Although many deride Jimmy Carter as one of our worst Presidents, few would disagree that he was an incredible human being. He is one of very few Christians who actually was a Christian. The New York Times has published an op-ed about Carter now that he's in his final days. Although the praise of his failed presidency is a bit tough to swallow, no one can deny that he "was probably the most intelligent, hard-working and decent man to have occupied the Oval Office in the 20th century." Here's what Steve Thode, a Republican, has to say:
The op-ed clearly pitches to the Times' largely leftist readership while completely neglecting many of Mr. Carter's character traits that many of us on the right respected and admired.
Jimmy Carter graduated from the Naval Academy and served with distinction in the Navy. No Democrat president since Carter even gave a thought to serving in the military. And, the Democrats haven't nominated a candidate for president who served in the military since 2004.
Carter was an evangelical Christian in the best sense of the word. He was kind and generous. And also humble. He didn't use the presidency as a launching pad for the accumulation of massive wealth. He and Rosalyn returned to the same house in Plains when he left office, and his personal life was never the subject of any form of scandal. He was the Harry Truman of his generation.
In other words, I would have loved to have Jimmy Carter as a neighbor.
Politically, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the op-ed neglects completely the economic disaster that was 1980. Those of us who lived through those days remember 15% mortgage interest rates; 18% auto loan interest rates; and, 13% inflation. The author also glosses over the Iranian hostage crisis. I believe the combination of an economy in shambles and the hostage crisis were what ended Carter's re-election hopes.
Bill Clinton, however, had what most people would view as a successful two terms as president. But, his personal life? Gimme a break! And, his lust for wealth and power post-presidency combined with his already well-known personal dalliances are certainly not the qualities I would want in a neighbor.
Jimmy Carter, I believe, will be remembered as a less-than-successful president, but a model ex-president. Other past, present and future presidents should celebrate the standard Jimmy Carter set for former presidents. Sadly, I doubt most will.
18 comments:
While I was young, a few things stand in my mind. First, Carter was a nuclear engineer in the Navy and both he and the first lady visited TMI to better understand the situation and alleviate public concerns that the worst had passed.
Second, I always wondered how the Regan campaign undermined Carter's attempt to free the hostages and miraculously they were released on inauguration day. Fast forward to the US selling arms to Iran and extremists.
Then there was the launch of the Space shuttle program and the mission to development of Stealth technology.
Lastly, Carter's contributionnto humanity and democracy around the world after leaving office.
Biden makes Jimmy Carter look good !
So republicans want to praise President Carter but want to crap on him and other Democrats while doing it.
They cannot help themselves-- attack the guy for the economy and hostage crisis(sudden memory loss about ronnie dealing with Iranians).
As to military service-- attack Democrats while forgetting about the heroic war records of say Romney and trump? tsk-tsk.
As to President Clinton again the attack concerning morality?
Try Newt and trump again for comparison to President Carter.
Quite frankly republicans views are not needed for the Democrats to honor the life of President Carter.
republicans crapped on President Carter for all of his time in office and after.
They used him as a punching bag and now want to admire some of his actions?
How bout doing the Democrats a favor and do not bother.
Christian means Christ-like. Something tells me that Christ wouldn't support an unrestricted right to abortion, as Carter did and does. He held the most powerful office in the world. In Dominican terms, he must repent for each and every soul he scandalized during a public career that championed what many of us view as a holocaust. Carter is a tragic figure and a dark chapter in our nation's history. I pray for him and his loved ones at this sad time.
I could not agree with you more.
Thode’s words are honest and well written. It is difficult for even the strongest democrat to argue that Carter was a successful President, but his work post-presidency is admirable. He seemed to be involved with things like Habitat for Humanity because he genuinely loved organization, not just for an easy photo opportunity.
We need more good people out there.
President Carter has been an exemplary former president because he has worked to help others, but in a quiet and dignified manner. His biggest failing as president was that he was too honest and wouldn’t compromise his beliefs in order to appease or be manipulated. I’m still not a huge fan, but he certainly has my respect.
Carter calls biden weekly thanking him for making an old peanut farmer look good.
Bernie drank Billy Beer at the Hellertown Pool !
How sad for you that you take this president amazing life and now at the end of his life and instead of praise for all that he has done and praise for him as a good decent human you take this time to attack republicans Mr president would be saddened to hear your divisive views as am I.
Steve Thode, thank you for your non-partisan tribute to an exemplary human being. It's sad that so many now cannot ever put their D vs R obsession away.
Carter was a weak, ineffective President. But a decent human being.
Maybe not a great president, but certainly a great man.
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"Steve Thode, thank you for your non-partisan tribute"
He was not even close to that.
For example he praises President Carter for his military service--perfectly fine.
He then bashes other Democrats for not serving--a partisan attack.
He could have said other Presidents did not serve--a non-partisan statement but he could not resist a partisan attack.
There are numerous other examples of such attacks in his statement.
Trying to push other Democrats down and saying that elevates President Carter is a insult to President Carter.
President Carter is who he is.
President Carter is ranked average by most presidential scholars. Trump near the bottom.
It's absurd to rate a President three years after his departure. I happen to agree with that assessment, but we need to wait a bit before rating him.
Here's a realistic look at what is going on inside Ukraine, beneath the war. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/feb/22/strikes-protests-scandals-ukraine-warzone
Like any country, it has its share of problems.
Great article, enjoyed it.
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