Biden Honors Carter’s Legacy of Character, Service, and Leadership/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden delivered a heartfelt eulogy at Jimmy Carter’s state funeral, praising his enduring character and leadership. Biden reflected on Carter’s achievements, from advancing civil rights to eradicating Guinea worm disease. Friends and family, including Carter’s grandson and Gerald Ford’s son, celebrated his remarkable life and legacy of service.
Jimmy Carter’s Legacy: Quick Looks
- Biden’s Tribute: Praised Carter’s “enduring attribute: character, character, character.”
- Grandson’s Reflections: Highlighted Carter’s role in eradicating Guinea worm disease.
- Eizenstat’s Defense: Affirmed Carter’s impactful presidency, including energy reform and civil rights.
- Ford’s Eulogy: Gerald Ford’s son honored the friendship between Carter and his father.
- Lasting Impact: Carter’s work as a statesman and humanitarian reshaped global health and diplomacy.
Biden Honors Carter’s Legacy of Character, Service, and Leadership
Deep Look
Biden’s Eulogy: A Life Shaped by Character
President Joe Biden opened his eulogy by reflecting on his early endorsement of Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign. He praised Carter’s “enduring attribute: character, character, character,” noting its role as a cornerstone of Carter’s life and legacy.
“Character, I believe, is destiny,” Biden said. “It’s the accumulation of a million acts of decency that build a good life and a decent country.”
Biden credited Carter with teaching him that strength of character transcends titles and power, rooted instead in dignity, respect, and fairness. He recalled his final visit to the Carters in Plains, Georgia, cherishing Carter’s sense of peace and purpose, driven by faith, hope, and love.
Grandson Jason Carter: A Global Impact on Health
Jason Carter, the former president’s grandson, spoke about Carter’s commitment to eradicating Guinea worm disease. Once affecting millions annually, the disease now sees only a handful of cases each year.
Jason noted how Carter’s work was achieved through grassroots efforts: “What’s left behind in those tiny villages is an army of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carters, who have demonstrated their own power to change their world.”
Stuart Eizenstat: Redeeming Carter’s Presidency
Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s former domestic affairs adviser, defended Carter’s often-underrated presidency. Eizenstat highlighted Carter’s civil rights leadership, including appointing people of color to high-ranking positions and advancing environmental protections.
He may not be a candidate for Mount Rushmore, but he belongs in the foothills of making the U.S. stronger and the world safer,” Eizenstat concluded.
Steven Ford: A Friendship Beyond Politics
Steven Ford, son of President Gerald Ford, delivered a eulogy written as though his father were speaking. He recounted the unlikely friendship between Carter and his father, rivals in the 1976 election, comparing it to the bond shared by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
Ford recalled his father’s words: “According to a map, it’s a long way between Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Plains, Georgia, but distances vanish when measured in values rather than miles.”
Carter’s Lasting Legacy
Jimmy Carter’s legacy as a humanitarian and statesman was a recurring theme throughout the funeral. From his leadership on civil rights and energy reform to his work eradicating diseases and advocating for global peace, Carter’s life exemplified the power of character-driven service.
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