James Earl “Jimmy” Carter, Jr. (1924 – )
Jimmy Carter, portrait at the National Portrait Gallery by Robert Clark Templeton
The 39th President of the United States, 1977 – 1981
AKA: Jimmy, The Peanut Famer
From: Georgia
College: Georgia Southwestern College, Georgia Institute of Technology, US Naval Academy
Married to: Rosalynn Smith
Children: Jack, James, Donnel, Amy
Party: Democratic
Previous Jobs: Peanut farmer, US Navy officer, state senator, Governor of Georgia
In His Words: “At the end of a long campaign, I believe I know the people of our state as well as anyone. Based on this knowledge of Georgians North and South, Rural and Urban, liberal and conservative, I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over.”
“We should live our lives as though Christ were coming this afternoon.”
“I’ve looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. God knows I will do this and forgives me.”
“I never felt that my dedication to military service was a violation of my faith in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.”
“Let us learn together and laugh together and work together and pray together, confident that in the end we will triumph together in the right.”
“We are a purely idealistic Nation, but let no one confuse our idealism with weakness.”
“Penalties against drug use should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself. Nowhere is this more clear than in the laws against the possession of marijuana in private for personal use.”
“We are completely in bed with the Israelis to the detriment of the well-being of the Palestinians.”
“I can’t deny I’m a better ex-president than I was a president.”
Not true: In 1994, President Clinton and North Korea escalated tensions when North Korean President Kim Il-sung threatened to process spent nuclear fuel. Clinton then secretly recruited Carter to go on a “private” peace mission to North Korea to allow them a graceful exit without losing face.
Carter did indeed come to an understanding with President Kim Il-sung … but then went even farther. Without authorization, he negotiated a treaty and announced it on CNN – without Clinton’s permission – to help force the President’s hand. Eventually, a version of the treaty was signed and tensions did in fact decrease.
Until North Korea broke the treaty in reaction to a dispute with President George W Bush’s administration and the North Korean government of President Kim Jong-il.
It is true that Carter exceeded his “secret” authority, and whether or not the treaty was ultimately successful depends on your perspective. Bush administration officials, after North Korea discarded the agreement, stated they never intended to follow it. Carter felt the problem was with the Bush administration. In the end, however, the agreement was broken and North Korea remains unrepentant to this day.
True: Jimmy Carter is the first President born in a hospital.
In high school, Carter was a member of the Future Farmers of America.
In response to the 1979 USSR invasion of Afghanistan, Carter decided to boycott the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Amy Carter, who grew up while her Dad was President, had a tree house on the South Grounds of the White House. Sometimes she watched special ceremonies from there.
Carter is one of only 4 Presidents that did not have an opportunity to nominate a US Supreme Court Justice.
Carter is the only President to receive the Nobel Peace Prize after leaving office.
The Official Portrait: Herbert E Abrams painted this 1982 portrait of Jimmy Carter that’s in the White House collection. It was a gift to the White House from an anonymous donor. Abrams also painted the official White House portrait of George H. W. Bush.
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