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'Unselfish leadership': Political experts mark passing of Jimmy Carter

Former President Jimmy Carter (Photo: Nir Levy / Shutterstock)
David McAfee
December 29, 2024

James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th president of the United States, died on Sunday, and was remembered by a Habitat for Humanity pioneer. Political observers were also quick to mark the passing of the former world leader.

Carter died at 100 years old after receiving hospice care following the death of his wife.

Norman Ornstein, an emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, said, "Jimmy Carter‘s presidency is extraordinarily underrated."

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"But this is a good time to tell my favorite personal story. I was an advisor to the Carter Baker commission on election reform. At one of the meetings, President Carter asked if I would have lunch with him. He was gracious and warm. I asked him about River blindness and how he had tackled it, saving literally millions of lives. He explained how he had been in Africa, seen the devastation of so many young people blinded with lives destroyed," Ornstein wrote. "He learned that a simple inexpensive salve could prevent the devastation. He contacted drug companies, got them to donate the medication. He went to the leadership in the countries affected to make sure that the salve would be distributed without corruption and at no charge."

Ornstein then added, "There was no braggadocio. Just a matter of fact explanation of how he had used his position to organize a massive commitment to save lives. Only one of the many things he did. He was a towering figure of dignity and grace. A remarkable human being. May his memory be a blessing."

Political commentator Seth Abramson wrote, "RIP, Jimmy Carter. Perhaps the best post-presidency ever—he showed us the sort of person a POTUS is supposed to be."

Democratic influencer Harry Sisson said Carter "was a good man who dedicated his life to helping others."

"A true public servant. RIP," Sisson added.

The Anti-Trump conservatives over at the Lincoln Project said, "We are saddened to learn of the death of President Carter."

"President Carter’s enormous legacy extends beyond his four years serving as President, but also includes his post-Presidency work to support human rights and build democratic institutions throughout the world," the group wrote. "We commemorate the former President for his efforts to help emerging nations manage fair elections and adopt democratic traditions. President Carter’s dedication to public service and extending liberty around the world should be a model to every American."

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance also chimed in, saying, "Simply put, President Jimmy Carter was a good man."

"He was the epitome of a servant leader, changing the world and setting the highest example of what it meant to honor God, family, and country," she added. "May his legacy of unselfish leadership and work to serve 'the least of these' inspire us all to make the world a better place."

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