Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. President, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 30, 2024, is remembered not only for his significant foreign policy achievements but also for his profound impact on American politics, particularly regarding the religious right. According to Dr. Alex McFarland from Fox News, Carter's genuine character and Christian faith introduced the concept of being 'born again' into the political arena, which resonated with many Americans and laid the groundwork for the rise of evangelical influence in politics [066ff1a5].
Carter's presidency (1977-1981) faced numerous economic challenges, including high mortgage rates and the Iranian hostage crisis, which plagued his administration and contributed to a perception of ineffectiveness. Despite these challenges, his leadership style and commitment to service garnered him a loyal following, contrasting sharply with contemporary leaders like President Biden [066ff1a5].
In addition to his political endeavors, Carter's post-presidency work with Habitat for Humanity has left a lasting legacy, showcasing his dedication to humanitarian efforts and community service. This aspect of his life has contributed to a more favorable view of his presidency among certain demographics, particularly those who value social justice and community engagement [066ff1a5].
Carter's role in normalizing U.S.-China relations in 1979 was a pivotal moment in his presidency, reshaping the global economic and political landscape. Libby Hogan from ABC News noted that this move marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, transitioning from viewing China as an adversary to establishing diplomatic ties, which has had lasting implications for international relations [d1a2c215].
His administration's approach to human rights, while commendable, was not without criticism. Carter's idealistic stance sometimes led to overlooking significant human rights abuses in China, a decision that continues to influence U.S. foreign policy discussions today [d1a2c215].
Reflecting on Carter's contributions, biographer Jonathan Alter described him as a 'peacemaker' and an 'underrated American president.' While some critics argue that his approach to communism lacked nuance, the impact of his foreign policy decisions continues to resonate in today's geopolitical climate [d1a2c215].
Carter's economic legacy presents a more complex picture. Christopher Simmonds from The American Prospect notes that Carter abandoned New Deal liberalism for market-oriented policies, marking a significant shift in the Democratic Party's economic philosophy. His presidency came amid national trauma from the Vietnam War and Watergate, and he secured nearly 60% of blue-collar workers' votes in the 1976 election [2fe4597f].
Faced with stagflation and economic challenges, Carter delivered his 'Crisis of Confidence' speech on July 15, 1979, addressing the nation's economic woes as inflation soared to double digits following the Iranian revolution. He appointed Paul Volcker as Federal Reserve chair, a move that would have long-term implications for U.S. monetary policy [2fe4597f].
Carter's policies, including the decontrol of oil prices and attempts to reconcile with labor through the National Accord in September 1979, faced significant backlash. By March 1980, inflation peaked at 18%, and the GDP dropped by 9.6% in the second quarter of that year. Critics argue that these economic policies laid the groundwork for neoliberalism, contributing to economic inequality and weakened labor movements in the years that followed [2fe4597f].
As discussions about Carter's legacy unfold, it is evident that his diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian efforts have left an indelible mark on both American society and global politics, making him a significant figure in U.S. history [d1a2c215][2fe4597f][066ff1a5].