On October 1, 2024, Jimmy Carter, the longest-living American president, turns 100 years old. It’s a milestone achievement for a man who, despite his single term in office, continues to hold a unique place in American history and politics. As we reflect on his life and legacy, it becomes clear that Carter was not just a one-term president, but someone who represented a distinct era of American leadership, an era that may never be replicated.
Growing up in California, I was just a child when Jimmy Carter became president in 1976. A former peanut farmer from Georgia, Carter’s rise to the White House seemed improbable, yet he emerged as a beacon of hope, aiming to cleanse the political landscape tainted by the Watergate scandal and Richard Nixon’s resignation. Carter was the first president I remember, his face smiling from the small television in our kitchen—a lasting image etched in the minds of many who came of age during his presidency.
As he turns 100, it’s worth noting that Carter is not just the longest-living president, but also the last living leader from the 1970s and 1980s. He is the final president to have served in World War II and the last to embody a particular brand of humility and service that has largely disappeared from modern American politics. His term in office, while fraught with challenges, marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new kind of presidency—one shaped more by media appearances and celebrity culture than quiet public service.
The Dark Horse Who Rose to Power
Carter’s unlikely rise to the presidency is a story that seems almost quaint by today’s standards. A relative unknown outside of his home state of Georgia, he was a true “dark horse” candidate in the 1976 election. The nation, reeling from the disillusionment of the Nixon years, was desperate for a leader who could restore faith in government. Carter, with his broad, disarming smile and down-to-earth demeanor, seemed to be that man.
He wore blue jeans and denim shirts—an unthinkable image for politicians before him—and cracked a grin that became iconic in American politics. The likes of Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon had been stern, often calculating figures. Carter, in contrast, was approachable, his Southern charm endearing him to many who had grown weary of Washington’s traditional political elite.
His opponents, including the establishment figures in both parties, initially dismissed him. “Jimmy who?” they would ask, expressing their disbelief that this unassuming figure could become president. But Carter defied the odds, winning the Democratic nomination and then the presidency, narrowly defeating incumbent President Gerald Ford in the aftermath of Watergate.
In an era when presidential candidates are often groomed for years, as seen in Barack Obama’s rapid rise following his 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote speech, or Donald Trump’s decades-long flirtation with the limelight, Carter’s ascension feels almost impossible today. He was a political outsider before it became fashionable—a man from humble beginnings who sincerely wanted to make a difference.
A President Who Never Disappeared
While Carter’s presidency may not have been a shining example of success, his post-presidential career has been unprecedented. His defeat to Ronald Reagan in 1980 was humbling, but Carter didn’t retreat into obscurity like many former presidents. Instead, he became one of the most visible and active ex-presidents in American history, shaping his legacy in ways few could have imagined during his time in office.
In 2002, Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize for his ongoing efforts to promote peace and human rights, long after his time in the Oval Office. His work through the Carter Center, particularly its campaigns to eliminate diseases like Guinea worm in Africa, has improved millions of lives. These efforts, though not always front-page news, were a testament to his enduring belief in the power of good works.
In contrast, other former presidents have faded from public life after leaving office. George W. Bush, for example, has kept a notably low profile since leaving the White House in 2009, emerging occasionally to paint portraits of wounded veterans or attend major events. Carter, by contrast, never truly left the stage. He has remained vocal on issues ranging from democracy and human rights to global peace, often speaking out in ways that irked sitting presidents of both parties.
His post-presidency, now stretching beyond 43 years, is the longest in American history, outlasting even his political rivals. Perhaps it’s this longevity that has led to Carter’s historical redemption. He may have left the White House as a one-term president who lost in a landslide, but in the decades since, he has cemented his place as a moral authority in a way few presidents ever do.
A Humble Life in a Changing World
One of the most remarkable aspects of Jimmy Carter’s life is his humility. Despite having held the highest office in the land, he continues to live in the same modest house in Plains, Georgia, that he moved into in 1961. He famously taught Sunday School at his local church for many years, long after his presidency ended.
Carter’s humble lifestyle stands in stark contrast to the trappings of wealth and power that often define modern political leaders. His grounded nature, coupled with his work on issues that aren’t always glamorous, such as eradicating disease and building homes with Habitat for Humanity, reflects a man who never lost sight of his core values.
In the 1990s, as his reputation gradually recovered and Reagan-mania receded into history, Carter’s work began to be appreciated anew. His relentless focus on peace, human rights, and humanitarian efforts began to overshadow the struggles of his presidency, reminding people that leadership isn’t only about the time spent in office.
A Presidency That Mattered More Than We Thought
It’s easy to dismiss Carter’s presidency as a failure, given his electoral defeat and the crises that marred his time in office—particularly the Iran hostage crisis, which played a significant role in his loss to Reagan. Yet, in hindsight, Carter’s presidency carried more weight than many gave it credit for at the time.
Jonathan Alter’s biography His Very Best: Jimmy Carter – A Life makes a compelling case that Carter’s presidency was more consequential than it initially seemed. Carter was the first president to make environmentalism a national priority, speaking about issues like climate change long before they entered mainstream discourse. He also championed human rights, both at home and abroad, laying the groundwork for subsequent administrations to build upon.
Carter’s efforts to end nuclear proliferation, for example, were crucial, and Reagan would later follow up on these initiatives. He pushed for greater diversity and equality in government, laying the foundation for the more inclusive political landscape we see today. And while his management style—often criticized as micromanagement—didn’t serve him well in the Oval Office, it reflected a deep desire to solve problems thoroughly and thoughtfully.
Yet, Carter struggled to connect with the American public during a time of economic difficulty and international turmoil. His pragmatic approach often seemed small when compared to the sweeping, optimistic rhetoric of Ronald Reagan, a man whose background in Hollywood made him a natural communicator. Reagan’s sunny disposition and promise to restore American greatness resonated with voters, while Carter’s more sober tone left many feeling demoralized.
A Different Kind of President
In many ways, Carter was the last of his kind. He represented a shift away from the tough, cynical politics of Nixon and Johnson, offering a vision of governance rooted in kindness and moral conviction. His famous grin symbolized a president who believed in the inherent goodness of the American people.
Of course, Carter wasn’t a perfect leader. He could be abrupt and overly pious, and his presidency was marred by crises that he struggled to resolve. But unlike many politicians, Carter’s ego seemed less driven by personal ambition or a desire for power. Instead, it stemmed from a deep-rooted faith and a sincere belief in the possibility of a better world.
This isn’t to say Carter succeeded in all his goals. He didn’t. But he remained steadfast in his belief that kindness, hard work, and faith could make the world a better place—a message that feels increasingly rare in today’s political climate.
A Legacy of Kindness and Service
Jimmy Carter may not have been America’s most celebrated president, but he embodied values that have become all too rare in today’s political landscape. In an era marked by division and cynicism, Carter’s commitment to service and humility stands as a reminder of a different kind of leadership.
As Alter writes, “Today almost every politician wants to be seen as an outsider. Carter was the real thing.” His legacy, shaped by a long post-presidency that saw him work tirelessly for humanitarian causes, stands as a testament to the enduring power of decency in public life.
As Carter turns 100, it’s worth remembering that while his time in office may not have been the most glamorous, his life’s work has made the world a better place in countless ways. In an age where many politicians seem more concerned with fame and power, Jimmy Carter’s long, quiet dedication to service may be his most lasting legacy.
