and Carter’s straightforward demeanor, along with his pledge to “never lie,” resonated deeply with a disillusioned electorate. As a peanut farmer and former governor of Georgia, Carter embodied the image of a citizen-politician—untainted by Washington’s inner workings. Yet Carter was far from a simple man of rural roots. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Carter was a brilliant student, graduating in the top tenth of his class. His naval career included working on pioneering nuclear submarine technology under the demanding Admiral Hyman Rickover. This intellectual rigor and discipline, combined with a genuine humility, were hallmarks of Carter’s life.

Challenges During His Presidency

Carter’s quiet brilliance often led people to underestimate him. His Southern accent and modest persona could mask a sharp mind and a steely resolve. While his presidency may be remembered for his measured and sometimes overly principled approach, Carter was capable of extraordinary toughness when the moment required it. During the grueling 1980 primary campaign, Carter faced relentless challenges from Senator Edward Kennedy, who sought to unseat him as the Democratic nominee. Despite significant political pressure, Carter never relented, ultimately prevailing in the nomination fight. His determination and refusal to concede ground revealed a side of him often overshadowed by his reputation for gentleness (or southern hospitality, if you will).

However, Carter’s presidency was beset by crises. The late 1970s presented a near-perfect storm of challenges. Stagflation battered the economy, leaving Americans struggling with high unemployment and inflation. Energy shortages led to long lines at gas stations, fueling public frustration and a national sense of malaise. Carter’s controversial “malaise” speech, though not intended to scold Americans, became emblematic of a presidency struggling to inspire. On the foreign policy front, the Iran hostage crisis, in which 52 Americans were held captive for 444 days, defined his final year in office. While Carter worked tirelessly to secure their release, the crisis came to symbolize America’s diminished stature on the global stage, with their freedom achieved only minutes after Ronald Reagan’s inauguration.

The Post-Presidential Renaissance

Yet where Carter’s presidency faltered, his post-presidential life soared. Few former presidents have used their retirement as selflessly or productively as Carter. His work with Habitat for Humanity, where he physically labored alongside volunteers to build homes for those in need, became a symbol of his enduring commitment to service. Through the Carter Center, he led global efforts to combat disease, promote democracy, and advance human rights. One of his most remarkable achievements was the near-eradication of Guinea worm disease, which once afflicted millions. Under Carter’s leadership, cases were reduced to fewer than two dozen annually—a rare success story in public health that reflects his untiring determination to make a difference.

A Lasting Partnership

Carter’s enduring legacy is not just his work but the family that supported him. He and Rosalynn, his devoted wife of 77 years, represented an ideal of partnership and commitment in marriage that inspired generations. Rosalynn was not just a supportive spouse but a steadfast partner in his humanitarian efforts. Together, they embodied a life of shared purpose, dedicated to serving others. Carter’s family extended his values into public life; his grandson Jason Carter ran for office, continuing the family’s tradition of civic engagement. I had the privilege of meeting Jason during his campaign through the Young Democrats of Georgia, back when I was still a Democrat. That personal connection to the Carter family deepened my respect for their shared dedication to improving the lives of others.

Personal Encounters with a Statesman

On a personal note, I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Jimmy Carter twice, in 2015 and 2018 (pictured at the top). During my high school years in Georgia, where my parents still reside, I made the three-hour trek from the northern Atlanta suburbs to Plains both times. Plains, a small and unassuming town, reflects Carter’s modesty and roots. Meeting him and Rosalynn, before her passing, was a humbling experience. Despite his international stature, Carter was warm, approachable, and genuinely kind. Those visits left a lasting impression on me, reminding me that true greatness often resides in humility and authenticity.

My respect for Carter has endured through my own political evolution. I left the Democratic Party in 2017, yet I met him once before that decision, in 2015, and once after, in 2018. Even as my political views moved away from the left, my admiration for him as a human being never wavered. Carter’s decency and commitment to service transcended partisan divides. He was a man whose actions, grounded in faith and integrity, earned respect across the ideological spectrum. I have always, and will always, admire him for his remarkable humanity.

The Role of Zbigniew Brzezinski in Carter's Presidency

As an aside, Carter’s presidency also brought Zbigniew Brzezinski, a Polish immigrant and scholar, into a pivotal role as National Security Advisor. Brzezinski’s strategic focus on countering Soviet influence defined much of Carter’s foreign policy and underscored the administration’s commitment to human rights. Living in Poland since 2020, I find it personally fascinating that Brzezinski’s understanding of Eastern Europe’s struggles informed his contributions to the Carter administration. It is also worth noting that Brzezinski’s daughter, Mika Brzezinski, co-hosts MSNBC’s Morning Joe and is married to former congressman Joe Scarborough. While Brzezinski’s role is a footnote in Carter’s legacy, it reflects the far-reaching impact of his presidency on global affairs.

Carter’s Legacy for Conservatives

For conservatives, Carter’s legacy presents an interesting dichotomy. His presidency, with its emphasis on government intervention and a more restrained approach to foreign policy, often stood in opposition to core conservative principles. Yet Carter the man embodied values that conservatives hold dear: faith, family, personal responsibility, and humility. He rejected the trappings of wealth and power, choosing to live modestly in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. His life was a testament to servant leadership—a model that transcends ideology.

Defining Greatness Beyond Politics

Ultimately, Jimmy Carter’s life is a reminder that greatness is not confined to political success. His ability to prioritize human dignity and global well-being over partisan battles speaks to a higher standard of leadership. In an era of growing cynicism, Carter’s example challenges us to value character, humility, and service above all else.

Carter’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy endures. As George Will observed, Carter’s presidency was both a reaction to Nixon’s corruption and a stepping-stone to Reagan’s transformative leadership. Yet Carter’s story cannot be confined to these political bookends. He was, above all, a man of principle—humble, brilliant, compassionate, and deeply committed to his faith. His life challenges us to consider how we define greatness, not only in public office but in the impact we have on others. Jimmy Carter may not have been a great president, but he was undoubtedly a great human being, and for that, the world is better for his having lived and served as relentlessly as he did.

May he rest in peace, and may he be an example to all who now must collectively fill his shoes—those of a man who, through quiet determination and service, left an impact far beyond what many might have imagined.

Michael J. Hout

Editor of Liberty Affair