President Joe Biden and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton paid tribute to former President Jimmy Carter on Sunday following the latter’s passing at 100.
Biden praised Carter, whose presidency was marked by turmoil both on foreign and domestic fronts, as an “extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.”
Biden said of his “dear friend”:
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. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.
He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.
Obama said that Carter had the “most impactful post-presidency in American history,” pointing to his work with Habitat for Humanity.
He said that Carter’s “decency” was his best trait, and that his truth telling and character were the reasons that he did not win re-election when he was blown out by Ronald Reagan.
Clinton released a joint statement with his wife, twice-failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, in which he gave thanks for Carter’s “good life.”
“President Carter lived to serve others-until the very end,” Clinton said, before highlighting some of Carter’s accomplishments.
“Hillary and I met President Carter in 1975 and were proud, early supporters of his Presidential campaign,” he said. “I will always be proud to have presented the Medal of Freedom to him and Rosalynn in 1999, and to have worked with him in the years after he left the White House. Our prayers are with Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and their families.”
