Republicans and Democrats put aside differences to remember Jimmy Carter’s legacy

The social network X (formerly Twitter) became a platform for tributes to former U.S. president Jimmy Carter on Sunday, with both Democrats and Republicans — especially those from his home state of Georgia — offering praise for his legacy. Less than a month before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, the official mourning period, which will last 30 days, will see the American flag flown at half-mast on January 20, when the Republican officially assumes the presidency, in accordance with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ guidelines following the death of a former president. Public funerals will be held in Atlanta and Washington.

President Joe Biden said the U.S. had lost “an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.” “Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well,” he said in a statement, adding that he will order a state funeral to be held in Washington.

Two reactions from across the political spectrum were eagerly awaited: that of Vice President Kamala Harris and President-elect Trump. On his 100th birthday, Carter had expressed hope to live long enough to vote for Harris. On that same day, Trump mocked Carter at a rally.

Yet, on Sunday, Trump was forced to acknowledge Carter’s legacy. In a message on his social network, Truth Social, Trump wrote: “I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have 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 continued: “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,”

Trump’s post, however, does little to erase his earlier mocking comments on October 1. During a campaign rally in Wisconsin, which coincided with Carter’s 100th birthday, Trump called Biden “the worst president,” and joked Carter was “the happiest man” because he “is considered a brilliant president by comparison.”

Trump’s second-in-command, J.D. Vance, took a more somber approach. “Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones,” he said in a statement.

Former president George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush offered warmer condolences than Trump and Vance. In a statement, they described Carter as “a man of deeply held convictions,” adding: “He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency.”

Former vice president Mike Pence, who served under Trump, also went beyond the usual message of condolences, calling Carter a “truly good and great man,” citing his service in the United States Navy, as well as his time as governor and president. “Jimmy Carter lived out his Christian faith and values with integrity and devotion. His work on humanitarian causes at home and abroad impacted the lives of millions and will inspire generations,” he wrote in a message on X.

Former president Bill Clinton, a Democrat, issued a statement noting that Carter “worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.” Clinton emphasized Carter’s work on civil rights, environmental protection, the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, and the return of the Panama Canal to Panama. “Guided by his faith, president Carter lived to serve others — until the very end,” the statement read.

Mitch McConnell, the current Senate Minority Leader and a traditional Republican (predating the rise of Trump and the MAGA movement), said in a statement: “Jimmy Carter’s character and commitment, just like his crops, were fruits of all-American soil. After every season when life led him to lofty service far from home, he came back home again, determined to plow his unique experiences and influence into helping others.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat, expressed his gratitude for Carter’s legacy and leadership. “He was a great man, a great role model, and a great humanitarian. May President Carter forever rest in peace,” he posted in a message on X.

Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff — who is from the state of Georgia like Carter — said: “Georgia and the United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter.”

Georgia Republicans were also quick to share their condolences on social media, praising Carter’s legacy of public service and humanitarian work. “If we all strived to live half the life of service to the Lord and to our fellow man as Jimmy Carter did, the world would be a much better place,” said Richard McCormick, who represents Georgia’s 6th Congressional District.

Josh McKoon, chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, issued a statement praising Carter as “a man whose dedication to public service and humanitarian efforts left an indelible mark on our nation and the world.” The politician said that although he may have different political beliefs to Carter, “his legacy will continue to inspire future generations to serve others and strive for a better world.”

Many Arab observers, including historian Assal Rad, recalled Carter’s candid stance on Palestine. Several shared a clip of his 2007 remarks on social media, in which he compared the segregation Palestinians experience to South African apartheid. “The word apartheid is exactly accurate,” he told journalist Amy Goodman. “Within Palestinian territory, they are absolutely and totally separated, much worse than they were in South Africa [...] Israelis completely dominate the life of the Palestinian people.” He added: “Americans don’t want to know [...] And there are powerful political forces in America that prevent any objective analysis of the problem in the holy land.”

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