Staff Reports
Vice President Kamala Harris and other congressional figures gathered with an air of solemnity as the remains of Jimmy Carter arrived at the Capitol this Tuesday evening. The former president, who passed away at the ripe age of 100, will rest in state until his funeral Thursday morning—a gesture reserved for those who occupy the highest echelons of government and military service. It’s a bittersweet event that comes with a cornucopia of reflections on a man whose legacy is as complicated as it was titanic.
Carter, often lauded for living the longest life of any deceased former president, faced health challenges late in life, including liver cancer. While some would hastily label him as a visionary leader, it’s worth noting that his presidency was punctuated by challenges that a lot of Americans would be quick to remember—think energy crises and a hostage situation in Iran. His post-presidential journey, however, has been characterized by humanitarian efforts through the Carter Center he started in 1992. This would be the hallmark of his legacy, as he shifted from political life to global peace-making and habitat building.
Former President Jimmy Carter is now lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda. Congressional leaders laid wreaths during a ceremony honoring Carter and recalled the 39th president’s unlikely ascent from small-town Georgia to the leader of the free world. pic.twitter.com/LHi1jmgIPz
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) January 7, 2025
Ms. Harris attempted to paint Carter’s vision for the future with broad strokes, hinting at a legacy that would supposedly resonate through generations. Coming from a party that often seems out of touch with reality, this optimistic narrative may sound great on paper, but the reality is many Americans likely view his presidency with a mild chuckle, if not outright disbelief.
Aiming to balance the historical narrative, GOP leaders Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson took their turns extolling Carter’s post-presidential work. They were keen to highlight his dedication to Habitat for Humanity, where Carter famously rolled up his sleeves to build houses. In a joyous twist, they reminded attendees that the former president didn’t just offer his name for a charity event and then move along to the next gala; he got down in the dirt—literally. This level of humility is a delightful contrast to the high-flying antics of many modern politicians who wouldn’t dare lift a finger for anything less glamorous than photo ops.
The ceremony didn’t shy away from acknowledging the bipartisan nature of the gathering, with even Senate and House Democrats, including Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, participating in the eulogizing. They were seen presenting wreaths alongside their Republican counterparts, which added a unique flair to the occasion—like mixing oil with water and hoping for a miracle. And let’s not forget the Lincoln catafalque—crafted in 1865 for our 16th president—that underscores the gravity of the moment. It’s a reminder that both greatness and tumult come with the territory when leading this nation.
Lastly, the public will have the opportunity to bid farewell as Carter lies in state, a ceremony that is part nostalgia and part reflection on a life spent in politics and service. Carter might have successfully transitioned from the White House to a life of humanitarian work, but many will always remember him more for his political missteps than his post-presidential efforts. As the nation prepares for another round of reflections, it begs the question: will the lessons from Jimmy Carter’s presidency be remembered with a wink, a nod, or an outright guffaw?
