Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter at their home in Plains, Georgia (Martin Schoeller/People)

UPDATE, JAN 10:

I spoke with Times Radio’s Henry Bonsu on Thursday night, following memorial services in Washington and in Plains, Georgia for President Jimmy Carter.

Listen to Discussion from 1:14.46

I discuss Carter’s record in office but, more importantly, I consider a man who did so much more as an exemplar of decency and public service.

I draw inspiration from an eulogy written by the late President Gerald Ford, read by his son Stephen: “Honesty was not an aspiration for Jimmy Carter. It was part of his soul.”

I add:

He was decent. He was tolerant. When he spoke with people, he spoke respectfully. And he listened to them respectfully.

My grandmother used to say, “Don’t talk ugly.” And while Carter might criticize policies, he never insulted someone.

We need more Jimmy Carters in 2025.

ORIGINAL ENTRY, DEC 31: I joined BBC outlets on Monday to evaluate the life and legacy of US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100.

Through personal reflection and political analysis, I consider the “essential decency” of a man whose notable achievements as President were overshadowed by economic problems at home and crises abroad.

And I summarize the following 40+ years of Carter’s public service, from the promotion of human rights to the building of communities to his example of respect and tolerance in politics, society, and life.

Listen to BBC Radio 2 from 6:01

I chat with Tina Daheley about Carter’s background in Plains, Georgia, including his upbringing by his mother Lillian, and his military career set his path for civil rights: “You judged a person not by skin color but through tolerance, respect, and decency.”

I summarize the Presidential achievements, and how they were eclipsed by inflation and the Iran hostage crisis, and his post-Presidential contributions at home and throughout the world.

What can politicians learn from him?

Be decent. Be respectful. Try to bring out the best in your communities.

Don’t go on Twitter and fire off tweets. Don’t insult your opponents. Don’t try to overturn elections. Don’t encourage your followers to storm buildings like the US Capitol.

I close with Carter’s own words from 2022: “I now fear that what we have fought for so hard to achieve globally — the right to free, fair elections, unhindered by strongman politicians who seek nothing more than to grow their own power — has become dangerously fragile at home.”

Listen to BBC Radio Scotland from 1:37.30

I begin with the words of Carter’s Vice President Walter Mondale as they left office in 1981: “We told the truth, we obeyed the law, and we kept the peace.” To which Carter added, “And we upheld human rights.”

I look at the Camp David peace agreement between Egypt and Israel in 1979, and the possibility that it still offers amid the “ongoing discord and wars” in the Middle East.

I examine how foreign affairs doomed Carter to being a one-term President.

And I look back at why Carter and his wife Rosalynn enter politics: “Not to be a headline politician but to make communities better.”

Listen to BBC 5 Live from 1:09.46

I speak with Rick Edwards about the “humanity” of Carter and his devotion to family.

He was a modest man. He wasn’t flamboyant. He spoke to you with respect, and he listened to you with respect.

He was decent and that’s a value I think we need more of today.