"A man of great character": All 5 living presidents pay tribute to Jimmy Carter
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From left to right: Former President Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, President Biden, former President Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter attend the state funeral for former President George H.W. Bush in Washington, D.C., in 2018. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
President Biden, President-elect Trump and former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were among those leaving tributes on Sunday to former President Jimmy Carter, who died at age 100.
The big picture: Biden and first lady Jill Biden said they had the honor of calling Carter a "dear friend" for over six decades and remembered him as "a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism."
- "With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us," Biden said in the statement.
- "He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe."
- Biden remembered at a briefing later Sunday how the late president and his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, were there for him when his son Beau Biden died. "Jimmy Carter is an example of ... simple decency, simple decency," he said.
Zoom in: Biden, then a Delaware senator, gave Carter his first endorsement for president in 1976 and the two built a lasting friendship. Biden visited the Carters in their Plains, Georgia, home in 2021 as the former president was unable to attend Biden's inauguration.
What they're saying:
Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement that Carter's life was "a testament to the power of service" — as a lieutenant in the Navy, the 76th governor of Georgia, and the 39th U.S. president.
- "He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion," said Harris, the last presidential candidate Carter voted for after his son revealed that the former president was hoping to live long enough to vote for the VP.
- "I will always remember his kindness, wisdom, and profound grace. His life and legacy continue to inspire me — and will inspire generations to come. Our world is a better place because of President Carter."
Obama on X called Carter "a remarkable man," who "taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service."
Trump wrote on Truth Social that those who've "been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History."
- He added: "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude."
Clinton and ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a joint statement remembered Carter for his commitment to civil rights and for living to "serve others — until the end."
- Bush and former first lady Laura Bush said in a statement that Carter was "a man of deeply held convictions," who "was loyal to his family, his community, and his country" and "dignified the office" of president of the U.S.
- "And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn't end with the presidency," they said. "His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations."
What's next: Biden directed that Jan. 9 be a national day of mourning for Carter and U.S. flags will fly at half-staff on all federal buildings, grounds and naval vessels, per a Sunday night White House statement.
- Biden said in his earlier statement that he will order a full state funeral for Carter, though no additional information was immediately announced.
More from Axios:
- Jimmy Carter's life in photos
- 10 memorable Jimmy Carter quotes
- How Jimmy Carter and Joe Biden built an enduring friendship
Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from the White House, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and former Presidents Obama and George W. Bush.
