President Joe Biden described Jimmy Carter as “one of the most influential statesmen in our history” in a tribute marking the previous president’s a hundredth birthday.
Carter, who has been in hospice care since February 2023, on Tuesday grew to become the primary former U.S. president to succeed in this milestone age.
In a video launched by CBS Information on Sunday, Biden praised Carter, calling him a “moral force for our nation and the world.”
“I recognized that as a young senator. That’s why I supported you so early,” Biden stated.
“You’re a voice of courage, conviction, compassion — most of all, a beloved friend of Jill and me and our family,” he added, referencing first woman Jill Biden.
Joe Biden additionally spoke about Carter’s dedication to public service even after his departure from the White Home, together with his choice to discovered The Carter Middle, a nongovernmental group, in 1982 to assist enhance the lives of individuals each within the U.S. and overseas.
“You’re one of the most influential statesmen in our history,” Biden stated. “Even after you left office, the moral clarity you showed throughout your career showed through again in your commitment through The Carter Center and the Habitat for Humanity [nonprofit] — resolving conflicts, advancing democracy, preventing disease and so much more.”
“Put simply, Mr. President, I admire you so darn much,” Biden added.
Carter acquired a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work on human rights, amongst different issues.
Biden additionally paid tribute to Carter’s late spouse, former first woman Rosalynn Carter, who died in November 2023 on the age of 96. The couple had been married for 77 years.
“We know this is the first birthday without Rosalynn,” Biden stated. “It’s bittersweet, but we also know she’s always with you. She’s in your heart; she’ll never go away. She may be gone, but she’s always going to be with you.”
The previous president’s grandson Jason Carter advised The New York Occasions that her dying was powerful for his grandfather.
“When she passed, we all frankly thought that he wouldn’t be much longer,” Jason Carter stated. “And I think he had a real low period for a while. But these last few months, he’s really gotten re-engaged with the world.”
Based on The Atlanta Journal-Structure, Jimmy Carter’s son Chip Carter beforehand stated his father advised him he was decided to make it to 100 to solid a vote for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in his residence state of Georgia, a important battleground on this yr’s election.
“He does not believe Donald Trump should be president again,” he stated in a Washington Submit story final month, referring to Harris’ GOP rival.
In the meantime, a show on the White Home exhibits the quantity 100 with a banner wishing Carter a cheerful birthday.
Susan Walsh by way of Related Press
Help Free Journalism
Already contributed? Log in to cover these messages.
Carter, a Democrat, served as president from 1977 to 1981. He misplaced his reelection bid to then-Republican presidential nominee Ronald Reagan.
Help Free Journalism
Already contributed? Log in to cover these messages.
