October 1, 2023
I remember the Summer of 1976, America’s Bicentennial year. The Viet Nam War had ended at long last, Nixon was gone for good, and a flotilla of Tall Ships from all over the World gathered in New York Harbor. Jimmy Carter was nominated for President at Madison Square Garden in NYC that Summer. He wasn’t too well known outside the South, where he’d served as Georgia’s Governor. The thing that struck me at the time was his association with one of Rock’s biggest bands at the time, The Allman Brothers. The thought that somebody who was into Rock and Roll could soon be President blew my mind.
A few years ago I visited Plains, Georgia, Carter’s hometown. I was surprised to hear that he was still teaching Sunday School and going for lunch at the Buffalo Cafe, his favorite diner (he likes their chicken and dumplings, staff said). Inside the old Carter peanut warehouse I noticed a simple book stand with copies of some of the books he’s written.
Most Americans are at least somewhat aware of his post-Presidency project Habitat for Humanity. He, along with teams of volunteers, build homes for families that need one and give them away for free.
Jimmy Carter, Sunday School Teacher
When Iranian Revolutionaries seized the American Embassy and took hostages Carter resisted the reflexive urge to react forcefully because it would have almost certainly cost the hostages their lives. But he was under enormous pressure to do something, what with ABC Nightline opening every night for over a year with “It’s day xxx of the Iran Hostage Crisis!” He finally authorized a nighttime commando raid that went sideways when our choppers sucked up so much Iranian sand that they couldn’t take off. The raid was a complete bust and he never lived it down. He lost to Ronald Reagan in a landslide a couple of months later.
Jimmy Carter turns 99 today. God Bless him.
In the year 2023, when one of the two leading candidates for President is facing criminal charges, it’s hard to believe that the big knock on candidate Carter in ’76 was that his smile was too big. He divested his family’s peanut warehouse to avoid even the appearance of any conflict. Today, a Supreme Court Justice accepts luxurious gifts from a billionaire with cases before him and insists there’s nothing wrong with that. The candidate facing criminal charges appointed the judge in his case.
Jimmy Carter’s childhood home in Plains, GA
You can wish Jimmy Carter a Happy Birthday and be part of an online photo mosaic that the Carter Center is creating to celebrate his 99th Birthday. Just click here and follow the instructions to add a message and or an image to the birthday mosaic:
“It’s simple! Click the SEND A MESSAGE button below to share your birthday greetings, memories, and messages of love with the former president. Add a favorite photo, whether it’s a personal memory or a snapshot from a historical moment. Or share an appropriate photo/video of yourself, a favorite place, quote, or piece of original art.
“Together, let’s create a mosaic of images that reflect his incredible life and legacy — and celebrate his 99 years. We can’t wait to see your contributions!”