Jimmy Carter’s Second Act

I will always remember Jimmy Carter as a supremely decent human being who pulled off one of the greatest second acts in history.

When Jimmy Carter left office in January 1981, his approval rating was 34%, which reflected widespread dissatisfaction with a presidency marked by economic challenges such as high inflation and unemployment, the Iran Hostage Crisis, and perceptions of ineffective leadership despite notable achievements like the Camp David Accords.

He could have retreated into a life of ease. But he was not done with public service. After leaving the presidency, he embarked on a remarkable post-presidential career that redefined the role of former U.S. presidents. His accomplishments included:

✔️Founding the Carter Center, which promoted a global leader idemocracy, human rights, and health.

✔️With his wife, Rosalynn, being deeply involved with Habitat for Humanity, through which the Carters helped to build or repair thousands of homes for people in need across the globe.

✔️Playing a key role as a diplomat to mediate and negotiate numerous international disputes.

✔️ Advocating for peaceful solutions to conflicts, including those in the Middle East. (I loved his insightful 1985 book about the Middle East, The Blood of Abraham.)

The Carter Center was perhaps his most celebrated post-presidential accomplishment. iIts key initiatives have included monitoring more than 100 elections worldwide to ensure fairness and transparency; working to eradicate diseases such as Guinea worm, which has been reduced from millions of cases to near elimination, as well as combating river blindness and other neglected tropical diseases; and mediating international conflicts and promoting peace.

In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to advance peace, democracy, and human rights through the Carter Center. What an incredible culimation of a journey marked by compassion and dedication to improving the world.

Whenever you feel like you have been kocked to the pavement, remember what Jimmy Carter accomplished after losing the 1980 presidential election. An incredible inspiration.