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{{Short description|President of the United States from 1977 to 1981}}
{{Redirect|James Earl Carter|his father|James Earl Carter Sr.||Jimmy Carter (disambiguation)}}
{{Good article}}
{{Pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{Pp-move}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = Jimmy Carter
| image               = JimmyCarterPortrait2.jpg
| alt                 = Portrait of Jimmy Carter in a dark blue suit
| caption             = Official portrait, 1978
| order               = 39th
| office              = President of the United States
| vicepresident       = [[Walter Mondale]]
| term_start          = January 20, 1977
| term_end            = January 20, 1981
| predecessor         = [[Gerald Ford]]
| successor           = [[Ronald Reagan]]
| order1              = 76th
| office1             = Governor of Georgia
| term_start1         = January 12, 1971
| term_end1           = January 14, 1975
| predecessor1        = [[Lester Maddox]]
| successor1          = [[George Busbee]]
| lieutenant1         = Lester Maddox
| state_senate2       = Georgia State
| district2           = [[Georgia's 14th Senate district|14th]]
| term_start2         = January 14, 1963
| term_end2           = January 9, 1967
| predecessor2        = ''District established''
| successor2          = [[Hugh Carter]]
| birth_name          = James Earl Carter Jr.
| birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|1924|10|01}}
| birth_place         = [[Plains, Georgia]], U.S.
| death_date          = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|1924|10|01}} -->
| death_place         = <!-- Plains, Georgia, U.S. -->
| resting_place       = <!-- [[209 Woodland Drive]], Plains -->
| party               = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| spouse              = {{marriage|[[Rosalynn Carter|Rosalynn Smith]]|July 7, 1946|November 19, 2023|end=died}}
| children            = 4, including [[Jack Carter (politician)|Jack]] and [[Amy Carter|Amy]]
| parents             = {{plainlist|
* [[James Earl Carter Sr.]]
* [[Lillian Gordy Carter|Bessie Lillian Gordy]]
}}
| relatives           = [[List of United States political families (<span class="ltr">C</span>)#The Carters of Georgia|Carter family]]
| education           = [[United States Naval Academy]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]])
| awards              = [[List of awards and honors received by Jimmy Carter|Full list]]
| signature           = Jimmy Carter Signature-2.svg
| signature_alt       = Cursive signature in ink
| branch              = [[United States Navy]]<!--No flags per MOS:INFOBOXFLAG-->
| serviceyears        = {{plainlist|
* 1946–1953 (active)
* 1953–1961 (reserve)
}}
| rank                = [[Lieutenant (navy)|Lieutenant]]<!--No icons per MOS:INFOBOXFLAG-->
| mawards             = {{plainlist|
* [[American Campaign Medal]]
* [[World War II Victory Medal]]
* [[China Service Medal]]
* [[National Defense Service Medal]]
}}
| module              = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Jimmy Carter speaks on the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.ogg|title=Jimmy Carter's voice|type=speech|description=Carter speaks on the [[Soviet invasion of Afghanistan]].<br />Recorded January 4, 1980}}
}}
'''James Earl Carter Jr.''' (born October 1, 1924<!-- DO NOT report Carter's death without reliable source. -->) is an American politician and humanitarian who served as the 39th [[president of the United States]] from 1977 to 1981. A member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]], Carter was the 76th [[governor of Georgia]] from 1971 to 1975, and a [[Georgia State Senate|Georgia state senator]] from 1963 to 1967. At age 99, he is both the oldest living former U.S. president and the [[List of presidents of the United States by age|longest-lived president in U.S. history]]. 

Carter was born and raised in [[Plains, Georgia]]. He graduated from the [[U.S. Naval Academy]] in 1946 and joined the [[U.S. Navy]]'s submarine service. Carter returned home after his military service and revived his family's peanut-growing business. Opposing [[Racial segregation in the United States|racial segregation]], Carter supported the growing [[civil rights movement]], and became an activist within the Democratic Party. He served in the Georgia State Senate from 1963 to 1967 and then as governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. As a [[dark-horse]] candidate not well known outside of Georgia, Carter won [[1976 Democratic Party presidential primaries|the Democratic nomination]] and narrowly defeated the incumbent [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] president [[Gerald Ford]] in the [[1976 United States presidential election|1976 presidential election]].

Carter [[Proclamation 4483|pardoned all Vietnam War draft evaders]] on his second day in office. He created a national energy policy that included conservation, price control, and new technology. Carter successfully pursued the [[Camp David Accords]], the [[Panama Canal Treaties]], and the second round of [[Strategic Arms Limitation Talks]]. He also confronted [[stagflation]]. His administration established the [[U.S. Department of Energy]] and the [[United States Department of Education|Department of Education]]. The end of his presidency was marked by the [[Iran hostage crisis]], [[1979 oil crisis|an energy crisis]], the [[Three Mile Island accident]], the [[Nicaraguan Revolution]], and the [[Soviet invasion of Afghanistan]]. In response to the invasion, Carter escalated the Cold War by ending ''[[détente]]'', imposing [[United States grain embargo against the Soviet Union|a grain embargo against the Soviets]], enunciating the [[Carter Doctrine]], and leading the [[1980 Summer Olympics boycott|multinational boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow]]. He lost the [[1980 United States presidential election|1980 presidential election]] in a landslide to [[Ronald Reagan]], the Republican nominee.

After leaving the presidency, Carter established the [[Carter Center]] to promote and expand human rights; in 2002 he received a [[Nobel Peace Prize]] for his work related to it. He traveled extensively to conduct peace negotiations, monitor elections, and further the eradication of infectious diseases. Carter is a key figure in the nonprofit housing organization [[Habitat for Humanity]]. He has also written [[Bibliography of Jimmy Carter|numerous books]], ranging from political memoirs to poetry, while continuing to comment on global affairs, including two books on the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]], in which he criticizes Israel's treatment of Palestinians [[Israel and apartheid|as apartheid]]. Polls of historians and political scientists generally [[Historical rankings of presidents of the United States|rank Carter]] as a below-average president, although both scholars and the public view [[Post-presidency of Jimmy Carter|his post-presidential activities]] more favorably. At 43 years, Carter's post-presidency is the longest in U.S. history.

== Early life ==
[[File:17 02 111 carter.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|alt=A rural storehouse with a small windmill next to it|The Carter family store, part of [[Jimmy Carter National Historic Site|Carter's Boyhood Farm]], in [[Plains, Georgia]]]]

James Earl Carter Jr. was born October 1, 1924, in [[Plains, Georgia]], at the [[Wise Sanitarium]], where his mother worked as a registered nurse.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Godbold |first=E. Stanly Jr. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/670228851?oclcNum=670228851 |title=Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter: The Georgia Years, 1924-1974 |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2010 |isbn=9780199779628 |pages=9 |access-date=February 18, 2023 |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219095331/https://www.worldcat.org/title/670228851?oclcNum=670228851 |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter thus became the first American president born in a hospital.<ref name="bourne-11-32" /> He is the eldest child of [[Lillian Gordy Carter|Bessie Lillian Gordy]] and [[James Earl Carter Sr.]],<ref name="Kaufman-2013">{{Cite book |last1=Kaufman |first1=Diane |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/834614686 |title=Historical dictionary of the Carter era |last2=Kaufman |first2=Scott |date=2013 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-0-8108-7968-3 |location=Lanham |pages= |oclc=834614686 |access-date=February 18, 2023 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207103941/https://search.worldcat.org/title/834614686 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Rp|page=70}} and a descendant of English immigrant Thomas Carter, who settled in the [[Colony of Virginia]] in 1635.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Carter |first=Jeff |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/802261814 |title=Ancestors of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter |date=2012 |publisher=McFarland & Co |isbn=978-0-7864-8954-1 |location=Jefferson, N.C. |pages=10 |oclc=802261814 |access-date=February 18, 2023 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207103938/https://search.worldcat.org/title/802261814 |url-status=live}}</ref> Numerous generations of Carters lived as cotton farmers in Georgia.<ref>Bourne, p. 9.</ref> Plains was a [[boomtown]] of 600 people at the time of Carter's birth. His father was a successful local businessman, who ran a [[general store]] and was an investor in farmland.<ref name="bourne-114">Bourne, p. 114.</ref> Carter's father had previously served as a reserve second lieutenant in the [[U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps]] during [[World War I]].<ref name="bourne-114" />

During Carter's infancy, his family moved several times,<ref name="bourne-11-32">Bourne, pp. 11–32.</ref> settling on a dirt road in nearby [[Archery, Georgia|Archery]], which was almost entirely populated by impoverished [[African Americans|African American]] families.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Biven |first=W. Carl |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/53876246 |title=Jimmy Carter's economy: policy in an age of limits |date=2002 |publisher=University of North Carolina Press |isbn=0-8078-6124-3 |location=Chapel Hill |pages=57 |oclc=53876246 |access-date=February 18, 2023 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207103910/https://search.worldcat.org/title/53876246 |url-status=live}}</ref> His family eventually had three more children: [[Gloria Carter Spann|Gloria]], [[Ruth Carter Stapleton|Ruth]], and [[Billy Carter|Billy]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flippen |first=J. Brooks |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/724088293 |title=Jimmy Carter, the politics of family, and the rise of the religious right |date=2011 |publisher=University of Georgia Press |isbn=978-0-8203-3955-9 |location=Athens |pages=25 |oclc=724088293 |access-date=February 18, 2023 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207103942/https://search.worldcat.org/title/724088293 |url-status=live}}</ref> He got along well with his parents. His mother was often absent during his childhood, working long hours. Although his father was staunchly [[Racial segregation in the United States|pro-segregation]], he allowed Jimmy to befriend the black farmhands' children.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Newton |first=David E. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/945976409 |title=The global water crisis: a reference handbook |date=2016 |isbn=978-1-4408-3981-8 |location=Santa Barbara, California |pages=172 |oclc=945976409 |access-date=February 18, 2023 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207103946/https://search.worldcat.org/title/945976409 |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter was an enterprising teenager who was given his own acre of Earl's farmland, where he grew, packaged, and sold peanuts.<ref name="Hamilton-2005">{{Cite book |last=Hamilton |first=Neil A. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/234178908 |title=Presidents: a biographical dictionary |date=2005 |publisher=Facts On File |isbn=978-1-4381-0816-2 |edition=2 |location=New York |pages=334 |oclc=234178908 |access-date=February 18, 2023 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207103820/https://search.worldcat.org/title/234178908 |url-status=live}}</ref> He also rented out a section of tenant housing that he had purchased.<ref name="bourne-11-32" />

=== Education ===
Carter attended Plains High School from 1937 to 1941, graduating from the eleventh grade, since the school did not have a twelfth grade.<ref>{{cite web |title=Plains High School |url=https://www.nps.gov/places/plains-high-school.htm |access-date=July 17, 2022 |publisher=[[National Park Service]] |archive-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717143320/https://www.nps.gov/places/plains-high-school.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> By that time, Archery and Plains had been impoverished by the [[Great Depression in the United States|Great Depression]], but the family benefited from [[New Deal]] farming subsidies, and Carter's father took a position as a community leader.<ref name="Hamilton-2005" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Hayward |first=Steven F. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/836407503 |title=The Real Jimmy Carter: How Our Worst Ex-president Undermines American Foreign Policy, Coddles Dictators, and Created the Party of Clinton and Kerry. |date=2004 |publisher=Regnery Publishing |isbn=978-1-59698-278-9 |location=Washington DC |oclc=836407503 |quote=Earl may not have voted for FRD again, but he was not above receiving several New Deal agricultural subsidies as the Depression wore on}}</ref> Carter himself was a diligent student with a fondness for reading.<ref name="Hobkirk-2002">{{Cite book |last=Hobkirk |first=Lori |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/45024331 |title=James Earl Carter: our thirty-ninth president |date=2002 |publisher=Child's World, Inc |isbn=1-56766-873-9 |location=Chanhassen, Minn. |pages= |oclc=45024331}}</ref>{{Rp|page=8}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Shafik |first=Aasef |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1033641928 |title=Global peace lovers |date=2008 |publisher=Authorhouse |isbn=9781438937809 |location= |pages=167 |oclc=1033641928}}</ref> A popular anecdote holds that he was passed over for [[valedictorian]] after he and his friends skipped school to venture downtown in a [[hot rod]]. Carter's truancy was mentioned in a local newspaper, although it is not clear he would have otherwise been valedictorian.<ref name="bourne-33-43">Bourne, pp. 33–43.</ref> As an adolescent, Carter played on the Plains High School basketball team, and also joined [[Future Farmers of America]], which helped him develop a lifelong interest in woodworking.<ref name="bourne-33-43" />

Carter had long dreamed of attending the [[United States Naval Academy]].<ref name="Hamilton-2005" /> In 1941, he started undergraduate coursework in engineering at [[Georgia Southwestern College]] in nearby Americus, Georgia.<ref name="Panton-2022">{{Cite book |last=Panton |first=Kenneth J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oXR-EAAAQBAJ |title=Historical dictionary of the United States |date=2022 |isbn=978-1-5381-2419-2 |location=Lanham |pages= |oclc=1295808727 |access-date=August 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106231922/https://books.google.com/books?id=oXR-EAAAQBAJ |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Rp|page=99}} The next year, he transferred to the [[Georgia Institute of Technology]] in Atlanta, where civil rights icon [[Blake Van Leer]] was president.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jimmy Carter |url=https://www.gtalumni.org/s/1481/alumni/17/magazine-pages.aspx?sid=1481&gid=21&pgid=18394&cid=40232&ecid=40232&crid=0&calpgid=18390&calcid=40218 |publisher=[[Georgia Tech Alumni Association]] |access-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106231900/https://www.gtalumni.org/s/1481/alumni/17/magazine-pages.aspx?sid=1481&gid=21&pgid=18394&cid=40232&ecid=40232&crid=0&calpgid=18390&calcid=40218 |url-status=live}}</ref> While at Georgia Tech, Carter took part in the [[Reserve Officers' Training Corps]].<ref name="Redeemer">{{cite book |last=Balmer |first=Randall |date=2014 |title=Redeemer: The Life of Jimmy Carter |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ezBnAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT34 |location=New York, NY |publisher=Basic Books |page=34 |isbn=978-0-465-02958-7 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> In 1943, he received an appointment to the Naval Academy from U.S. Representative [[Stephen Pace (politician)|Stephen Pace]], and he graduated with a [[Bachelor of Science]] in 1946.<ref name="Hobkirk-2002" />{{Rp|page=38}}<ref name="Redeemer"/> He was a good student but seen as reserved and quiet, in contrast to the academy's culture of aggressive hazing of freshmen.<ref name="Kaufman-2013" />{{Rp|page=62}} While at the academy, Carter fell in love with [[Rosalynn Carter|Rosalynn Smith]], a friend of his sister Ruth.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/835122766 |title=Inventing a voice: the rhetoric of American first ladies of the twentieth century |date=2004 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers |others=Molly Meijer Wertheimer |isbn=0-7425-2970-3 |location=Lanham, Md |pages=343 |oclc=835122766}}</ref> The two wed shortly after his graduation in 1946,<ref>Bourne, pp. 44–55.</ref> and were married until her death on November 19, 2023.<ref name="Carter Center death">{{cite web |url=https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/2023/statement-rosalynn-carter-111923.html |title=Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Passes Away at Age 96 |date=November 19, 2023 |publisher=[[Carter Center]] |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119201739/https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/2023/statement-rosalynn-carter-111923.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He was a [[sprint football]] player for the [[Navy Midshipmen]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Hingston |first=Sandy |url=http://www.phillymag.com/news/2016/04/24/princeton-sprint-football-team/ |title=Why This Princeton Football Team Won't Be Suiting Up Next Season |work=Philadelphia |date=April 24, 2016 |access-date=November 5, 2016 |archive-date=November 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106124516/http://www.phillymag.com/news/2016/04/24/princeton-sprint-football-team/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter graduated 60th out of 821 midshipmen in the class of 1947{{efn|The Naval Academy's Class of 1947 graduated in 1946 as a result of World War II.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1996/06/05/the-class-of-the-naval-academy-has-50th-reunion/1631f2ba-b06e-4fe4-9968-1c39efb7d6bc/ |title=THE CLASS OF THE NAVAL ACADEMY HAS 50TH REUNION |date=June 5, 1996 |access-date=March 4, 2023 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |first=Amy |last=Argetsinger |author-link=Amy Argetsinger}}</ref>}} with a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned as an [[Ensign (rank)|ensign]].<ref>Alter, p. 59.</ref>

== Naval career ==
[[File:Graduation of Jimmy Carter from U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, Rosalynn Carter and Lillian Carter Pinning on Ensign Bars - DPLA - e1b1f2b5b4e38fc82cfe091678fc112a.jpg|thumb|Carter with [[Rosalynn Smith]] and his mother at his graduation from the [[United States Naval Academy]] in [[Annapolis, Maryland]], June 5, 1946]]

From 1946 to 1953, the Carters lived in Virginia, Hawaii, Connecticut, New York, and California, during his deployments in [[U.S. Atlantic Fleet|the Atlantic]] and [[U.S. Pacific Fleet|Pacific fleets]].<ref name="zelizer-11">Zelizer, pp. 11–12.</ref> In 1948, he began officer training for submarine duty and served aboard {{USS|Pomfret|SS-391|6}}.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Thomas |first=Sunny |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/6041403 |title=Jimmy Carter : from peanuts to presidency |date=1978 |publisher=Vesta Publications |isbn=0-919806-61-9 |location=Cornwall, Ont. |pages=18 |oclc=6041403}}</ref> He was promoted to [[Lieutenant (junior grade)|lieutenant junior grade]] in 1949, and his service aboard ''Pomfret'' included a simulated war patrol to the western Pacific and Chinese coast from January to March of that year.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Nijnatten |first=Frans van |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/775137957 |title=Tussen liberalisme en conservatisme: de verkiezingscampagnes van Jimmy Carter (1962-1980) |date=2012 |publisher=Vossiuspers UvA |isbn=978-90-5629-698-8 |location=Amsterdam |pages=77 |oclc=775137957}}</ref> In 1951, he was assigned to the diesel/electric {{USS|K-1|SSK-1}}, qualified for command, and served in several positions, to include executive officer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jimmy Carter's Naval Service |url=http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/documents/jec/jcnavy.phtml |website=Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum |access-date=November 24, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116012607/http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/documents/jec/jcnavy.phtml |archive-date=November 16, 2015}}</ref>

In 1952, he began an association with the Navy's fledgling [[nuclear submarine]] program, led then by captain [[Hyman G. Rickover]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hambley |first=Del |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/678081512 |title=Presidential footprints: inauguration of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, January 20, 1961 |date=2008 |publisher=Dog Ear Publishing |isbn=978-1-59858-815-6 |location=Indianapolis, IN |pages=202 |oclc=678081512}}</ref> Rickover had high standards and demands for his men and machines, and Carter later said that, next to his parents, Rickover had the greatest influence on his life.<ref>Bourne, pp. 72–77.</ref> He was sent to the [[Naval Reactors]] Branch of the [[United States Atomic Energy Commission|Atomic Energy Commission]] in Washington, D.C. for three-month temporary duty, while Rosalynn moved with their children to [[Schenectady, New York]].<ref>Bourne, p. 74.</ref>

On December 12, 1952, an accident with the experimental [[NRX]] reactor at [[Atomic Energy of Canada]]'s [[Chalk River Laboratories]] caused a partial meltdown, resulting in millions of liters of radioactive water flooding the reactor building's basement. This left the reactor's core ruined.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nN9FAAAAYAAJ&q=chalk+river+nuclear+accident+1952 |title=Great Events from History II: 1945–1966 |last=Frank |first=Northen Magill |year=1995 |page=554 |publisher=Salem Press |isbn=978-0-89356-753-8 |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=November 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111214507/https://books.google.com/books?id=nN9FAAAAYAAJ&q=chalk+river+nuclear+accident+1952 |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter was ordered to Chalk River to lead a U.S. maintenance crew that joined other American and Canadian service personnel to assist in the shutdown of the reactor.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6YElaxt6fv4C&q=jimmy+carter+chalk+river&pg=PA64 |title=Memoirs of a Hayseed Physicist |first=Peter |last=Martel |year=2008 |page=64 |publisher=Strategic Book |isbn=978-1-60693-341-1 |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=April 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410050510/https://books.google.com/books?id=6YElaxt6fv4C&q=jimmy+carter+chalk+river&pg=PA64 |url-status=live}}</ref> The painstaking process required each team member to don protective gear and be lowered individually into the reactor for 90 seconds at a time, limiting their exposure to radioactivity while they disassembled the crippled reactor. When Carter was lowered in, his job was simply to turn a single screw.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Marguet |first=Serge |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1366112034 |title=A brief history of nuclear reactor accidents from Leipzig to fukushima |date=2022 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-3-031-10500-5 |location=Cham, Switzerland |pages=262 |oclc=1366112034}}</ref> During and after his presidency, Carter said that his experience at Chalk River had shaped his views on atomic energy and led him to cease development of a [[neutron bomb]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://ottawariverkeeper.ca/news/when_jimmy_carter_faced_radioactivity_head_on/ |first=Arthur |last=Milnes |title=When Jimmy Carter faced radioactivity head-on |newspaper=[[Ottawa Citizen]] |date=January 28, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217161647/http://ottawariverkeeper.ca/news/when_jimmy_carter_faced_radioactivity_head_on |archive-date=February 17, 2011}}</ref>

In March 1953, Carter began a six-month course in nuclear power plant operation at [[Union College]] in Schenectady.<ref name="zelizer-11" /> His intent was to eventually work aboard {{USS|Seawolf|SSN-575|6}}, which was intended to be the second U.S. nuclear submarine.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/biographies-list/bios-c/carter-james-e.html |title=James Earl Carter, Jr. |work=Naval History and Heritage Command |date=October 19, 1997 |access-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220154017/https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/biographies-list/bios-c/carter-james-e.html |url-status=live}}</ref> His plans changed when his father died of [[pancreatic cancer]] in July, two months before construction of ''Seawolf'' began, and Carter obtained a release from active duty so he could take over the family peanut business.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jimmy Carter |url=http://www.presidentialtimeline.org/html/timeline.php?id=39 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015021641/http://www.presidentialtimeline.org/html/timeline.php?id=39 |archive-date=October 15, 2008 |work=Presidential Timeline of the 20th Century}}</ref><ref name="Panton-2022" />{{Rp|page=100}} Deciding to leave Schenectady proved difficult, as Rosalynn had grown comfortable with their life there.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Wooten |first=James T. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/3481251 |title=Dasher: the roots and the rising of Jimmy Carter |date=1978 |publisher=Summit Books |isbn=0-671-40004-5 |location=New York |pages=270 |oclc=3481251 |access-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207103945/https://search.worldcat.org/title/3481251 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Schneider |first=Dorothy |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/234178582 |title=First ladies : a biographical dictionary |date=2005 |publisher=Facts on File |others=Carl J. Schneider |isbn=978-1-4381-0815-5 |edition=2 |location=New York |pages=310 |oclc=234178582}}</ref> She said later that returning to small-town life in Plains seemed "a monumental step backward."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bourne |first=Peter G. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/35955194 |title=Jimmy Carter: a comprehensive biography from Plains to post-presidency |date=1997 |publisher=Scribner |isbn=0-684-19543-7 |location=New York |pages=79 |oclc=35955194 |access-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520034707/http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/35955194 |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter left active duty on October 9, 1953.<ref>Bourne, pp. 77–81.</ref><ref>Hayward, p. 23.</ref> He served in the inactive [[United States Navy Reserve|Navy Reserve]] until 1961, and left the service with the rank [[Lieutenant (navy)|of lieutenant]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.usni.org/2015/03/09/from-ensign-to-commander-in-chief-a-look-at-the-presidents-who-served-in-the-u-s-navy-reserve |title=From Ensign to Commander-in-Chief: A Look at the Presidents Who Served in the U.S. Navy Reserve |last=Eckstein |first=Megan |date=March 9, 2015 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |website=USNI News |publisher=United States Navy Institute |location=Annapolis, MD |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816164136/https://news.usni.org/2015/03/09/from-ensign-to-commander-in-chief-a-look-at-the-presidents-who-served-in-the-u-s-navy-reserve |url-status=live}}</ref> His awards include the [[American Campaign Medal]], [[World War II Victory Medal]], [[China Service Medal]], and [[National Defense Service Medal]].<ref>{{cite book |date=1976 |title=Ocean Science News |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A5cTAAAAYAAJ&q=%22american+campaign+medal%22 |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=Nautilus Press |page=109 |quote=The Naval Record of James Earl Carter Jr.: Medals and awards: American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, China Service Medal, and Natl. Defense Service Medal |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=November 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111221057/https://books.google.com/books?id=A5cTAAAAYAAJ&q=%22american+campaign+medal%22 |url-status=live}}</ref> As a submarine officer he also earned the [[Submarine Warfare insignia|"dolphin" badge]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/people/presidents/carter.html|title=Lieutenant James Earl Carter Jr., USN|access-date=August 30, 2021|website=Naval History and Heritage Command|archive-date=August 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816204427/https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/people/presidents/carter.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Farming ==
After debt settlements and division of his father's estate among its heirs, Jimmy inherited comparatively little.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mukunda |first=Gautam |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1303569935 |title=Picking presidents : how to make the most consequential decision in the world |date=2022 |isbn=978-0-520-97703-7 |location=Oakland, California |pages=105 |oclc=1303569935}}</ref> For a year, he, Rosalynn, and their three sons lived in public housing in Plains.{{efn|Carter is the only U.S. president to have lived in subsidized housing before he took office.<ref name=":Bourne, pp. 83–91." />}} Carter was knowledgeable in scientific and technological subjects, and he set out to expand the family's peanut-growing business.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/916409068 |title=A companion to Gerald R. Ford and Jimmy Carter |date=2016 |others=Scott Kaufman |isbn=978-1-118-90763-4 |location=Chichester, UK |pages=66 |oclc=916409068}}</ref> Transitioning from the Navy to an [[agribusiness|agri-businessman]] was difficult as his first-year harvest failed due to a drought, and Carter had to open several bank lines of credit to keep the farm afloat.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gherman |first=Beverly |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/51861756 |title=Jimmy Carter |date=2004 |publisher=Lerner Publications Co |isbn=0-8225-0816-8 |location=Minneapolis |pages=38 |oclc=51861756}}</ref> Meanwhile, he took classes and studied agriculture while Rosalynn learned accounting to manage the business's books.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Morris |first=Kenneth Earl |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/34318552 |title=Jimmy Carter, American moralist |date=1996 |publisher=University of Georgia Press |isbn=0-8203-1862-0 |location=Athens |pages=115 |oclc=34318552}}</ref> Though they barely broke even the first year, the Carters grew the business and became quite successful.<ref name=":Bourne, pp. 83–91.">Bourne, pp. 83–91.</ref><ref>Morris, p. 115.</ref>

== Early political career (1963–1971) ==
=== Georgia state senator (1963–1967) ===
As racial tension inflamed in Plains by the 1954 [[Supreme Court of the United States]] ruling in ''[[Brown v. Board of Education]]'',<ref>{{cite book |last=Gherman |first=Beverly |date=2004 |title=Jimmy Carter |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U51zgi7xAgkC&pg=PA40 |location=Minneapolis, MN |publisher=Lerner Publishers |page=40 |isbn=978-0-8225-0816-8 |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705115613/https://books.google.com/books?id=U51zgi7xAgkC&pg=PA40 |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter favored racial tolerance and integration, but often kept those feelings to himself to avoid making enemies. By 1961, he began to speak more prominently of integration as a member of the [[Baptist Church]] and chairman of the [[Sumter County, Georgia|Sumter County]] school board.<ref>Bourne, pp. 92–108.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.biography.com/us-president/jimmy-carter |title=Jimmy Carter – Presidency, Wife & Health |date=March 27, 2018 |website=biography.com |access-date=December 21, 2020 |archive-date=June 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606151959/https://www.biography.com/us-president/jimmy-carter |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1962, Carter announced his campaign for an open [[Georgia State Senate]] seat fifteen days before the election.<ref name="Carter 1992 https://archive.org/details/turningpointcand00cart_0/page/83 83–87">{{cite book |last=Carter |first=Jimmy |date=1992 |title=Turning Point: A Candidate, a State, and a Nation Come of Age |url=https://archive.org/details/turningpointcand00cart_0/page/83 |location=New York, NY |publisher=Three Rivers Press |pages=[https://archive.org/details/turningpointcand00cart_0/page/83 83–87] |isbn=978-0-8129-2299-8}}</ref> Rosalynn, who had an instinct for politics and organization, was instrumental to his campaign. While early counting of the ballots showed Carter trailing his opponent Homer Moore, this was later proven to be the result of fraudulent voting. The fraud was found to have been orchestrated by Joe Hurst, the chairman of the Democratic Party in [[Quitman County, Georgia|Quitman County]].<ref name="Carter 1992 https://archive.org/details/turningpointcand00cart_0/page/83 83–87"/> Carter challenged the election result, which was confirmed fraudulent in an investigation. Following this, another election was held, in which Carter won against Moore as the sole Democratic candidate, with a vote margin of 3,013 to 2,182.<ref>Bourne, pp. 108–132.</ref>

The [[civil rights movement]] was well underway when Carter took office. He and his family had become staunch [[John F. Kennedy]] supporters. Carter remained relatively quiet on the issue at first, even as it polarized much of the county, to avoid alienating his segregationist colleagues. He did speak up on a few divisive issues, giving speeches against [[literacy test]]s and against an amendment to the Georgia Constitution which he felt implied a compulsion to practice religion.<ref>Bourne, pp. 132–140.</ref> Carter entered the state Democratic Executive Committee two years into office, where he helped rewrite the state party's rules. He became the chairman of the West Central Georgia Planning and Development Commission, which oversaw the disbursement of federal and state grants for projects such as historic site restoration.<ref>{{cite book | last1=Ryan | first1=Bernard Jr. |title=Jimmy Carter: U.S. President and Humanitarian |date=2006 |publisher=Ferguson |location=New York, NY |isbn=978-0-8160-5903-4 |page=37 |url={{GBurl|id=DOLy2AzWhacC}} |access-date=March 2, 2020}}</ref>

When [[Bo Callaway]] was elected to the [[United States House of Representatives]] in 1964, Carter immediately began planning to challenge him. The two had previously clashed over which two-year college would be expanded to a four-year college program by the state, and Carter saw Callaway—who had switched to [[Republican Party (United States)|the Republican Party]]—as a rival who represented aspects of politics he despised.<ref>Bourne, pp. 132–145.</ref> Carter was reelected to a second two-year term in the state Senate,<ref>{{cite web |title=Members Of The General Assembly Of Georgia – Term 1965–1966 |publisher=State of Georgia |url=http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/cgi-bin/govdimag.cgi?path=dbs/1965/ga/s700/_ps1/g4/1965_h66/sess_p1_sno_p1.con/&user=galileo&sessionid=637f8586-1547653717-5036&serverid=DU&instcode=afpl&return=ggpd%3fuserid%3dgalileo%26dbs%3dggpd%26action%3dretrieve%26recno%3d70%26numrecs%3d100%26__rtype%3drecno%26key%3dy-ga-bs700-b-ps1-bg4-b1965-h66-bsess-p1-sno-p1 |date=February 1965 |access-date=May 12, 2018 |archive-date=February 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216151724/http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/cgi-bin/govdimag.cgi?path=dbs%2F1965%2Fga%2Fs700%2F_ps1%2Fg4%2F1965_h66%2Fsess_p1_sno_p1.con%2F&user=galileo&sessionid=637f8586-1547653717-5036&serverid=DU&instcode=afpl&return=ggpd%3Fuserid%3Dgalileo&dbs=ggpd&action=retrieve&recno=70&numrecs=100&__rtype=recno&key=y-ga-bs700-b-ps1-bg4-b1965-h66-bsess-p1-sno-p1 |url-status=live}}</ref> where he chaired its Education Committee and sat on the Appropriations Committee toward the end of the term. He contributed to a bill expanding statewide education funding and getting [[Georgia Southwestern State University]] a four-year program. He leveraged his regional planning work, giving speeches around the district to make himself more visible to potential voters. On the last day of the term, Carter announced his candidacy for the House of Representatives.<ref>Bourne, pp. 145–149.</ref> But Callaway decided to run for governor,<ref>Bourne, p. 150</ref> and Carter changed his mind, deciding to run for governor too.<ref>Bourne, pp.154–155</ref>

=== 1966 and 1970 gubernatorial campaigns ===
{{see also|1966 Georgia gubernatorial election|1970 Georgia gubernatorial election}}

In the 1966 gubernatorial election, Carter ran against liberal former governor [[Ellis Arnall]] and conservative segregationist [[Lester Maddox]] in the Democratic primary. In a press conference, he described his ideology as "Conservative, moderate, liberal and middle-of-the-road ... I believe I am a more complicated person than that."<ref>Bourne, pp. 149–153.</ref> He lost the primary, but drew enough votes as a third-place candidate to force Arnall into a [[runoff election]] with Maddox, who narrowly defeated Arnall.<ref name="bourne-153" /> In the general election, Republican nominee Callaway won a plurality of the vote, but less than a majority, allowing the Democratic-majority [[Georgia House of Representatives]] to elect Maddox as governor.<ref name="bourne-153" /> This resulted in a victorious Maddox, whose victory—due to his segregationist stance—was seen as the worse outcome to the indebted Carter.<ref name="bourne-153">Bourne, pp. 153–165.</ref> Carter returned to his agriculture business, carefully planning his next campaign. This period was a spiritual turning point for Carter; he declared himself a [[born again]] Christian, and his last child [[Amy Carter|Amy]] was born during this time.<ref>Bourne, pp. 165–179.</ref><ref>Hayward, pp. 39–46.</ref>

In the 1970 gubernatorial election, liberal former governor [[Carl Sanders]] became Carter's main opponent in the Democratic primary. Carter ran a more modern campaign, employing printed graphics and statistical analysis. Responding to polls, he leaned more conservative than before, positioning himself as a [[populist]] and criticizing Sanders for both his wealth and perceived links to the national Democratic Party. He also accused Sanders of corruption, but when pressed by the media, did not provide evidence.<ref name="bourne-180">Bourne, pp. 180–199.</ref><ref name="hayward-46">Hayward, pp. 46–51.</ref> Throughout his campaign, Carter sought both the black vote and the votes of those who had supported prominent Alabama segregationist [[George Wallace]]. While he met with black figures such as [[Martin Luther King Sr.]] and [[Andrew Young]], and visited many Black-owned businesses, he also praised Wallace and promised to invite him to give a speech in Georgia. Carter's appeal to racism became more blatant over time, with his senior campaign aides handing out a photograph of Sanders celebrating with Black basketball players.<ref name="bourne-180" /><ref name="hayward-46" />

Carter came ahead of Sanders in the first ballot by 49 percent to 38 percent in September, leading to a runoff election. The subsequent campaign was even more bitter; despite his early support for civil rights, Carter's appeal to racism grew, and he criticized Sanders for supporting [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] Carter won the runoff election with 60 percent of the vote, and easily won the general election against Republican nominee [[Hal Suit]]. Once elected, Carter changed his tone, and began to speak against Georgia's racist politics. [[Leroy Johnson (Georgia politician)|Leroy Johnson]], a black state senator, voiced his support for Carter: "I understand why he ran that kind of ultra-conservative campaign. I don't believe you can win this state without being a racist."<ref name="bourne-180" />

== Georgia governorship (1971–1975) ==
[[File:Jimmy Carter official portrait as Governor.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=A black and white photographic official portrait of a young Carter as the governor of Georgia|Carter's official portrait as Governor of Georgia; dated 1971]]

Carter was sworn in as the 76th [[governor of Georgia]] on January 12, 1971. In his inaugural speech, he declared that "the time of racial discrimination is over",<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/documents/inaugural_address.pdf |title=Inaugural Address |access-date=November 27, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201224225/https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/documents/inaugural_address.pdf |archive-date=December 1, 2016 |website=[[Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum]]}}</ref> shocking the crowd and causing many of the segregationists who had supported him during the race to feel betrayed. Carter was reluctant to engage with his fellow politicians, making him unpopular with the legislature.<ref>Bourne, p. 204.</ref><ref>Hayward, pp. 55–56.</ref> He expanded the governor's authority by introducing a reorganization plan submitted in January 1972.<ref name="Bourne, pp. 214–220">Bourne, pp. 214–220.</ref> Despite initially having a cool reception in the legislature, the plan passed at midnight on the last day of the session.<ref name="Bourne, pp. 214–220" /> Carter merged about 300 state agencies into 22, although it is disputed whether that saved the state money.<ref>{{cite book |last=Freeman |first=Roger A. |title=The Wayward Welfare State |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KNF5kqmKi78C&pg=PA5 |publisher=Hoover Press |isbn=978-0-8179-7493-0 |page=5 |year=1982 |access-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705115615/https://books.google.com/books?id=KNF5kqmKi78C&pg=PA5 |url-status=live}}</ref> On July 8, 1971, during an appearance in Columbus, Georgia, he stated his intention to establish a Georgia Human Rights Council to help solve issues ahead of any potential violence.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19710714&printsec=frontpage |title=Carter aims to create human relations panel |newspaper=Rome News-Tribune |date=July 8, 1971 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140454/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19710714&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref>

In a news conference on July 13, 1971, Carter announced that he had ordered department heads to reduce spending to prevent a $57 million deficit by the end of the 1972 fiscal year, specifying that each state department would be affected and estimating that 5 percent over government revenue would be lost if state departments continued to fully use allocated funds.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GW5NAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vDUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3623%2C1460658 |title=Gov. Carter orders cuts in Georgia spending |newspaper=Rome News-Tribune |date=July 14, 1971 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901170904/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GW5NAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vDUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3623,1460658 |url-status=live}}</ref> On January 13, 1972, he requested that the state legislature fund an early childhood development program along with prison reform programs and $48 million ({{Inflation|index=US|value=48,000,000|start_year=1972|fmt=eq}}) in paid taxes for nearly all state employees.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19720113&printsec=frontpage |title=Two budget proposals offered by Gov. Carter to legislature |newspaper=Rome News-Tribune |date=January 13, 1972 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140459/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19720113&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Jimmy Carter and wife with Reubin Askew and his wife.jpg|thumb|left|Carter greeting Florida governor [[Reubin Askew]] and his wife in 1971; as president, Carter would appoint Askew as [[U.S. trade representative]].]]
On March 1, 1972, Carter said he might call a special session of the general assembly if the Justice Department opted to turn down any reapportionment plans by either the House or Senate.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=N5pMAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xzUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2478%2C241190 |title=Reappointment rejection could bring session |newspaper=Rome News-Tribune |date=March 2, 1972 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901170905/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=N5pMAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xzUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2478,241190 |url-status=live}}</ref> He pushed several reforms through the legislature, providing equal state aid to schools in Georgia's wealthy and poor areas, setting up community centers for mentally disabled children, and increasing educational programs for convicts. Under this program, all such appointments were based on merit, rather than political influence.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldbook.com/content-spotlight/item/1156-lives-and-times-of-american-presidents-1961-present/1156-lives-and-times-of-american-presidents-1961-present?start=5 |title=Carter, Jimmy |publisher=World Book Student |author=Hugh S. Sidey |date=January 22, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427131522/http://www.worldbook.com/content-spotlight/item/1156-lives-and-times-of-american-presidents-1961-present/1156-lives-and-times-of-american-presidents-1961-present?start=5 |archive-date=April 27, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |isbn=978-0-7166-0101-2 |title=World Book Encyclopedia (Hardcover) [Jimmy Carter entry] |pages=542 |publisher=World Book |date=January 2001}}</ref> In one of his more controversial decisions, he vetoed a plan to build a dam on Georgia's [[Flint River]], which attracted the attention of environmentalists nationwide.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/25889670/ns/us_news-environment/t/jimmy-carter-battles-plan-dams-again/ |title=Jimmy Carter battles plan for dams – again |agency=Associated Press |date=July 28, 2008 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |publisher=NBC News |archive-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801090635/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/25889670/ns/us_news-environment/t/jimmy-carter-battles-plan-dams-again/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bourne-250">Bourne, pp. 250–251.</ref>

Civil rights were a high priority for Carter, who added black state employees and portraits of three prominent black Georgians to the capitol building: Martin Luther King Jr., [[Lucy Craft Laney]], and [[Henry McNeal Turner]]. This angered the [[Ku Klux Klan]].<ref name="bourne-250" /> He favored a constitutional amendment to ban [[Desegregation busing|busing]] for the purpose of expediting integration in schools on a televised joint appearance with Florida governor [[Reubin Askew]] on January 31, 1973,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19730201&printsec=frontpage |title=Governors disagree on school busing |newspaper=Rome News-Tribune |date=February 1, 1973 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140451/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19730201&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref> and co-sponsored an anti-busing resolution with Wallace at the 1971 National Governors Conference.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19711107&printsec=frontpage |title=Southern governors meeting in Atlanta |date=November 7, 1971 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |publisher=-Rome News-Tribune |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140455/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19711107&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Bourne, pp. 212–213.</ref> After the U.S. Supreme Court threw out Georgia's [[Capital punishment in Georgia (U.S. state)|death penalty]] statute in ''[[Furman v. Georgia]]'' (1972), Carter signed a revised death-penalty statute that addressed the court's objections, thus reintroducing the practice in the state. He later regretted endorsing the death penalty, saying, "I didn't see the injustice of it as I do now."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/11/jimmy-carter-supreme-court-death-penalty |title=Jimmy Carter calls for fresh moratorium on death penalty |author=Pilkington, Ed |work=The Guardian |date=November 11, 2013 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705115637/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/11/jimmy-carter-supreme-court-death-penalty |url-status=live}}</ref>

Ineligible for reelection, Carter looked toward a potential presidential run and engaged in national politics. He was named to several southern planning commissions and was a delegate to the [[1972 Democratic National Convention]], where liberal U.S. Senator [[George McGovern]] was the likely nominee. Carter tried to ingratiate himself with the conservative and anti-McGovern voters. He was fairly obscure at the time, and his attempt at triangulation failed; the [[List of United States Democratic Party presidential tickets#1972|1972 Democratic ticket]] was McGovern and senator [[Thomas Eagleton]].<ref>Bourne, pp. 221–230.</ref>{{efn|Eagleton was later replaced on the ticket by [[Sargent Shriver]].<ref>Bourne, p. 230</ref>}} On August 3, Carter met with Wallace in [[Birmingham, Alabama]], to discuss preventing the Democrats from losing in a landslide,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19720804&printsec=frontpage |title=Carter, Wallace hold election conference |date=August 4, 1972 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |newspaper=Rome News-Tribune |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011183951/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19720804&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref> but they did.<ref>Bourne, p. 234</ref>

Carter regularly met with his fledgling campaign staff and decided to begin putting a presidential bid for 1976 together. He tried unsuccessfully to become chairman of the [[National Governors Association]] to boost his visibility. On [[David Rockefeller]]'s endorsement, he was named to the [[Trilateral Commission]] in April 1973. The next year, he was named chairman of both the [[Democratic National Committee]]'s congressional and gubernatorial campaigns.<ref>Bourne, pp. 237–250.</ref> In May 1973, Carter warned his party against politicizing the [[Watergate scandal]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19730513&printsec=frontpage |title=Carter cautions Democrats to play it cool on Watergate |newspaper=Rome News-Tribune |date=May 13, 1973 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817013656/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19730513&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref> which he attributed to President [[Richard Nixon]]'s isolation from Americans and secretive decision-making.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19730514&printsec=frontpage |title=Carter off on European tour |newspaper=Rome News-Tribune |date=May 14, 1973 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140453/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19730514&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref>

== 1976 presidential campaign ==
{{main|Jimmy Carter 1976 presidential campaign}}{{Further|1976 Democratic Party presidential primaries|1976 United States presidential election}}
[[File:Carter and Ford in a debate, September 23, 1976 (cropped).jpg|thumb|alt=A monochrome picture of Carter and Ford, both standing at podiums during a debate.|Carter and President [[Gerald Ford]] debating at the [[Walnut Street Theatre]] in [[Philadelphia]], September 1976]]

On December 12, 1974, Carter announced his presidential campaign at the [[National Press Club (United States)|National Press Club]] in Washington, D.C. His speech contained themes of domestic inequality, optimism, and change.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/address-announcing-candidacy-for-the-democratic-presidential-nomination-the-national-press |title=Address Announcing Candidacy for the Democratic Presidential Nomination at the National Press Club in Washington, DC |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |date=December 12, 1974 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816181829/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/address-announcing-candidacy-for-the-democratic-presidential-nomination-the-national-press |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CG0zAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3DIHAAAAIBAJ&pg=6942%2C5857919 |title=Carter a candidate for the presidency |publisher=Lodi News-Sentinel |date=December 13, 1974 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=May 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521142244/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CG0zAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3DIHAAAAIBAJ&pg=6942,5857919 |url-status=live}}</ref> Upon his entrance in the Democratic primaries, he was competing against sixteen other candidates, and was considered to have little chance against the more nationally known politicians like Wallace.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=E. Zeizler|first1=Julian|date=September 7, 2015|title=17 Democrats Ran for President in 1976. Can Today's GOP Learn Anything From What Happened?|url=https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/09/2016-election-1976-democratic-primary-213125/|access-date=September 1, 2021|website=Politico|archive-date=October 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015022313/https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/09/2016-election-1976-democratic-primary-213125/|url-status=live}}</ref> His name recognition was very low, and his opponents derisively asked "Jimmy Who?".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manythings.org/voa/history/220.html|title=American History: Jimmy Carter Wins the 1976 Presidential Election|access-date=September 1, 2021|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616094954/https://www.manythings.org/voa/history/220.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In response to this, Carter began to emphasize his name and what he stood for, stating "My name is Jimmy Carter, and I'm running for president."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Setterfield |first1=Ray |date=December 31, 2020 |title='My Name is Jimmy Carter and I'm Running for President' |url=https://www.onthisday.com/articles/my-name-is-jimmy-carter-and-im-running-for-president |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521142231/https://www.onthisday.com/articles/my-name-is-jimmy-carter-and-im-running-for-president |archive-date=May 21, 2021 |access-date=September 1, 2021 |website=On This Day {{!}} OnThisDay.com}}</ref>

This strategy proved successful. By mid-March 1976, Carter was not only far ahead of the active contenders for the presidential nomination, but against incumbent Republican president [[Gerald Ford]] by a few percentage points.<ref>{{cite book |last=Shoup |first=Laurence H. |title=The Carter Presidency, and Beyond: Power and Politics in the 1980s |url=https://archive.org/details/carterpresidency0000shou/page/70 |year=1980 |publisher=Ramparts Press |isbn=978-0-87867-075-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/carterpresidency0000shou/page/70 70]}}</ref> As the Watergate scandal was still fresh in the voters' minds, Carter's position as an outsider, distant from Washington, D.C. proved helpful. He promoted government reorganization. In June, Carter published a memoir titled ''Why Not the Best?'' to help introduce himself to the American public.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/07/16/archives/choice-of-mondale-helps-to-reconcile-the-liberals-choice-of-mondale.html |newspaper=The New York Times |first=Charles |last=Mohr |title=Choice of Mondale Helps To Reconcile the Liberals |date=July 16, 1976 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=May 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531062839/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/07/16/archives/choice-of-mondale-helps-to-reconcile-the-liberals-choice-of-mondale.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Carter became the front-runner early on by winning the [[Iowa caucuses]] and the [[New Hampshire primary]]. His strategy involved reaching a region before another candidate could extend influence there, traveling over {{convert|50000|mi|km|abbr=off}}, visiting 37 states, and delivering over 200 speeches before any other candidate had entered the race.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/carter/#transcript |title=Jimmy Carter |series=The American Experience |publisher=Public Broadcasting Service |date=November 11, 2002 |access-date=June 23, 2020 |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626060507/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/carter/#transcript |url-status=live}}</ref> In the South, he tacitly conceded certain areas to Wallace and swept them as a moderate when it became clear Wallace could not win it. In the North, Carter appealed largely to conservative Christian and rural voters. Whilst he did not achieve a majority in most Northern states, he won several by building the largest singular support base. Although Carter was initially dismissed as a regional candidate, he would clinch the Democratic nomination.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Broder|first1=David|author-link1=David Broder|date=December 18, 1974|title=Early Evaluation Impossible on Presidential Candidates|page=16|work=Toledo Blade|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yMgwAAAAIBAJ&pg=7214%2C2087680|access-date=January 3, 2016|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204092325/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yMgwAAAAIBAJ&pg=7214%2C2087680|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1980, Lawrence Shoup noted that the national news media discovered and promoted Carter, and stated:

{{Blockquote|What Carter had that his opponents did not was the acceptance and support of elite sectors of the mass communications media. It was their favorable coverage of Carter and his campaign that gave him an edge, propelling him rocket-like to the top of the opinion polls. This helped Carter win key primary election victories, enabling him to rise from an obscure public figure to President-elect in the short space of 9 months.<ref>{{cite book |last=Shoup |first=Laurence H. |title=The Carter Presidency, and Beyond: Power and Politics in the 1980s |url=https://archive.org/details/carterpresidency0000shou/page/94 |year=1980 |publisher=Ramparts Press |isbn=978-0-87867-075-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/carterpresidency0000shou/page/94 94]}}</ref>}}

During an interview in April 1976, Carter said, "I have nothing against a community that is... trying to maintain the ethnic purity of their neighborhoods."<ref name="Time 1976-04-19">{{cite news |url=http://content.time.com/time/subscriber/printout/0,8816,914056,00.html |title=The Campaign: Candidate Carter: I Apologize |magazine=Time |date=April 19, 1976 |volume=107 |issue=16 |access-date=July 13, 2018 |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323002443/http://content.time.com/time/subscriber/printout/0,8816,914056,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> His remark was intended as supportive of [[open housing]] laws, but specifying opposition to government efforts to "inject black families into a white neighborhood just to create some sort [[Racial integration|of integration]]".<ref name="Time 1976-04-19" /> Carter's stated positions during his campaign included public financing of congressional campaigns,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=SFOYbPikdlgC&dat=19741213&printsec=frontpage |title=Carter Officially Enters Demo Presidential Race |work=Herald-Journal |date=December 13, 1974 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119213258/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=SFOYbPikdlgC&dat=19741213&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref> his support for the creation of a federal consumer protection agency,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8_tS2Vw13FcC&dat=19760810&printsec=frontpage |title=Carter Backs Consumer Plans |newspaper=Toledo Blade |location=Toledo, Ohio |date=August 10, 1976 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140455/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8_tS2Vw13FcC&dat=19760810&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref> creating a separate cabinet-level department for education,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=32680 |title=Bardstown, Kentucky Remarks and a Question-and-Answer Session at a Town Meeting. (July 31, 1979) |website=The American Presidency Project |quote=THE PRESIDENT. Could you all hear it? The question was, since it appears that the campaign promise that I made to have a separate department of education might soon be fulfilled, would I consider appointing a classroom teacher as the secretary of education. |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107014653/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=32680 |url-status=live}}</ref> signing a peace treaty with the [[Soviet Union]] to limit nuclear weapons,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8_tS2Vw13FcC&dat=19761014&printsec=frontpage |title=Carter Berates Lack Of New A-Arm Pact |newspaper=Toledo Blade |location=Toledo, Ohio |date=October 14, 1976 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816013118/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8_tS2Vw13FcC&dat=19761014&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref> reducing the defense budget,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8_tS2Vw13FcC&dat=19761003&printsec=frontpage |title=Carter Positions on Amnesty, Defense Targets of Dole Jabs |first=Frank |last=Kane |newspaper=Toledo Blade |location=Toledo, Ohio |date=October 3, 1976 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816100742/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8_tS2Vw13FcC&dat=19761003&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref> a tax proposal implementing "a substantial increase toward those who have the higher incomes" alongside a levy reduction on taxpayers with lower and middle incomes,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=SFOYbPikdlgC&dat=19760919&printsec=frontpage |title=GOP Raps Carter On Tax Proposal |date=September 19, 1976 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |work=Herald-Journal |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011183951/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=SFOYbPikdlgC&dat=19760919&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref> making multiple amendments to the [[Social Security Act]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=7035 |date=December 20, 1977 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |publisher=American Presidency Project |title=Social Security Amendments of 1977 Statement on Signing S. 305 Into Law |archive-date=October 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019060428/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=7035 |url-status=live}}</ref> and having a balanced budget by the end of his first term of office.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=SFOYbPikdlgC&dat=19760904&printsec=frontpage |title=Carter Would Delay Programs If Necessary |date=September 4, 1976 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |work=Herald-Journal |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816085328/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=SFOYbPikdlgC&dat=19760904&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:ElectoralCollege1976.svg|thumb|upright=1.35|alt=Map of the 1976 presidential election. Most western states are red whilst the majority of eastern states are blue.|The electoral map of the 1976 election]]

On July 15, 1976, he chose U.S. senator [[Walter Mondale]] as his running mate.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8_tS2Vw13FcC&dat=19760715&printsec=frontpage |title=Carter Nominated, Names Mondale Running Mate |newspaper=Toledo Blade |location=Toledo, Ohio |date=July 15, 1976 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |first=Frank |last=Kane |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816164136/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8_tS2Vw13FcC&dat=19760715&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter and Ford faced off in three televised debates,<ref name="Howard, Adam NBC News" /> the first [[United States presidential debates]] since 1960.<ref name="Howard, Adam NBC News">{{cite news |last1=Howard |first1=Adam |title=10 Presidential Debates That Actually Made an Impact |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/2016-presidential-debates/10-presidential-debates-made-impact-n650741 |publisher=NBC News |date=September 26, 2016 |access-date=December 31, 2016 |archive-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504003847/https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/2016-presidential-debates/10-presidential-debates-made-impact-n650741 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Kraus |first1=Sidney |title=The Great Debates: Carter vs. Ford, 1976 |date=1979 |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington |page=3 |url=https://www.questia.com/read/94445794/the-great-debates-carter-vs-ford-1976 |access-date=December 31, 2016 |archive-date=January 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101162639/https://www.questia.com/read/94445794/the-great-debates-carter-vs-ford-1976 |url-status=live}}</ref>

For the November 1976 issue of ''[[Playboy]]'', which hit newsstands a couple of weeks before the election, [[Robert Scheer]] interviewed Carter. While discussing his religion's view of pride, Carter said: "I've looked on a lot of women with lust. I've committed adultery in my heart many times."<ref>"The Playboy Interview: Jimmy Carter." Robert Scheer. ''Playboy'', November 1976, Vol. 23, Iss. 11, pp. 63–86.</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Psu5UNg1jEUC&pg=PA216 |title=A Year in My Pajamas with President Obama, The Politics of Strange Bedfellows |last=Casser-Jayne |first=Halli |publisher=Halli Casser-Jayne |isbn=978-0-9765960-3-5 |page=216 |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705115615/https://books.google.com/books?id=Psu5UNg1jEUC&pg=PA216 |url-status=live}}</ref> This response and his admission in another interview that he did not mind if people uttered the word "fuck" led to a media feeding frenzy and critics lamenting the erosion of boundary between politicians and their private intimate lives.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/frenzy/carter.htm?noredirect=on |title=Washingtonpost.com Special Report: Clinton Accused |first1=Larry J. |last1=Sabato |year=1998 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post |archive-date=June 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627042800/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/frenzy/carter.htm?noredirect=on |url-status=live}}</ref>

Carter began the race with a sizable lead over Ford, who narrowed the gap during the campaign, but lost to Carter in a narrow defeat on November 2, 1976.<ref name="Toledo Blade-1976">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8_tS2Vw13FcC&dat=19761103&printsec=frontpage |title=Carter Appears Victor Over Ford |newspaper=Toledo Blade |location=Toledo, Ohio |date=November 3, 1976 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122194136/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8_tS2Vw13FcC&dat=19761103&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter won the popular vote by 50.1 percent to 48.0 percent for Ford and received 297 [[United States Electoral College|electoral votes]] to Ford's 240.<ref name="Toledo Blade-1976" />

=== Transition ===
{{Main|Presidential transition of Jimmy Carter}}

Preliminary planning for Carter's [[United States presidential transition|presidential transition]] had already been underway for months before his election.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Burke |first1=John P. |title=The Contemporary Presidency: The Obama Presidential Transition: An Early Assessment |journal=Presidential Studies Quarterly |year=2009 |volume=39 |issue=3 |pages=574–604 |doi=10.1111/j.1741-5705.2009.03691.x |jstor=41427379 |issn=0360-4918|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name="Voxtransition1">{{cite web |last1=Skinner |first1=Richard |title=Jimmy Carter changed presidential transitions forever |url=https://www.vox.com/mischiefs-of-faction/2016/10/5/13142390/jimmy-carter-changed-presidential-transitions |website=Vox |access-date=February 4, 2021 |date=October 5, 2016 |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311161151/https://www.vox.com/mischiefs-of-faction/2016/10/5/13142390/jimmy-carter-changed-presidential-transitions |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter had been the first presidential candidate to allot significant funds and a significant number of personnel to a pre-election transition planning effort, which then became standard practice.<ref name="burke2004">{{cite book |last1=Burke |first1=John P. |title=Becoming President : The Bush Transition, 2000–2003 |date=2004 |publisher=Lynne Rienner Publishers |location=Boulder, Colo. |pages=12, 18 |isbn=978-1-58826-292-9}}</ref> He set a mold that influenced all future transitions to be larger, more methodical and more formal than they were.<ref name="burke2004" /><ref name="Voxtransition1" />

On November 22, 1976, Carter conducted his first visit to Washington, D.C. after being elected, meeting with director of the Office of Management [[James Lynn]] and United States secretary of defense [[Donald Rumsfeld]] at the [[Blair House]], and holding an afternoon meeting with President Ford at the [[White House]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8_tS2Vw13FcC&dat=19761122&printsec=frontpage |title=Carter in Washington, Meets Lynn, Rumsfield |newspaper=Toledo Blade |location=Toledo, Ohio |date=November 22, 1976 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126211046/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8_tS2Vw13FcC&dat=19761122&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref> The next day, he conferred with congressional leaders, expressing that his meetings with cabinet members had been "very helpful" and saying Ford had requested he seek out his assistance if needing anything.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8_tS2Vw13FcC&dat=19761123&printsec=frontpage |title=Ford Promises Carter Transition Cooperation |newspaper=Toledo Blade |location=Toledo, Ohio |date=November 23, 1976 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140500/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8_tS2Vw13FcC&dat=19761123&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref> Relations between Ford and Carter were relatively cold during the transition.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Eksterowicz |first1=Anthony J. |last2=Hastedt |first2=Glenn |title=Modern Presidential Transitions: Problems, Pitfalls, and Lessons for Success |journal=Presidential Studies Quarterly |year=1998 |volume=28 |issue=2 |pages=299–319 |jstor=27551861 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/27551861 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |issn=0360-4918 |archive-date=January 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122000357/https://www.jstor.org/stable/27551861 |url-status=live}}</ref> During his transition, Carter announced the selection of numerous designees for positions in his administration.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=19770119&id=UQxPAAAAIBAJ&pg=6092,1318484 |title=Carter Announces Nominees For 6 More Top Posts |newspaper=Toledo Blade |location=Toledo, Ohio |date=January 19, 1977 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109062316/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=19770119&id=UQxPAAAAIBAJ&pg=6092%2C1318484 |url-status=live}}</ref> On January 4, 1977, he told reporters he would free himself from potential conflicts of interest by leaving his peanut business in the hands of trustees.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=4pF9x-cDGsoC&dat=19770104&printsec=frontpage |title=Carter to quit peanut business |newspaper=The Register-Guard |location=Eugene, Oregon |date=January 4, 1977 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817013657/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=4pF9x-cDGsoC&dat=19770104&printsec=frontpage |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Presidency (1977–1981) ==
{{main|Presidency of Jimmy Carter}}
{{For timeline|Timeline of the Jimmy Carter presidency}}
[[File:President Carter National Portrait Gallery.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=A painting of Carter|Image of President Carter displayed in the [[National Portrait Gallery (United States)|National Portrait Gallery]], Washington DC. Portrait by Robert Templeton.]]

Carter was inaugurated as the 39th president on January 20, 1977.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inaugural.senate.gov/48th-inaugural-ceremonies/|title=48TH INAUGURAL CEREMONIES|publisher=United States Senate|access-date=September 2, 2021|archive-date=September 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913210846/https://www.inaugural.senate.gov/48th-inaugural-ceremonies/|url-status=live}}</ref> One of Carter's first acts was the fulfillment of a campaign promise by issuing an [[executive order]] declaring unconditional [[amnesty]] for [[Vietnam War]]-era [[Draft evasion|draft evaders]], [[Proclamation 4483]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/11967.html |title=Executive Orders |date=October 25, 2010 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |website=archives.gov |archive-date=September 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922131219/https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/11967.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/vietnam/vietnam_1-21-77.html |title=Online NewsHour: Remembering Vietnam: Carter's Pardon |publisher=[[PBS]] |access-date=September 8, 2021 |archive-date=February 28, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070228161513/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/vietnam/vietnam_1-21-77.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> Carter's tenure in office was marked by an economic malaise, a time of [[Early 1980s recession in the United States|continuing inflation and recession]] and a [[1979 energy crisis]]. On January 7, 1980, Carter signed Law H.R. 5860 aka Public Law 96–185, known as ''The Chrysler Corporation Loan Guarantee Act of 1979'', to bail out the [[Chrysler]] Corporation with $3.5&nbsp;billion (equivalent to ${{Inflation|US|3.5|1980|r=2}}&nbsp;billion in {{Inflation-year|US}}) in aid.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kaufman |first1=Burton I. |last2=Kaufman |first2=Scott |title=The Presidency of James Earl Carter, Jr |date=2006 |publisher=University Press of Kansas |location=Lawrence, Kansas |isbn=978-0-7006-1471-4 |page=183 |edition=2nd |chapter=A Growing Sense of Crisis}}</ref>

Carter attempted to calm various conflicts around the world, most visibly in the Middle East with the signing of the [[Camp David Accords]];<ref name="achievement.org">{{cite web |title=Jimmy Carter Biography and Interview |website=achievement.org |publisher=[[American Academy of Achievement]] |url=https://www.achievement.org/achiever/jimmy-carter/#interview |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=February 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222200351/http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/car0bio-1#interview |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Torrijos–Carter Treaties|giving back the Panama Canal]] to Panama; and signing the [[Salt II|SALT II nuclear arms reduction treaty]] with Soviet leader [[Leonid Brezhnev]]. His final year was marred by the [[Iran hostage crisis]], which contributed to his losing the [[1980 United States presidential election|1980 election]] to [[Ronald Reagan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whitehousehistory.org/whha_classroom/classroom_9-12-transitions-carter.html |title=Jimmy Carter and the Iranian Hostage Crisis |publisher=White House Historical Association |access-date=December 28, 2014 |archive-date=September 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903061159/http://www.whitehousehistory.org/whha_classroom/classroom_9-12-transitions-carter.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Whistleblowers have alleged, most recently in 2023, that people working on the Reagan campaign's behalf [[October surprise conspiracy theory|convinced Iran to prolong the crisis]] to reduce Carter's chance of reelection.<ref>{{cite news |authorlink1=Peter Baker (journalist) |last1=Baker |first1=Peter |title=A Four-Decade Secret: The Untold Story of Sabotaging Jimmy Carter's Re-election |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/18/us/politics/jimmy-carter-october-surprise-iran-hostages.html |access-date=March 19, 2023 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=March 18, 2023 |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318200201/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/18/us/politics/jimmy-carter-october-surprise-iran-hostages.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Domestic policy ===
==== U.S. energy crisis ====
Moralism typified much of Carter's action.<ref>Kenneth Earl Morris, ed. ''Jimmy Carter, American Moralist'' ( University of Georgia Press, 1996).</ref> On April 18, 1977, he delivered a televised speech declaring that the current energy crisis was the "moral equivalent of war". He encouraged energy conservation and installed [[Solar power at the White House|solar water heating panels on the White House]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unity.edu/news/solar1004.htm |title=Maine college to auction off former White House solar panels |date=October 28, 2004 |access-date=January 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122051251/http://www.unity.edu/News/solar1004.htm |archive-date=January 22, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Dave |last=Burdick |url=https://huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/27/white-house-solar-panels_n_160575.html |work=HuffPost |title=White House Solar Panels: What Ever Happened To Carter's Solar Thermal Water Heater? (VIDEO) |date=January 27, 2009 |access-date=January 31, 2010 |archive-date=September 4, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904023005/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/27/white-house-solar-panels_n_160575.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He wore sweaters to offset turning down the heat in the White House.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/10/08/craig-shirley-jimmy-carter-white-house-energy-crisis-solar-panels-ronald-reagan/|title=Days of 'Malaise' and Jimmy Carter's Solar Panels|first1=Craig|last1=Shirley|date=October 8, 2010|access-date=August 30, 2021|work=Fox News|archive-date=November 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122031809/http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/10/08/craig-shirley-jimmy-carter-white-house-energy-crisis-solar-panels-ronald-reagan/|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 4, 1977, Carter signed the [[Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977]], forming the Department of Energy, the first new cabinet position in eleven years.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Relyea |first1=Harold |title=The executive branch, creation and reorganization |year=2003 |publisher=Nova Publishers |page=29 |last2=Carr |first2=Thomas P. |isbn=978-1-59033-610-6}}</ref>

Carter boasted that the House of Representatives had "adopted almost all" of the energy proposal he had made five months earlier and called the compromise "a turning point in establishing a comprehensive energy program."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-125 |title=The President's News Conference (29 September 1977) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816115250/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-125 |url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, on October 13, Carter stated he believed in the Senate's ability to pass the energy reform bill and identified energy as "the most important domestic issue that we will face while I am in office."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-122 |title=The President's News Conference (13 October 2021) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105040157/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-122 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 12, 1978, during a press conference, Carter said the continued discussions about his energy reform proposal had been "long and divisive and arduous" as well as hindering to national issues that needed to be addressed with the implementation of the law.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-1008 |title=The President's News Conference (12 January 1978) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140632/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-1008 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In an April 11, 1978, news conference, Carter said his biggest surprise "in the nature of a disappointment" since becoming president was the difficulty Congress had in passing legislation, citing the energy reform bill in particular: "I never dreamed a year ago in April when I proposed this matter to the Congress that a year later it still would not be resolved."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-1006 |title=The President's News Conference (11 April 1978) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140501/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-1006 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Carter energy legislation was approved by Congress after much deliberation and modification on October 15, 1978. The measure deregulated the sale of natural gas, dropped a longstanding pricing disparity between intra- and interstate gas, and created tax credits to encourage energy conservation and the use of non-fossil fuels.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kaufman |first=Burton Ira |title=The Presidency of James Earl Carter, Jr. |date=1993 |publisher=University Press of Kansas |isbn=978-0-7006-0572-9 |location=Lawrence, Kansas |pages=108 |oclc=26359258}}</ref>

On March 1, 1979, Carter submitted a standby gasoline rationing plan per the request of Congress.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/standby-gasoline-rationing-plan-message-the-congress-transmitting-the-plan-0 |title=Standby Gasoline Rationing Plan Message to the Congress Transmitting the Plan. (1 March 1979) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140613/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/standby-gasoline-rationing-plan-message-the-congress-transmitting-the-plan-0 |url-status=live}}</ref> On April 5, he delivered an address in which he stressed the urgency of energy conservation and increasing domestic production of energy sources such as coal and solar.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/energy-address-the-nation |title=Energy Address to the Nation. (5 April 1979) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140452/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/energy-address-the-nation |url-status=live}}</ref> During an April 30 news conference, he said it was imperative that the House commerce committee approve the standby gasoline rationing plan and called on Congress to pass the several other standby energy conservation plans he had proposed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-980 |title=The President's News Conference (30 April 1979) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140512/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-980 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 15, 1979, Carter delivered a nationally televised address in which he identified what he believed to be a "[[s:The Crisis of Confidence|crisis of confidence]]" among American people,<ref name="millercenter1979">{{cite web |url=http://millercenter.org/scripps/archive/speeches/detail/3402 |title="Crisis of Confidence" Speech (July 15, 1979) |publisher=Miller Center, University of Virginia |format=text and video |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090721024329/http://millercenter.org/scripps/archive/speeches/detail/3402 |archive-date=July 21, 2009 |date=October 20, 2016}}</ref> under the advisement of pollster [[Pat Caddell]] who believed Americans faced a crisis in confidence from events of the 1960s and 1970s, before his presidency.<ref name="crisis speech">{{cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/carter-crisis-speech/ |publisher=PBS |series=American Experience |title=Jimmy Carter |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019101602/http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/carter-crisis-speech/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Some later called this his "[[malaise]] speech",<ref name="millercenter1979" /> memorable for mixed reactions<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eoearth.org/article/Jimmy_Carter%27s__malaise_speech_ |publisher=The Encyclopedia of Earth |title=Jimmy Carter's "malaise speech" |author=Cutler Cleveland |date=January 24, 2007 |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=July 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711161737/http://www.eoearth.org/article/Jimmy_Carter%27s__malaise_speech_ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0611F8395D12728DDDA10994DF405B898BF1D3 |title=Speech Lifts Carter Rating to 37%; Public Agrees on Confidence Crisis; Responsive Chord Struck |newspaper=The New York Times |date=July 18, 1979 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |author=Adam Clymer |author-link=Adam Clymer |page=A1 |archive-date=May 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517074931/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0611F8395D12728DDDA10994DF405B898BF1D3 |url-status=live}}</ref> and his use of rhetoric.<ref name="crisis speech" /> The speech's negative reception centered on a view that he did not emphasize his own efforts to address the energy crisis and seemed too reliant on Americans.<ref>{{cite book |last=Weintraub |first=Walter |title=Political Psychology 7: Profiles of American Presidents as Revealed in Their Public Statements: The Presidential News Conferences of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan |year=1986 |publisher=International Society of Political Psychology |pages=285–295}}</ref>

==== EPA Love Canal Superfund ====
In 1978, Carter declared a federal emergency in the neighborhood of [[Love Canal]] in the city of [[Niagara Falls, New York]]. More than 800 families were evacuated from the neighborhood, which had been built on top of a [[toxic waste]] landfill. The [[Superfund]] law was created in response to the situation.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v751AwAAQBAJ&q=carter+Love+Canal+in+the+city+of+Niagara+Falls,+New+York.+More+than+800+families+were+evacuated&pg=PT1417|title=Encyclopedia of Business Ethics and Society|first1=Robert|last1=W. Kolb|publisher=SAGE Publications|date=2008|page=1305|isbn=9781452265698|access-date=March 21, 2022|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407065100/https://books.google.com/books?id=v751AwAAQBAJ&q=carter+Love+Canal+in+the+city+of+Niagara+Falls%2C+New+York.+More+than+800+families+were+evacuated&pg=PT1417|url-status=live}}</ref> Federal disaster money was appropriated to demolish the approximately 500 houses, the 99th Street School, and the 93rd Street School, which had been built on top of the dump; and to remediate the dump and construct a containment area for the hazardous wastes. This was the first time that such a process had been undertaken. Carter acknowledged that several more "Love Canals" existed across the country, and that discovering such hazardous dumpsites was "one of the grimmest discoveries of our modern era".<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eUTkicMAXuQC&q=one+of+the+grimmest+discoveries+of+our+modern+era+carter&pg=PR15|title=Risks of Hazardous Wastes|first1=Paul|last1=E. Rosenfeld|first2=Lydia|last2=Feng|first3=William|last3=Andrew|date=2011|publisher=William Andrew|isbn=9781437778434|access-date=March 21, 2022|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407071456/https://books.google.com/books?id=eUTkicMAXuQC&q=one+of+the+grimmest+discoveries+of+our+modern+era+carter&pg=PR15|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Poor relations with Congress ====
Carter typically refused to conform to Washington's rules.<ref>Zelizer, pp. 53–55</ref> He avoided phone calls from members of Congress and verbally insulted them. He was unwilling to return political favors. His negativity led to frustration in passing legislation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/georgia-mafia/ |title=The 'Georgia Mafia' . Jimmy Carter |work=WGBH American Experience |publisher=PBS |access-date=March 13, 2017 |archive-date=February 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215065641/http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/georgia-mafia// |url-status=dead}}</ref> During a press conference on February 23, 1977, Carter stated that it was "inevitable" that he would come into conflict with Congress and added that he had found "a growing sense of cooperation" with Congress and met in the past with congressional members of both parties.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-119 |title=The President's News Conference (23 February 1977) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815112634/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-119 |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter developed a bitter feeling following an unsuccessful attempt at having Congress enact the scrapping of several water projects,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/27/zelizer.hundred/index.html |work=CNN|title=Commentary: New president's 100 days of pressure – CNN.com |date=October 28, 2008 |access-date=May 22, 2010 |archive-date=December 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203002100/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/27/zelizer.hundred/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> which he had requested during his first 100 days in office and received opposition from members of his party.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/jimmycartersecon00bive_0 |title=Jimmy Carter's Economy: Policy in an Age of Limits |author=Biven, W. Carl |isbn=978-0-8078-2738-3 |year=2002 |publisher=University of North Carolina Press}} p. 81</ref>

As a rift ensued between the White House and Congress afterward, Carter noted that the liberal wing of the Democratic Party was most ardently against his policies, attributing this to [[Ted Kennedy 1980 presidential campaign|Ted Kennedy's wanting the presidency]].<ref>Carter, Jimmy ''Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis'', p. 8, (2005), Simon & Schuster</ref> Carter, thinking he had support from 74 Congressmen, issued a "hit list" of 19 projects that he claimed were "pork barrel" spending that he claimed would result in a veto on his part if included in any legislation.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost_historical/access/143163782.html?dids=143163782:143163782&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Apr+1%2C+1977&author=By+Walter+Pincus+Washington+Post+Staff+Writer&pub=The+Washington+Post+(1974-Current+file)&edition=&startpage=A1&desc=When+a+Campaign+Vow+Crashes+Into+a+Pork+Barrel |last=Pincus |first=Walter |title=When a Campaign Vow Crashes into a Pork Barrel |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=April 1, 1977 |access-date=July 5, 2008 |archive-date=May 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525152206/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost_historical/access/143163782.html?dids=143163782:143163782&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Apr+1,+1977&author=By+Walter+Pincus+Washington+Post+Staff+Writer&pub=The+Washington+Post+(1974-Current+file)&edition=&startpage=A1&desc=When+a+Campaign+Vow+Crashes+Into+a+Pork+Barrel |url-status=live}}</ref> He found himself at odds with Congressional Democrats once more, with [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives|speaker of the House of Representatives]] [[Tip O'Neill]] finding it inappropriate for a president to pursue what had traditionally been the role of Congress. Carter was also weakened by signing a bill that contained many of the "hit list" projects he intended to cancel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=6799 |publisher=presidency.ucsb.edu |title=Jimmy Carter: Water Resource Projects Message to the Congress |access-date=March 13, 2017 |archive-date=August 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828215048/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=6799 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In an address to a fundraising dinner for the Democratic National Committee on June 23, 1977, Carter said, "I think it's good to point out tonight, too, that we have evolved a good working relationship with the Congress. For eight years we had government by partisanship. Now we have government by partnership."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/democratic-national-committee-dinner-remarks-the-fundraising-dinner-new-york-city |title=Democratic National Committee Dinner Remarks at the Fundraising Dinner in New York City. (23 June 1977) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=October 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012010116/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/democratic-national-committee-dinner-remarks-the-fundraising-dinner-new-york-city |url-status=live}}</ref> At a July 28 news conference, assessing the first six months of his presidency, Carter spoke of his improved understanding of Congress: "I have learned to respect the Congress more in an individual basis. I've been favorably impressed at the high degree of concentrated experience and knowledge that individual members of Congress can bring on a specific subject, where they've been the chairman of a subcommittee or committee for many years and have focused their attention on this particular aspect of government life which I will never be able to do."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-104 |title=The President's News Conference (28 July 1977) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140513/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-104 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 10, 1979, the House voted against giving Carter authority to produce a standby gas rationing plan.<ref>Bourne, p.436</ref> The following day, Carter delivered remarks in the Oval Office describing himself as shocked and embarrassed for the American government by the vote and concluding "the majority of the House Members are unwilling to take the responsibility, the political responsibility for dealing with a potential, serious threat to our Nation." He furthered that a majority of House members were placing higher importance on "local or parochial interests" and challenged the lower chamber of Congress with composing their own rationing plan in the next 90 days.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=32325 |title=Standby Gasoline Rationing Plan Remarks on the House of Representatives Disapproval of the Plan (10 May 1979) |date=May 11, 1979 |publisher=American Presidency Project |first=Jimmy |last=Carter |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926085905/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=32325 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Carter's remarks were met with criticism by House Republicans, who accused his comments of not befitting the formality a president should have in their public remarks. Others pointed to 106 Democrats voting against his proposal and the bipartisan criticism potentially coming back to haunt him.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/05/15/archives/carters-clash-with-congress-on-gas-plan-news-analysis-some.html |title=Carter's Clash With Congress on Gas Plan |date=May 15, 1979 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=May 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531084739/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/05/15/archives/carters-clash-with-congress-on-gas-plan-news-analysis-some.html |url-status=live}}</ref> At the start of a news conference on July 25, 1979, Carter called on believers in the future of the U.S. and his proposed energy program to speak with Congress as it bore the responsibility to impose his proposals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=32653 |title=The President's News Conference (25 July 1979) |date=July 25, 1979 |publisher=American Presidency Project |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926090001/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=32653 |url-status=live}}</ref> Amid the energy proposal opposition, ''The New York Times'' commented that "as the comments flying up and down Pennsylvania Avenue illustrate, there is also a crisis of confidence between Congress and the President, sense of doubt and distrust that threatens to undermine the President's legislative program and become an important issue in next year's campaign."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/08/05/archives/carter-and-the-congress-doubt-and-distrust-prevail.html |title=Carter and the Congress: Doubt and Distrust Prevail |first=Steven V. |last=Roberts |date=August 5, 1979 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817111437/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/08/05/archives/carter-and-the-congress-doubt-and-distrust-prevail.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Economy ====
[[File:Bill Clinton 1978.jpg|thumb|alt=A monochrome image of Carter shaking hands with Bill Clinton|President Carter meeting newly elected [[governor of Arkansas]] and future president [[Bill Clinton]] in 1978]]
Carter's presidency had a troubled economic history of two roughly equal periods. The first two years were a time of continuing recovery from the severe 1973–75 recession, which had left fixed investment at its lowest level since the 1970 recession and unemployment at 9%.<ref name="stat 88">{{cite web |url=http://www2.census.gov/prod2/statcomp/documents/1988-04.pdf |title=1988 Statistical Abstract of the United States |publisher=Department of Commerce |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140458/https://www2.census.gov/prod2/statcomp/documents/1988-04.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> His last two years were marked by double-digit inflation, coupled with very high interest rates,<ref name="'70s 292">Bourne, p. 447.</ref> oil shortages, and slow economic growth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/Is70sStyleStagflationComing.aspx |title=Is '70s-style stagflation returning? |author=Jim Jubak |work=Jubak's Journal |publisher=MSN |date=April 1, 2008 |access-date=October 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820042310/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/Is70sStyleStagflationComing.aspx |archive-date=August 20, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Due to the $30&nbsp;billion economic stimulus legislation – such as the Public Works Employment Act of 1977 – proposed by Carter and passed by Congress, real household median had grown by 5.2%, with a projection of 6.4% for the next quarter.<ref>Bourne, p.422</ref>

The [[1979 oil crisis|1979 energy crisis]] ended this period of growth, and as inflation and interest rates rose, economic growth, job creation and [[consumer confidence]] declined sharply.<ref name="'70s 292" /> The relatively loose [[monetary policy]] adopted by [[Federal Reserve Board]] chairman [[G. William Miller]], had already contributed to somewhat higher inflation,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://econ161.berkeley.edu/econ_articles/theinflationofthes.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970219022512/http://econ161.berkeley.edu/Econ_Articles/theinflationofthes.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 19, 1997 |title=The Inflation of the 1970s: November 21, 1978 |date=December 19, 1995 |publisher=[[University of California at Berkeley]] and National Bureau of Economic Research |access-date=March 18, 2012}}</ref> rising from 5.8% in 1976 to 7.7% in 1978. The sudden doubling of [[crude oil]] prices by [[OPEC]], the world's leading oil exporting [[cartel]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www-cta.ornl.gov/cta/Publications/Reports/ORNL-6873%20.pdf |title=The Outlook for U.S. Oil Dependence |publisher=U.S. Department of Energy |access-date=October 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513154741/http://www-cta.ornl.gov/cta/Publications/Reports/ORNL-6873%20.pdf |archive-date=May 13, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> forced inflation to double-digit levels, averaging 11.3% in 1979 and 13.5% in 1980.<ref name="stat 88" /> The sudden shortage of gasoline as the 1979 summer vacation season began exacerbated the problem and came to symbolize the crisis to the general public;<ref name="'70s 292" /> the acute shortage, originating in the shutdown of [[Amerada Hess]] refining facilities, led to a lawsuit against the company that year by the federal government.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://md.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.%5CFCT%5CC04%5C1979%5C19791226_0040006.C04.htm/qx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120628221218/http://md.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.%5CFCT%5CC04%5C1979%5C19791226_0040006.C04.htm/qx |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 28, 2012 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |title=United States v. Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America}}</ref>

==== Deregulation ====
[[File:AirlineDeregulationAct.png|thumb|alt=Carter surrounded by a crowd of people as he signs the Airline Deregulation Act.|Carter signing the [[Airline Deregulation Act]], 1978]]
{{Main|Airline Deregulation Act}}

In 1977, Carter appointed [[Alfred E. Kahn]] to lead the [[Civil Aeronautics Board]] (CAB). He was part of a push for deregulation of the industry, supported by leading economists, leading think tanks in Washington, a civil society coalition advocating the reform (patterned on a coalition earlier developed for the truck-and-rail-reform efforts), the head of the regulatory agency, Senate leadership, the Carter administration, and even some in the airline industry. This coalition swiftly gained legislative results in 1978.<ref>{{cite book |title=Contrived Competition: Regulation and Deregulation in America |last=Vietor |first=Richard H. K. |publisher=Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-43679-4 |oclc=897163998}}</ref>

Carter signed the [[Airline Deregulation Act]] into law on October 24, 1978. The main purpose of the act was to [[Airline deregulation|remove government control]] over fares, routes and market entry (of new airlines) from [[commercial aviation]]. The Civil Aeronautics Board's powers of regulation were to be phased out, eventually allowing market forces to determine routes and fares. The Act did not remove or diminish the [[Federal Aviation Administration|FAA's]] regulatory powers over all aspects of airline safety.<ref>{{cite book |title=Practical Applications in Business Aviation Management |isbn=978-1-60590-770-3 |last1=Cannon |first1=James R. |last2=Richey |first2=Franklin D. |year=2012|publisher=Government Institutes}}</ref>

In 1979, Carter deregulated the American beer industry by making it legal to sell [[malt]], [[hops]], and [[yeast]] to American [[Homebrewing|home brewers]] for the first time since the effective 1920 beginning of [[prohibition in the United States]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://motherjones.com/tom-philpott/2011/08/beer-charts |title=Beer Charts of the Day |first=Tom |last=Philpott |work=Mother Jones |date=August 17, 2011 |access-date=December 10, 2011 |archive-date=December 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111218221821/http://motherjones.com/tom-philpott/2011/08/beer-charts |url-status=live}}</ref> This deregulation led to an increase in home brewing over the 1980s and 1990s that by the 2000s had developed into a strong craft [[Microbrewery|microbrew]] culture in the United States, with 9,118 microbreweries, brewpubs, and regional craft breweries in the United States by the end of 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Association |first=Brewers |date=April 5, 2022 |title=Brewers Association Releases Annual Craft Brewing Industry Production Report and Top 50 Producing Craft Brewing Companies for 2021 |url=https://www.brewersassociation.org/press-releases/brewers-association-releases-annual-craft-brewing-industry-production-report-and-top-50-producing-craft-brewing-companies-for-2021/ |access-date=February 19, 2023 |publisher=Brewers Association |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209063838/https://www.brewersassociation.org/press-releases/brewers-association-releases-annual-craft-brewing-industry-production-report-and-top-50-producing-craft-brewing-companies-for-2021/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Healthcare ====
During his presidential campaign, Carter embraced healthcare reform akin to the [[Ted Kennedy]]-sponsored bipartisan [[universal health care|universal]] [[national health insurance]].<ref>Multiple sources * {{cite news |last=Reinhold |first=Robert |date=April 17, 1976 |title=Carter proposes U.S. health plan; says he favors mandatory insurance financed from wage and general taxes |newspaper=The New York Times |page=1 |url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30717FD3E5F167493C5A8178FD85F428785F9 |quote=Although Mr. Carter left some details a bit vague today, his proposal seemed almost identical to the so-called Kennedy-Corman health security plan. His position on the issue is now substantially the same as that of his chief rivals, Senator Hubert H. Humphrey, Senator Henry M. Jackson and Representative Morris K. Udall. All three are co-sponsors of the Kennedy-Corman bill. |access-date=September 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521003608/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30717FD3E5F167493C5A8178FD85F428785F9 |archive-date=May 21, 2013 |url-status=dead}} * {{cite news |last=Auerbach |first=Stuart |date=April 17, 1976 |title=Carter gives broad outline for national health plan; cost unknown |newspaper=The Washington Post |page=A1 |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost_historical/access/120359627.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI |quote=The outlines of Carter's program are close to one sponsored by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) and strongly supported by organized labor. |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=January 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130082012/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost_historical/access/120359627.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI |url-status=live}} * {{cite news |agency=United Press International |date=April 17, 1976 |title=Carter urges universal health plan |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |page=4 |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/613101652.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI |quote=Although Carter didn't provide an estimate of what his health plan would cost taxpayers, it features many proposals similar to plans suggested by others, including Sen. Edward Kennedy [D., Mass.] which are estimated to cost at least $40 billion annually. |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=January 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130082000/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/613101652.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter's proposals on healthcare while in office included an April 1977 mandatory health care cost proposal,<ref>{{cite book |year=1978 |chapter=Hospital cost control |title=Congressional Quarterly Almanac, 95th Congress 1st Session....1977 |journal=Congressional Quarterly Almanac Plus |volume=33 |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=Congressional Quarterly |pages=499–507 |issn=0095-6007 |oclc=1564784}}</ref> and a June 1979 proposal that provided private health insurance coverage.<ref>{{cite book |year=1980 |chapter=National health insurance |title=Congressional Quarterly Almanac, 96th Congress 1st Session....1979 |journal=Congressional Quarterly Almanac Plus |volume=35 |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=Congressional Quarterly |pages=536–540 |issn=0095-6007 |oclc=1564784}}</ref> Carter saw the June 1979 proposal as a continuation of progress in American health coverage. President [[Harry S. Truman]] proposed a designation of health care as a basic right of Americans and [[Medicare (United States)|Medicare]] and [[Medicaid]] were introduced under President [[Lyndon B. Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/national-health-plan-remarks-announcing-proposed-legislation |title=National Health Plan Remarks Announcing Proposed Legislation. (12 June 1979) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816100742/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/national-health-plan-remarks-announcing-proposed-legislation |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/national-health-plan-message-the-congress-proposed-legislation |title=National Health Plan Message to the Congress on Proposed Legislation. (12 June 1979) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140641/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/national-health-plan-message-the-congress-proposed-legislation |url-status=live}}</ref> The April 1977 mandatory health care cost proposal was passed in the Senate,<ref>{{cite book |year=1979 |chapter=Hospital cost control legislation dies |title=Congressional Quarterly Almanac, 95th Congress 2nd Session....1978 |journal=Congressional Quarterly Almanac Plus |volume=34 |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=Congressional Quarterly |pages=619–625 |issn=0095-6007 |oclc=1564784}}</ref> but later defeated in the House.<ref>{{cite book |year=1980 |chapter=House kills Carter hospital cost control plan |title=Congressional Quarterly Almanac, 96th Congress 1st Session....1979 |journal=Congressional Quarterly Almanac Plus |volume=35 |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=Congressional Quarterly |pages=512–518 |issn=0095-6007 |oclc=1564784}}</ref> During 1978, he met with Kennedy over a compromise healthcare law that proved unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Zelizer |first1=Julian |title=Jimmy Carter |date=2010 |publisher=Times Books |isbn=978-0-8050-8957-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/jimmycarter00zeli/page/78 78] |url=https://archive.org/details/jimmycarter00zeli/page/78}}</ref> He later said Kennedy's disagreements thwarted his plan to provide a comprehensive American health care system.<ref>{{cite book |first=Jimmy |last=Carter |author-link=Jimmy Carter |title=Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President |publisher=Bantam Books |year=1982 |isbn=978-0-553-05023-3 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/keepingfaithmemo00cart/page/86 86–87] |url=https://archive.org/details/keepingfaithmemo00cart/page/86}}</ref>

==== Education ====
Early into his term, Carter collaborated with Congress to fulfill his campaign promise to create a cabinet level education department. In an address from the White House on February 28, 1978, Carter argued "Education is far too important a matter to be scattered piecemeal among various government departments and agencies, which are often busy with sometimes dominant concerns."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/elementary-and-secondary-education-remarks-announcing-the-administrations-proposals-the |title=Elementary and Secondary Education Remarks Announcing the Administration's Proposals to the Congress. (28 February 1978) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818211940/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/elementary-and-secondary-education-remarks-announcing-the-administrations-proposals-the |url-status=live}}</ref> On February 8, 1979, the Carter administration released an outline of its plan to establish an education department and asserted enough support for the enactment to occur by June.<ref>{{cite news |title=Department of Education Outlined |agency=Associated Press |date=February 9, 1979 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IkwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=5661,1224804 |archive-date=October 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012023354/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IkwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=5661,1224804&dq=department+of+education |url-status=live}}</ref> On October 17, the same year, Carter signed the [[Department of Education Organization Act]] into law,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/department-education-organization-act-statement-signing-s-210-into-law |title=Department of Education Organization Act Statement on Signing S. 210 Into Law. (17 October 1979) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902142407/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/department-education-organization-act-statement-signing-s-210-into-law |url-status=live}}</ref> establishing the [[United States Department of Education]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Education Department Created |agency=United Press International |date=October 18, 1979 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0sZUAAAAIBAJ&pg=1984,3959160}}{{Dead link|date=March 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

Carter expanded the [[Head Start (program)|Head Start]] program with the addition of 43,000 children and families,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ilheadstart.org/about-ihsa/history-goals-and-values/head-start-a-historical-perspective/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220025932/http://ilheadstart.org/about-ihsa/history-goals-and-values/head-start-a-historical-perspective/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 20, 2013 |website=ilheadstart.org |title=A Historical Perspective |access-date=March 13, 2017}}</ref> while the percentage of nondefense dollars spent on education was doubled.<ref>{{cite book |title=American Presidents and Education |author=Berube, M.R. |date=1991 |publisher=Greenwood |isbn=978-0-313-27848-8 |url={{GBurl|id=CZ18F-KzLREC|p=49}} |page=49 |access-date=March 13, 2017}}</ref> Carter was complimentary of the [[presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson]] and the [[89th United States Congress]] for having initiated Head Start.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/15th-anniversary-project-head-start-remarks-white-house-reception |title=15th Anniversary of Project Head Start Remarks at a White House Reception. (12 March 1980) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=October 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012010119/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/15th-anniversary-project-head-start-remarks-white-house-reception |url-status=live}}</ref> In a speech on November 1, 1980, Carter stated his administration had extended Head Start to migrant children and was "working hard right now with [[Lloyd Bentsen|Senator Bentsen]] and with [[Kika de la Garza]] to make as much as $45 million available in federal money in the border districts to help with the increase in school construction for the number of Mexican school children who reside here legally".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/brownsville-texas-remarks-rally-with-area-residents |title=Brownsville, Texas Remarks at a Rally With Area Residents. (1 November 1980) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140544/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/brownsville-texas-remarks-rally-with-area-residents |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Foreign policy ===
{{main|Foreign policy of the Jimmy Carter administration}}
[[File:Camp David, Menachem Begin, Anwar Sadat, 1978.jpg|thumb|alt=Sadat, Carter, and Begin together during the Camp David accords|Anwar Sadat, Jimmy Carter and Menachem Begin meet at Camp David on September 6, 1978.]]

==== Israel and Egypt ====
[[File:Dan Hadani collection (990045970050205171).jpg|thumb|alt=Carter standing alongside Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin, during his 1979 visit|Carter standing alongside Israeli prime minister [[Menachem Begin]], during his 1979 visit]]
{{main|Presidency of Jimmy Carter#Camp David Accords|Camp David Accords}}
From the onset of his presidency, Carter attempted to mediate the [[Arab–Israeli conflict]].<ref>Alter, p. 388–417.</ref> After a failed attempt to seek a comprehensive settlement between the two nations in 1977 (through reconvening the [[Geneva Conference (1973)|1973 Geneva conference]],<ref>Kaufman and Kaufman, 2006, pp. 53–56.</ref> Carter invited the Egyptian president [[Anwar Sadat]] and Israeli prime minister [[Menachem Begin]] to the presidential lodge Camp David in September 1978, in hopes of creating a definitive peace. Whilst the two sides could not agree on Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank, the negotiations resulted in Egypt formally recognizing Israel, and the creation of an elected government in the West Bank and Gaza. This resulted in the Camp David Accords, which ended the war between Israel and Egypt.<ref>Herring, p. 841–842.</ref>

The accords were a source of great domestic opposition in both Egypt and Israel. Historian Jørgen Jensehaugen argues that by the time Carter left office in January 1981, he was "in an odd position—he had attempted to break with traditional U.S. policy but ended up fulfilling the goals of that tradition, which had been to break up the Arab alliance, sideline the Palestinians, build an alliance with Egypt, weaken the Soviet Union and secure Israel."<ref>Jørgen Jensehaugen. ''Arab–Israeli Diplomacy under Carter: The US, Israel and the Palestinians'' (2018) p. 178, quoted [https://networks.h-net.org/node/28443/discussions/4083976/h-diplo-roundtable-xx-36-j%C3%B8rgen-jensehaugen-arab-israeli on H-DIPLO] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704131441/https://networks.h-net.org/node/28443/discussions/4083976/h-diplo-roundtable-xx-36-j%C3%B8rgen-jensehaugen-arab-israeli |date=July 4, 2019}})</ref>

==== Africa ====
[[File:Carter Nyerere, August 1977 - NARA 175790.jpg|thumb|right|alt=The Carters and Julius Nyerere standing next to each other outside.|First Lady [[Rosalynn Carter]], Tanzanian leader [[Julius Nyerere]], and Carter, 1977]]
[[File:Olusegun Obasanjo and Jimmy Carter-02.jpg|thumb|alt=Carter standing alongside Olusegun Obasanjo outside.|Carter with Nigerian leader [[Olusegun Obasanjo]] on April 1, 1978]]
In an address to the African officials at the United Nations on October 4, 1977, Carter stated the U.S.'s interest to "see a strong, vigorous, free, and prosperous Africa with as much of the control of government as possible in the hands of the residents of your countries" and pointed to their unified efforts on "the problem of how to resolve the Rhodesian, Zimbabwe question."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=6745 |title=United Nations Remarks at a Working Luncheon for Officials of African Nations |publisher=American Presidency Project |date=October 4, 1977 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-date=March 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311140601/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=6745 |url-status=live}}</ref> At a news conference later that month, Carter outlined that the U.S. wanted to "work harmoniously with South Africa in dealing with the threats to peace in Namibia and in Zimbabwe in particular", as well as do away with racial issues such as apartheid, and for equal opportunities in other facets of society in the region.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=6849 |title=The President's News Conference |date=October 27, 1977 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |publisher=American Presidency Project |archive-date=October 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023115834/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=6849 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Carter visited Nigeria from March 31 to April 3, 1978, to improve relations;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/03/31/archives/carter-trip-to-nigeria-culminates-long-effort-to-improve-relations.html |title=Carter Trip to Nigeria Culminates Long Effort to Improve Relations |first=Michael T. |last=Kaufman |date=March 31, 1978 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=May 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531063017/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/03/31/archives/carter-trip-to-nigeria-culminates-long-effort-to-improve-relations.html |url-status=live}}</ref> the first U.S. president to do so.<ref name="history.state.gov">{{cite web |url=https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/travels/president/nigeria |title=Presidents' Travels to Nigeria (31 March — 3 April) |publisher=U.S. Department of State Office of the Historian |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818133750/https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/travels/president/nigeria |url-status=live}}</ref> He reiterated interest in convening a peace conference on Rhodesia that involved all parties and said the U.S. was moving as it could.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/04/03/archives/new-jersey-pages-carter-seeks-talks-including-all-sides-in-rhodesia.html |title=Carter Seeks Talks Including All Sides in Rhodesia Conflict |date=April 3, 1978 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=October 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012042353/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/04/03/archives/new-jersey-pages-carter-seeks-talks-including-all-sides-in-rhodesia.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The elections of [[Margaret Thatcher]] as [[prime minister of the United Kingdom]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/05/04/archives/conservatives-win-british-vote-margaret-thatcher-first-woman-to.html |title=Conservatives Win British Vote; Margaret Thatcher First Woman to Head a European Government |date=May 4, 1979 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=September 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907191715/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/05/04/archives/conservatives-win-british-vote-margaret-thatcher-first-woman-to.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Abel Muzorewa]] for [[Prime Minister of Zimbabwe Rhodesia]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/04/25/archives/muzorewa-party-wins-in-rhodesia-with-bare-majority-in-parliament.html |title=Rhodesian Election Ends with Turnout Put at 65 Percent |date=April 25, 1979 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816194436/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/04/25/archives/muzorewa-party-wins-in-rhodesia-with-bare-majority-in-parliament.html |url-status=live}}</ref> South Africa turning down a plan for [[South West Africa]]'s independence, and domestic opposition in Congress were seen as a heavy blow to the Carter administration's policy toward South Africa.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/05/14/archives/fight-over-rhodesia-sanctions-reflects-carter-bid-to-save-africa.html |title=Fight Over Rhodesia Sanctions Reflects Carter Bid to Save Africa Policy |date=May 14, 1979 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703000906/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/05/14/archives/fight-over-rhodesia-sanctions-reflects-carter-bid-to-save-africa.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On May 16, 1979, the Senate voted in favor of lifting economic sanctions against [[Rhodesia]], seen by some Rhodesians and South Africans as a potentially fatal blow to joint diplomacy efforts the United States and Britain had pursued in the region for three years and any compromise between the Salisbury leaders and guerrillas.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/05/17/archives/rhodesia-south-africa-hail-move-in-senate-to-end-curb-on-salisbury.html |title=Rhodesia, South Africa Hail Move In Senate to End Curb on Salisbury |date=May 17, 1979 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=October 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012010116/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/05/17/archives/rhodesia-south-africa-hail-move-in-senate-to-end-curb-on-salisbury.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On December 3, Secretary of State [[Cyrus Vance]] promised Senator [[Jesse Helms]] that when the British governor arrived in [[Harare|Salisbury]] to implement an agreed Lancaster House settlement and the electoral process began, the President would take prompt action to lift sanctions against Zimbabwe Rhodesia.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/12/04/archives/carter-promises-to-stop-sanctions-after-rhodesia-political.html |title=Carter Promises to Stop Sanctions After Rhodesia Political Settlement |date=December 4, 1979 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818111344/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/12/04/archives/carter-promises-to-stop-sanctions-after-rhodesia-political.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== East Asia ====
[[File:Carter DengXiaoping (cropped).jpg|thumb|alt=Carter standing next to Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping|[[Deng Xiaoping]] with Carter in 1979]]
Carter sought closer relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC), continuing the Nixon administration's drastic policy of rapprochement. The two countries increasingly collaborated against the Soviet Union, and the Carter administration tacitly consented to the [[Sino-Vietnamese War|Chinese invasion]] of Vietnam. In December 1978, he announced the United States' intention to formally recognize and establish full diplomatic relations with the PRC starting on January 1, 1979, while severing ties with Taiwan, including revoking a mutual defense treaty with the latter.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Wachman |first=Alan M. |date=1984 |title=Carter's Constitutional Conundrum: An Examination of the President's Unilateral Termination of a Treaty |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/45331164 |journal=The Fletcher Forum |volume=8 |issue=2 |pages=427–457 |jstor=45331164 |issn=0147-0981 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211123326/https://www.jstor.org/stable/45331164 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Walsh |first=Edward |date=December 16, 1978 |title=U.S. to Normalize Ties With Peking, End Its Defense Treaty With Taiwan |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1978/12/16/us-to-normalize-ties-with-peking-end-its-defense-treaty-with-taiwan/7d53f81a-865d-4a87-8c32-a0f6f343502c/ |access-date=December 11, 2023 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=May 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514161904/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1978/12/16/us-to-normalize-ties-with-peking-end-its-defense-treaty-with-taiwan/7d53f81a-865d-4a87-8c32-a0f6f343502c/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1979, Carter extended formal diplomatic recognition to the PRC for the first time. This decision led to a boom in trade between the United States and the PRC, which was pursuing economic reforms under the leadership of [[Deng Xiaoping]].<ref>Herring, pp. 839–840.</ref>

After the [[Soviet invasion of Afghanistan]], Carter allowed the sale of military supplies to China and began negotiations to share military intelligence.<ref>Herring, pp. 855–856.</ref> In January 1980, Carter unilaterally revoked the [[Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty]] with the [[Republic of China]] (ROC), which had lost control of [[mainland China]] to the PRC in 1949, but retained control of the [[island of Taiwan]]. Conservative Republicans challenged Carter's abrogation of the treaty in court, but the Supreme Court ruled that the issue was a non-justiciable [[political question]] in ''[[Goldwater v. Carter]]''. The U.S. continued to maintain diplomatic contacts with the ROC through the 1979 [[Taiwan Relations Act]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Strong|first1=Robert A.|title=Jimmy Carter: Foreign Affairs|url=https://millercenter.org/president/carter/foreign-affairs|website=Miller Center|date=October 4, 2016|publisher=University of Virginia|access-date=November 21, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031100/https://millercenter.org/president/carter/foreign-affairs|url-status=live}}</ref>

During Carter's presidency, the U.S. continued to support Indonesia as a cold war ally, despite human rights violations in [[East Timor (province)|East Timor]]. The violations followed Indonesia's [[Indonesian invasion of East Timor|December 1975 invasion and occupation]] of East Timor. Under Carter's administration military assistance to Indonesia increased, peaking in 1978.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldpolicy.org/projects/arms/reports/indoarms.html|title=Report: U.S. Arms Transfers to Indonesia 1975–1997|work=World Policy Institute|date=March 1997|access-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226181104/http://www.worldpolicy.org/projects/arms/reports/indoarms.html|archive-date=February 26, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Dumbrell |first=John |title=The Carter Presidency: A Re-evaluation |year=1995 |edition=2nd |publisher=Manchester University Press |location=Manchester, England, UK |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2GK7AAAAIAAJ&q=Indonesia&pg=PA187 |pages=187, 191 |isbn=978-0-7190-4693-3 |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=April 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410051130/https://books.google.com/books?id=2GK7AAAAIAAJ&q=Indonesia&pg=PA187 |url-status=live}}</ref> This was antithetical to Carter's stated policy of "not selling weapons if it would exacerbate a potential conflict in a region of the world".<ref>{{cite interview |last=Carter |first=Jimmy |subject-link=Jimmy Carter |interviewer=[[Amy Goodman]] |title=Fmr. President Jimmy Carter on "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid," Iraq, Greeting the Shah of Iran at the White House, Selling Weapons to Indonesia During the Occupation of East Timor, and More |url=https://www.democracynow.org/2007/9/10/fmr_president_jimmy_carter_on_palestine |date=September 10, 2007 |work=Democracy Now! |access-date=July 30, 2019 |archive-date=July 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730232155/https://www.democracynow.org/2007/9/10/fmr_president_jimmy_carter_on_palestine |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ball |first1=Nicole |last2=Lettenberg |first2=Milton |title=The foreign arms sales of the Carter administration |journal=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists |date=February 1979 |volume=35 |issue=2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GgsAAAAAMBAJ&q=Carter+weapons+sales+Indonesia&pg=PA31 |pages=31–36 |publisher=Educational Foundation for Nuclear Science |doi=10.1080/00963402.1979.11458586 |bibcode=1979BuAtS..35b..31B |access-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206211240/https://books.google.com/books?id=GgsAAAAAMBAJ&q=Carter+weapons+sales+Indonesia&pg=PA31 |url-status=live}}</ref>

During a news conference on March 9, 1977, Carter reaffirmed his interest in having a gradual withdrawal of American troops from [[Fourth Republic of Korea|South Korea]] and said he wanted South Korea to eventually have "adequate ground forces owned by and controlled by the South Korean government to protect themselves against any intrusion from North Korea."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-117 |title=The President's News Conference (9 March 1977) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011221451/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-117 |url-status=live}}</ref> On May 19, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' quoted Chief of Staff of U.S. forces in South Korea [[John K. Singlaub]] as criticizing Carter's withdrawal of troops from the Korean peninsula. Later that day, Press Secretary Rex Granum announced that Carter had summoned Singlaub to the White House, and confirmed that Carter had seen the ''Washington Post'' article.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/20/archives/carter-summons-general-in-korea-over-criticism-of-withdrawal-plan.html |title=Carter Summons General in Korea Over Criticism of Withdrawal Plan |date=May 20, 1977 |access-date=September 1, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816120219/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/20/archives/carter-summons-general-in-korea-over-criticism-of-withdrawal-plan.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter relieved Singlaub of his duties on May 21 after a meeting between the two.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/22/archives/carter-disciplines-gen-singlaub-who-attacked-his-policy-on-korea.html |title=Carter Disciplines Gen. Singlaub, Who Attacked His Policy on Korea |first=Bernard |last=Weinraub |work=The New York Times |date=May 22, 1977 |access-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816085328/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/22/archives/carter-disciplines-gen-singlaub-who-attacked-his-policy-on-korea.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,914937,00.html |title=Armed Forces: General on the Carpet |date=May 30, 1977 |access-date=September 1, 2021 |magazine=Time |archive-date=October 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014033517/https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,914937,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

During a news conference on May 26, 1977, Carter said South Korea could defend itself with reduced American troops in case of conflict.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/27/archives/carter-defends-plan-to-reduce-forces-in-korea-carer-defends-plan-to.html |title=Carter Defends Plan to Reduce Forces in Korea |date=May 27, 1977 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702233520/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/27/archives/carter-defends-plan-to-reduce-forces-in-korea-carer-defends-plan-to.html |url-status=live}}</ref> From June 30 to July 1, 1979, Carter held meetings with [[president of South Korea]] [[Park Chung Hee]] at the Blue House for a discussion on relations between the U.S. and South Korea as well as Carter's interest in preserving his policy of worldwide tension reduction.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/seoul-republic-korea-joint-communique-issued-the-conclusion-meetings-with-president-park |title=Seoul, Republic of Korea Joint Communiqué Issued at the Conclusion of Meetings With President Park. (1 July 1979) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140609/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/seoul-republic-korea-joint-communique-issued-the-conclusion-meetings-with-president-park |url-status=live}}</ref> On April 21, 1978, Carter announced a reduction in American troops in South Korea scheduled to be released by the end of the year by two-thirds, citing lack of action by Congress in regard to a compensatory aid package for the South Korean government.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/04/22/archives/carter-cuts-total-of-us-troops-to-leave-south-korea-this-year.html |title=Carter Cuts Total of U.S. Troops To Leave South Korea This Year (21 April 1978) |first=Terence |last=Smith |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 22, 1978 |access-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816183234/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/04/22/archives/carter-cuts-total-of-us-troops-to-leave-south-korea-this-year.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Iran ====
{{main|Iran hostage crisis}}
[[File:Jimmy Carter with King Hussein of Jordan the Shah of Iran and Shahbanou of Iran - NARA - 177332 04.jpg|thumb|alt=Carter standing alongside King Hussein and the Shah of Iran|Carter with [[King Hussein]] of Jordan and [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi|Shah of Iran]] in 1977]]
On November 15, 1977, Carter pledged that his administration would continue positive relations between the U.S. and Iran, calling its contemporary status "strong, stable and progressive".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/11/16/archives/carter-lauds-shah-on-his-leadership-assures-visitor-us-will.html |title=Carter Lauds Shah On His Leadership |date=November 16, 1977 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702235156/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/11/16/archives/carter-lauds-shah-on-his-leadership-assures-visitor-us-will.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On December 31, 1977, he called Iran under the Shah an "island of stability" made possible by the "admiration and love your people give to [the Shah]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vandvreader.org/jimmy-carter-toasts-the-shah-31-december-1977/|title=Jimmy Carter Toasts the Shah|date=December 31, 1977|work=Voices and Visions|access-date=March 24, 2023|archive-date=March 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324205948/http://vandvreader.org/jimmy-carter-toasts-the-shah-31-december-1977/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Making of US Foreign Policy |date=1997 |publisher=Manchester University Press |page=72}}</ref> Carter praised the Shah's "great leadership" and spoke of "personal friendship" between them.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Gill Guererro |first1=Javier |title=The Carter Administration and the Fall of Iran's Pahlavi Dynasty US-Iran Relations on the Brink of the 1979 Revolution |date=2016 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan US |page=57}}</ref> When the Shah was overthrown, anti-Americanism increased in Iran, which intensified when Carter allowed the Shah to be admitted to the [[Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center]] in New York on October 22, 1979.<ref>Bourne, p. 454.</ref>

On November 4, 1979, a group of Iranian students took over the [[U.S. Embassy in Tehran]]. The students belonged to the [[Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Line]] and supported the [[Iranian Revolution]].<ref>Bourne, p. 452.</ref> Fifty-two American diplomats and citizens were held hostage for the next 444 days. They were freed immediately after [[Ronald Reagan]] succeeded Carter as president on January 20, 1981. During the crisis, Carter remained in isolation in the White House for more than 100 days, until he left to participate in the lighting of the [[National Menorah]] on [[the Ellipse]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://forward.com/articles/120124/how-hanukkah-came-to-the-white-house/|title=How Hanukkah Came To The White House|first1=Jonathan|last1=D. Sarna|date=December 2, 2009|access-date=August 30, 2021|publisher=The Forward|archive-date=March 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319162202/http://forward.com/articles/120124/how-hanukkah-came-to-the-white-house/|url-status=live}}</ref>

A month into the affair, Carter announced his commitment to resolving the dispute without "any military action that would cause bloodshed or arouse the unstable captors of our hostages to attack them or to punish them".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/american-hostages-iran-remarks-state-department-employees |title=American Hostages in Iran Remarks to State Department Employees. (7 December 1979) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140657/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/american-hostages-iran-remarks-state-department-employees |url-status=live}}</ref> On April 7, 1980, he issued Executive Order 12205, imposing economic sanctions against Iran,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/executive-order-12205-economic-sanctions-against-iran |title=Executive Order 12205—Economic Sanctions Against Iran (7 April 1980) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140558/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/executive-order-12205-economic-sanctions-against-iran |url-status=live}}</ref> and announced further government measures he deemed necessary to ensure a safe release.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/sanctions-against-iran-remarks-announcing-us-actions |title=Sanctions Against Iran Remarks Announcing U.S. Actions. (7 April 1980) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818212038/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/sanctions-against-iran-remarks-announcing-us-actions |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thecrimson.com/article/1980/4/8/carter-cuts-ties-with-iran-ppresident/ |title=Carter Cuts Ties With Iran |date=April 8, 1980 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |newspaper=The Harvard Crimson |archive-date=August 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809084016/https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1980/4/8/carter-cuts-ties-with-iran-ppresident/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 24, 1980, Carter ordered [[Operation Eagle Claw]] to try to free the hostages. The mission failed, leaving eight American servicemen dead and two aircraft destroyed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/address-the-nation-the-rescue-attempt-for-american-hostages-iran |title=Address to the Nation on the Rescue Attempt for American Hostages in Iran (24 April 1980) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818152309/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/address-the-nation-the-rescue-attempt-for-american-hostages-iran |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/rescue-attempt-for-american-hostages-iran-white-house-statement |title=Rescue Attempt for American Hostages in Iran White House Statement. (25 April 1980) |publisher=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818152313/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/rescue-attempt-for-american-hostages-iran-white-house-statement |url-status=live}}</ref> The failure led Secretary of State Cyrus Vance, who had opposed the mission, to resign.<ref>Bourne, p. 460.</ref>

Released in 2017, a declassified memo produced by the CIA in 1980 concluded『Iranian hardliners—especially [[Ruhollah Khomeini|Ayatollah Khomeini]]』were "determined to exploit the hostage issue to bring about President Carter's defeat in the November elections." Additionally, Tehran in 1980 wanted "the world to believe that Imam Khomeini caused President Carter's downfall and disgrace."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Declassified CIA memo predicted the 1980 October Surprise|url=https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2017/jul/24/declassified-cia-memo-predicted-1980-october-surpr/|access-date=November 13, 2021|publisher=MuckRock|date=July 24, 2017 |archive-date=November 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113103809/https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2017/jul/24/declassified-cia-memo-predicted-1980-october-surpr/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Soviet Union ====
[[File:Carter Brezhnev sign SALT II.jpg|thumb|alt=Carter and Brezhnev sitting next to each other.|Carter and [[Leonid Brezhnev]] signing the SALT II treaty at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, June 18, 1979]]
On February 8, 1977, Carter said he had urged the Soviet Union to align with the U.S. in forming "a comprehensive test ban to stop all nuclear testing for at least an extended period of time", and that he was in favor of the Soviet Union ceasing deployment of the [[RSD-10 Pioneer]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-112 |title=The President's News Conference (8 February 1977) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105040225/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-112 |url-status=live}}</ref> During a June 13 press conference, he said that at the beginning of the week, the U.S. would "work closely with the Soviet Union on a comprehensive test ban treaty to prohibit all testing of nuclear devices underground or in the atmosphere", and [[Paul Warnke]] would negotiate demilitarization of the Indian Ocean with the Soviet Union beginning the following week.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-114 |title=The President's News Conference (13 June 1977) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818111344/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-114 |url-status=live}}</ref>

At a December 30 news conference, Carter said that during "the last few months, the United States and the Soviet Union have made great progress in dealing with a long list of important issues, the most important of which is to control the deployment of strategic nuclear weapons", and that the two countries sought to conclude SALT II talks by the spring of the next year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-115 |title=The President's News Conference (30 December 1977) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817111526/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-115 |url-status=live}}</ref> The talk of a comprehensive test ban treaty materialized with the signing of the [[Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty II]] by Carter and [[Leonid Brezhnev]] on June 18, 1979.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/19/archives/us-and-soviet-sign-strategic-arms-treaty-carter-urges-congress-to.html |title=U.S. And Soviet Sign Strategic Arms Treaty; Carter Urges Congress To Support Accord |date=June 19, 1979 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817175614/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/19/archives/us-and-soviet-sign-strategic-arms-treaty-carter-urges-congress-to.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2015/06/this-day-in-politics-june-18-1979-119113 |title=Jimmy Carter signs Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty, June 18, 1979 |first=Andrew |last=Glass |newspaper=Politico |date=June 18, 2015 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140451/https://www.politico.com/story/2015/06/this-day-in-politics-june-18-1979-119113 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1979, the Soviets intervened in the [[Yemenite War of 1979|Second Yemenite War]]. The Soviet backing of [[South Yemen]] constituted a "smaller shock", in tandem with tensions that were rising due to the Iranian Revolution. This played a role in making Carter's stance on the Soviet Union more assertive, a shift that finalized with the impending Soviet-Afghan War.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jimmy Carter and the Second Yemenite War: A Smaller Shock of 1979?|url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/jimmy-carter-and-second-yemenite-war-smaller-shock-1979|access-date=November 21, 2021|publisher=[[Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars]]|archive-date=November 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122053035/https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/jimmy-carter-and-second-yemenite-war-smaller-shock-1979|url-status=live}}</ref>

In his [[1980 State of the Union Address]], Carter emphasized the significance of relations between the two regions: "Now, as during the last 3½ decades, the relationship between our country, the United States of America, and the Soviet Union is the most critical factor in determining whether the world will live at peace or be engulfed in global conflict."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=33079 |title=The State of the Union Address Delivered Before a Joint Session of the Congress. (January 23, 1980) |access-date=August 31, 2021 |publisher=The American Presidency Project |archive-date=September 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911122002/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=33079 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===== Soviet invasion of Afghanistan =====
Communists under the leadership of [[Nur Muhammad Taraki]] [[Saur Revolution|seized power in Afghanistan]] on April 27, 1978.<ref name="Kaplan">{{cite book |last=Kaplan |first=Robert D. |title=Soldiers of God: With Islamic Warriors in Afghanistan and Pakistan |publisher=Knopf Doubleday |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-307-54698-2 |pages=115–117}}</ref> The new regime signed a treaty of friendship with the Soviet Union in December of that year.<ref name="Kaplan" /><ref name="Kepel">{{cite book |last=Kepel |first=Gilles |title=Jihad: The Trail of Political Islam |publisher=I.B. Tauris |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-84511-257-8 |pages=138–139, 142–144}}</ref> Due to the regime's improvement of secular education and redistribution of land coinciding with mass executions and political oppression, Taraki was deposed by rival [[Hafizullah Amin]] in September.<ref name="Kaplan" /><ref name="Kepel" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=Blight |first1=James G. |title=Becoming Enemies: U.S.-Iran Relations and the Iran-Iraq War, 1979–1988 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-4422-0830-8 |pages=69–70}}</ref> Amin was considered a "brutal psychopath" by foreign observers and had lost control of much of the country, prompting the Soviet Union to [[Soviet–Afghan War|invade Afghanistan]] on December 24, 1979, execute Amin, and install [[Babrak Karmal]] as president.<ref name="Kaplan" /><ref name="Kepel" />

[[File:Carter and Begin, September 5, 1978 (10729514294).jpg|thumb|alt=Carter, Begin, and Brzezinski walking together outside.|Carter, Begin, and [[Zbigniew Brzezinski]] in September 1978]]
[[File:King Khaled (10168117694).jpg|thumb|alt=Carter standing next to King Khalid|King [[Khalid of Saudi Arabia]] and Carter in October 1978]]

In the West, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan was considered a threat to global security and the oil supplies of the [[Persian Gulf]], as well as the existence of Pakistan.<ref name="Kepel" /><ref name="Riedel">{{cite book |author-link=Bruce Riedel |last=Riedel |first=Bruce |title=What We Won: America's Secret War in Afghanistan, 1979–1989 |publisher=[[Brookings Institution]] Press |year=2014 |isbn=978-0-8157-2595-4 |pages=ix–xi, 21–22, 93, 98–99, 105}}</ref> These concerns led Carter to expand collaboration between the CIA and Pakistan's [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI), which had begun in July 1979, when the CIA started providing $695,000 worth of non-lethal assistance (e.g., "cash, medical equipment, and radio transmitters") to the [[Afghan mujahideen]].<ref name="Tobin 2020" /> The modest scope of this early collaboration was likely influenced by the understanding, later recounted by CIA official [[Robert Gates]], "that a substantial U.S. covert aid program" might have "raise[<span class="ltr">d</span>] the stakes", thereby causing "the Soviets to intervene more directly and vigorously than otherwise intended."<ref name="Riedel" /><ref name="Gates">{{cite book |last=Gates |first=Bob |title=From the Shadows: The Ultimate Insider's Story of Five Presidents and How They Won the Cold War |publisher=Simon and Schuster |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-4165-4336-7 |pages=145–147}} When asked whether he expected that the revelations in his memoir would inspire the conspiracy theories surrounding the U.S. aid program, Gates replied: "No, because there was no basis in fact for an allegation the administration tried to draw the Soviets into Afghanistan militarily." See Gates, email communication with John Bernell White Jr., October 15, 2011, as cited in {{cite thesis |last=White |first=John Bernell |url=http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-04252012-175722/unrestricted/WHITE_THESIS.pdf |title=The Strategic Mind Of Zbigniew Brzezinski: How A Native Pole Used Afghanistan To Protect His Homeland |date=May 2012 |pages=45–46, 82 |access-date=September 11, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304022857/http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-04252012-175722/unrestricted/WHITE_THESIS.pdf |archive-date=March 4, 2016}} cf. {{cite book |author-link=Steve Coll |last=Coll |first=Steve |title=Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001 |url=https://archive.org/details/ghostwarssecreth00coll |url-access=registration |publisher=Penguin |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-59420-007-6 |page=[https://archive.org/details/ghostwarssecreth00coll/page/581 581] |quote=Contemporary memos—particularly those written in the first days after the Soviet invasion—make clear that while Brzezinski was determined to confront the Soviets in Afghanistan through covert action, he was also very worried the Soviets would prevail.&nbsp;... Given this evidence and the enormous political and security costs that the invasion imposed on the Carter administration, any claim that Brzezinski lured the Soviets into Afghanistan warrants deep skepticism.}}</ref>

According to a 2020 review of declassified U.S. documents by Conor Tobin in the journal ''[[Diplomatic History (journal)|Diplomatic History]]'': "The primary significance of this small-scale aid was in creating constructive links with dissidents through Pakistan's ISI that could be utilized in the case of an overt Soviet intervention ... The small-scale covert program that developed ''in response'' to the increasing Soviet influence was part of a contingency plan ''if'' the Soviets did intervene militarily, as Washington would be in a better position to make it difficult for them to consolidate their position, but not designed to induce an intervention."<ref name="Tobin 2020">{{cite journal|last=Tobin|first=Conor|title=The Myth of the 'Afghan Trap': Zbigniew Brzezinski and Afghanistan, 1978–1979|journal=[[Diplomatic History (journal)|Diplomatic History]]|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|volume=44|issue=2|date=April 2020|pages=237–264|doi=10.1093/dh/dhz065|doi-access=free}}</ref>

On December 28, 1979, Carter signed a presidential finding explicitly allowing the CIA to transfer "lethal military equipment either directly or through third countries to the Afghan opponents of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan" and to arrange "selective training, conducted outside of Afghanistan, in the use of such equipment either directly or via third country intermediation."<ref name="Tobin 2020" /> His finding defined the CIA's mission as "harassment" of Soviet troops; at the time, "this was not a war the CIA expected to win outright on the battlefield," in the words of [[Steve Coll]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Coll|first=Steve|title=[[Ghost Wars|Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001]]|publisher=[[Penguin Group]]|year=2004|isbn=9781594200076|page=[https://archive.org/details/ghostwarssecreth00coll/page/58 58]|author-link=Steve Coll}}</ref>

Carter was determined to respond harshly to what he considered a dangerous provocation. In a televised speech on January 23, 1980, he announced sanctions on the Soviet Union, promised renewed aid and registration to Pakistan and the [[Selective Service System]], and [[Carter Doctrine|committed the U.S. to the Persian Gulf's defense]].<ref name="Riedel" /><ref name="Gates" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Carter |first1=James |title=Jimmy Carter State of the Union Address 1980 (23 January 1980) |url=https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/documents/speeches/su80jec.phtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041015134701/http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/documents/speeches/su80jec.phtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 15, 2004 |website=Selected Speeches of Jimmy Carter |publisher=Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum |access-date=May 30, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Jimmy Carter: The State of the Union Address Delivered Before a Joint Session of the Congress |url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=33079 |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=January 7, 2018 |archive-date=December 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214111712/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=33079 |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter imposed an embargo on grain shipments to the USSR, tabled SALT II, requested a 5% annual increase in defense spending,<ref>Zelizer, p. 103.</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Leuchtenburg |first1=William E. |title=The American President |date=2015 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=New York |isbn=978-0-19-517616-2 |page=577 |chapter=Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter}}</ref> and called for a boycott of the [[1980 Summer Olympics]] in Moscow, which was ultimately joined by 65 other nations.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Eaton|first1=Joseph|date=November 2016|title=Reconsidering the 1980 Moscow Olympic Boycott: American Sports Diplomacy in East Asian Perspective|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26376807|journal=Diplomatic History|volume=40|issue=5|pages=845–864|doi=10.1093/dh/dhw026|jstor=26376807|access-date=June 20, 2022|archive-date=October 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023092500/https://www.jstor.org/stable/26376807|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Treadaway |first=Dan |date=August 5, 1996 |title=Carter stresses role of Olympics in promoting global harmony |url=https://www.emory.edu/EMORY_REPORT/erarchive/1996/August/ERaug.5/8_5_96carter.html |journal=Emory Report |volume=48 |issue=37 |access-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622182355/https://www.emory.edu/EMORY_REPORT/erarchive/1996/August/ERaug.5/8_5_96carter.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Toohey |first=Kristine |title=The Olympic Games: A Social Science Perspective |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ywy9aslk3M8C&pg=PA100 |date=November 8, 2007 |publisher=CABI |isbn=978-1-84593-355-5 |page=100 |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705120119/https://books.google.com/books?id=ywy9aslk3M8C&pg=PA100 |url-status=live}}</ref> British Prime Minister [[Margaret Thatcher]] enthusiastically backed Carter's tough stance.<ref name="Riedel" /> [[National Security Advisor (United States)|National Security Advisor]] [[Zbigniew Brzezinski]] played a major role in organizing Carter's policies on the Soviet Union as a grand strategy.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sargent|first=Daniel|title=Postmodern America Didn't Deserve Jimmy Carter|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/07/24/postmodern-america-didnt-deserve-jimmy-carter/|access-date=November 21, 2021|website=Foreign Policy|date=July 24, 2021 |archive-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121041348/https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/07/24/postmodern-america-didnt-deserve-jimmy-carter/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In early 1980, Carter determined the thrust of U.S. policy for the duration of the war: he initiated [[Operation Cyclone|a program to arm the mujahideen through Pakistan's ISI]] and secured a pledge from Saudi Arabia to match U.S. funding for this purpose. Despite huge expenditure, the Soviet Union was unable to quell the insurgency and [[Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan|withdrew from Afghanistan]] in 1989 amid the economic, political, and social turmoil within the USSR, precipitating its [[dissolution of the Soviet Union|collapse]] two years later.<ref>{{cite book | last = Gaddis|first = John Lewis | title = We Now Know: Rethinking Cold War History | date = 1997 | publisher = Oxford University Press | isbn = 978-0-19-878070-0}}</ref><ref name="Riedel" /> The routing of U.S. aid through Pakistan led to some controversy, as weapons sent to [[Karachi]] were frequently controlled by Pakistan, whose government influenced which rebels received assistance. Despite this, Carter has expressed no regret over his decision to support what he still considers the Afghan freedom fighters.<ref name="Riedel" />

==== International trips ====
{{further|List of international presidential trips made by Jimmy Carter}}
[[File:US President Jimmy Carter Presidential Trips.PNG|thumb|upright=1.35|alt=Every country visited by Carter as president, highlighted in purple.|Countries visited by Carter during his presidency]]

Carter made twelve international trips to 25 countries as president.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/travels/president/carter-jimmy |title=Travels of President Jimmy Carter |work=U.S. Department of State Office of the Historian |access-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-date=December 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231091716/https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/travels/president/carter-jimmy |url-status=live}}</ref> He was the first president to make a state visit to Sub-Saharan Africa when he went to Nigeria in 1978.<ref name="history.state.gov" /> His travel also included trips to Europe, Asia, and Latin America. He made several trips to the Middle East to broker peace negotiations. His visit to [[Pahlavi Iran|Iran]] from December 31, 1977, to January 1, 1978, took place less than a year before the overthrow of [[Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realclearworld.com/lists/presidential_visits/carter_iran.html |title=Most Important Presidential Visits: No. 7 Jimmy Carter – Iran |website=realclearworld |access-date=May 24, 2016 |archive-date=June 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601144811/http://www.realclearworld.com/lists/presidential_visits/carter_iran.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Allegations and investigations ===
The September 21, 1977, resignation of [[Bert Lance]], who was director of the office of management and budget in the Carter administration, came amid allegations of improper banking activities before his tenure and was an embarrassment to Carter.<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/16/us/politics/bert-lance-carter-adviser-dies-at-82.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220103/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/16/us/politics/bert-lance-carter-adviser-dies-at-82.html |archive-date=January 3, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Bert Lance, Carter Adviser, Dies at 82|first1=Robert|last1=D. Hershey Jr.|date=August 15, 2013|access-date=September 1, 2021|work=[[The New York Times]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Carter became the first sitting president to testify under oath as part of an investigation of him,<ref>{{cite news |title=Paul Curran, 75, Corruption Foe, Dies |first=Robert D. |last=McFadden |author-link=Robert D. McFadden |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/07/nyregion/07curran.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 6, 2008 |page=A30 |access-date=September 6, 2008 |archive-date=April 25, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425033130/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/07/nyregion/07curran.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kayescholer.com/web.nsf/sl/96D840B79AF05CE785256CE20076DA99|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051018150259/http://www.kayescholer.com/web.nsf/sl/96D840B79AF05CE785256CE20076DA99|archive-date=October 18, 2005|title=Paul J. Curran, Special Counsel, Litigation, Kaye Scholer.|access-date=September 1, 2021}}</ref> as a result of [[United States Attorney General]] [[Griffin Bell]] appointing [[Paul J. Curran]] as a special counsel to investigate loans made to the peanut business Carter owned by a bank controlled by Lance and Curran's position as special counsel not allowing him to file charges on his own.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,916712-1,00.html |title=I Have a Job to Do |date=April 2, 1979 |magazine=Time |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025175059/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,916712-1,00.html|archive-date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=September 1, 2021}}</ref>{{efn|Curran also investigated President Jimmy Carter's family peanut business for the Justice Department in 1979, and thus became the first lawyer to examine a sitting president under oath.}} Curran announced in October 1979 that no evidence had been found to support allegations that funds loaned from the National Bank of Georgia had been diverted to Carter's 1976 presidential campaign, ending the investigation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Carter's Business Cleared in Inquiry on Campaign Funds |last=Pound |first=Edward T. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/10/17/archives/carters-business-cleared-in-inquiry-on-campaign-funds-indictments.html |newspaper=The New York Times |page=A1 |date=October 17, 1979 |access-date=September 7, 2008 |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722223222/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/10/17/archives/carters-business-cleared-in-inquiry-on-campaign-funds-indictments.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 1980 presidential campaign ===
{{main|1980 United States presidential election|Jimmy Carter 1980 presidential campaign}}
[[File:ElectoralCollege1980.svg|thumb|upright=1.35|alt=Electoral Map of the 1980 election. Almost all the states are Red.|Electoral map of the 1980 election]]

Carter's reelection campaign was based primarily on attacking Ronald Reagan. The campaign frequently pointed out and mocked Reagan's proclivity for gaffes, using his age and perceived lack of connection to his native California voter base against him.<ref>Zeizler, p. 112-113.</ref> Later, the campaign used similar rhetoric as [[Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 presidential campaign|Lyndon Johnson's 1964 presidential campaign]], portraying Reagan as a warmonger who could not be trusted with the nuclear arsenal.<ref>Zeizler, p. 115.</ref> Carter attempted to deny the [[Ronald Reagan 1980 presidential campaign|Reagan campaign]] $29.4 million ({{Inflation|index=US|value=29,400,000|start_year=1980|fmt=eq}}) in campaign funds, due to dependent conservative groups already raising $60 million to get him elected—an amount that exceeded the limit of campaign funds. Carter's attempt was later denied by the [[Federal Election Commission]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Md1JAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yx0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=2024%2C3677501|title=Bid by Carter to deny Reagan funds rejected|date=July 25, 1980|access-date=September 5, 2021|work=The Michigan Daily|archive-date=May 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525125539/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Md1JAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yx0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=2024%2C3677501|url-status=live}}</ref>

Carter later wrote that the most intense and mounting opposition to his policies came from the liberal wing of the Democratic Party, which he attributed to [[Ted Kennedy]]'s ambition to replace him as president.<ref>{{cite book |last=Carter |first=Jimmy |title=Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis |url=https://archive.org/details/ourendangeredv00cart |url-access=registration |year=2005 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |page=[https://archive.org/details/ourendangeredv00cart/page/8 8] |isbn=978-0-7432-8457-8}}</ref> After Kennedy announced his candidacy in November 1979,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/02/18/chapter_4_sailing_into_the_wind/ |title=Chapter 4: Sailing into the Wind: Losing a quest for the top, finding a new freedom |author=Allis, Sam |newspaper=The Boston Globe |date=February 18, 2009 |access-date=October 24, 2017 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303174031/http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/02/18/chapter_4_sailing_into_the_wind/ |url-status=live}}</ref> questions about his activities during his presidential bid were a frequent subject of Carter's press conferences during the [[1980 Democratic Party presidential primaries|Democratic presidential primaries]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-975 |title=The President's News Conference (13 February 1980) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818021455/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-975 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-973 |title=The President's News Conference (14 March 1980) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815070107/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/the-presidents-news-conference-973 |url-status=live}}</ref> Despite winning key states such as California and New York, Kennedy surprised his supporters by running a weak campaign, and Carter won most of the primaries and secured renomination. Kennedy had mobilized the liberal wing of the Democratic Party, which gave Carter weak support in the fall election.<ref>Hayward, p. 497.</ref>

Carter and Mondale were formally nominated at the [[1980 Democratic National Convention]] in New York City.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-accepting-the-presidential-nomination-the-1980-democratic-national-convention-new |title=Remarks Accepting the Presidential Nomination at the 1980 Democratic National Convention in New York (14 August 1980) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011214303/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-accepting-the-presidential-nomination-the-1980-democratic-national-convention-new |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter delivered a speech notable for its tribute to the late [[Hubert Humphrey]], whom he initially called "Hubert [[Horatio Hornblower]]",<ref>{{cite news |title=Carter Blows the Horn Of the Wrong Horatio |work=The New York Times |date=August 15, 1980 |access-date=September 5, 2021 |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E03E2DB113BE732A25756C1A96E9C94619FD6CF |archive-date=March 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317003621/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E03E2DB113BE732A25756C1A96E9C94619FD6CF |url-status=live}}</ref> and Kennedy made "[[The Dream Shall Never Die]]" speech, in which he criticized Reagan and did not endorse Carter.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1980/08/13/kennedy-rips-reagan-electrifies-convention/e095b296-247a-425d-8ef4-05bdfed24c9a/|title=Kennedy Rips Reagan, Electrifies Convention|first1=T. R.|last1=Reid|first2=David S.|last2=Broder|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=August 13, 1980|access-date=February 18, 2023|archive-date=August 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828171503/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1980/08/13/kennedy-rips-reagan-electrifies-convention/e095b296-247a-425d-8ef4-05bdfed24c9a/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Along with Reagan and Kennedy, Carter was opposed by centrist [[John B. Anderson]], who had previously contested the [[1980 Republican Party presidential primaries|Republican presidential primaries]], and upon losing to Reagan, reentered the race as an independent. Anderson advertised himself as a more liberal alternative to Reagan's conservatism.<ref>{{cite news|date=December 4, 2017|title=John Anderson, Independent Who Ran for President, Dies at 95|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-04/john-anderson-third-party-candidate-for-president-dies-at-95|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204215128/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-04/john-anderson-third-party-candidate-for-president-dies-at-95|archive-date=December 4, 2017|access-date=December 4, 2017|newspaper=Bloomberg.com}}</ref> As the campaign went on, Anderson's polling numbers dropped and his base was gradually pulled to Carter or Reagan.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 30, 2017|title=Gallup Presidential Election Trial-Heat Trends, 1936–2004 Gallup|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/110548/gallup-presidential-election-trialheat-trends-19362004.aspx#4|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630070844/http://www.gallup.com/poll/110548/gallup-presidential-election-trialheat-trends-19362004.aspx#4|archive-date=June 30, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2021}}</ref> Carter had to run against his own "[[stagflation]]"-ridden economy, while the hostage crisis in Iran dominated the news every week. He was attacked by conservatives for failing to "prevent Soviet gains" in less-developed countries, as pro-Soviet governments had taken power in countries including Angola, Ethiopia, Nicaragua and Afghanistan.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Galster|first=Steve|date=October 9, 2001|title=Afghanistan: Lessons from the Last War|url=https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB57/essay.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 1, 2021|website=The National Security Advisor|archive-date=September 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906203727/https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB57/essay.html}}</ref> His brother, Billy Carter, caused controversy due to his association with [[Muammar Gaddafi]]'s regime in [[Libyan Arab Jamahiriya|Libya]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/frenzy/billy.htm|title=Billygate – 1980|access-date=September 5, 2021|newspaper=The Washington Post|archive-date=August 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810085616/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/frenzy/billy.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> He alienated liberal college students, who were expected to be his base, by reinstating registration for the military draft. His campaign manager and former appointments secretary, [[Timothy Kraft]], stepped down five weeks before the general election amid what turned out to have been an uncorroborated allegation of [[cocaine]] use.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,952778,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308003653/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,952778,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 8, 2008 |title=Nation: Kraft Drops Out |magazine=Time |date=September 29, 1980 |access-date=June 29, 2013}}</ref>

On October 28, Carter and Reagan participated in the sole presidential debate of the election cycle in which they were both present, due to Carter refusing to participate in debates that included Anderson.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/presidential-debate-cleveland |title=Presidential Debate in Cleveland (28 October 1980) |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-date=October 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009082657/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/presidential-debate-cleveland |url-status=live}}</ref> Though initially trailing Carter by several points,<ref>{{cite news |first=John |last=Harwood |title=History Suggests McCain Faces an Uphill Battle |date=October 12, 2008 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/13/us/politics/13caucus.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 24, 2017 |archive-date=November 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104061104/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/13/us/politics/13caucus.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Reagan experienced a surge in polling after the debate.<ref>{{cite news |first=John F. |last=Stacks |title=Where the Polls Went Wrong |date=December 1, 1980 |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,924541,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009152724/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,924541,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 9, 2008 |magazine=Time |access-date=October 24, 2017}}</ref> This was in part influenced by Reagan deploying the phrase "[[There you go again]]", which became the election's defining phrase.<ref>{{cite news|title=Other stars emerge other than those on the presidential ticket|work=Gannett News Service|date=November 4, 2008|url=http://www.news-press.com/article/20081104/NEWS0107/81104001/1075|access-date=September 5, 2021}}{{Dead link|date=March 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> It was later discovered that in the final days of the campaign, Reagan's team [[Debategate|acquired classified documents]] Carter used to prepare for the debate.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.politico.com/story/2009/10/new-book-pins-debategate-on-dem-028317?o=1|title=New book pins 'debategate' on Dem|work=Politico|access-date=September 5, 2021|archive-date=May 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517041941/http://www.politico.com/story/2009/10/new-book-pins-debategate-on-dem-028317?o=1|url-status=live}}</ref>

Reagan defeated Carter in a landslide, winning 489 electoral votes. The Senate [[1980 United States Senate elections|went Republican]] for the first time since 1952.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kazin |first1=Michael |last2=Edwards |first2=Rebecca |last3=Rothman |first3=Adam |title=The Princeton Encyclopedia of American Political History. (Two volume set) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4hqpJEJp7cUC&pg=PA311 |date=November 9, 2009 |publisher=Princeton University Press |isbn=978-1-4008-3356-6 |page=311 |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705120117/https://books.google.com/books?id=4hqpJEJp7cUC&pg=PA311 |url-status=live}}</ref> In his concession speech, Carter admitted that he was hurt by the outcome of the election but pledged "a very fine transition period" with President-elect Reagan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/1980-presidential-election-remarks-the-outcome-the-election |title=1980 Presidential Election Remarks on the Outcome of the Election |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-date=September 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901212451/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/1980-presidential-election-remarks-the-outcome-the-election |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Post-presidency (1981–present) ==
{{main|Post-presidency of Jimmy Carter}}
Shortly after losing reelection, Carter told the White House press corps that he intended to emulate the retirement of [[Harry S. Truman]] and not use his subsequent public life to enrich himself.<ref>{{cite book |title=Beyond the White House: Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, Building Hope |url=https://archive.org/details/beyondwhitehouse00cart |url-access=registration |page=[https://archive.org/details/beyondwhitehouse00cart/page/3 3] |isbn=978-1-4165-5881-1 |publisher=Simon & Schuster |date=October 14, 2008 |first=Jimmy |last=Carter}}</ref>

=== Diplomacy ===
Diplomacy has been a large part of Carter's post-presidency. These diplomatic efforts began in the Middle East, with a September 1981 meeting with [[prime minister of Israel]] Menachem Begin,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1981/10/15/page/10/article/carter-begin-set-to-compromise |title=Carter: Begin set to compromise |date=October 15, 1981 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=August 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817075415/http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1981/10/15/page/10/article/carter-begin-set-to-compromise/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> and a March 1983 tour of Egypt that included meeting with members of the [[Palestine Liberation Organization]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/03/09/world/carter-meets-plo-officals-in-egypt.html |title=Carter Meets P.L.O. Officials in Egypt |date=March 8, 1983 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |first=William E. |last=Farrell |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140457/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/03/09/world/carter-meets-plo-officals-in-egypt.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1994, president [[Bill Clinton]] sought Carter's assistance in a North Korea peace mission, during which Carter negotiated an understanding with [[Kim Il Sung]].<ref>{{Cite book|first1=Marion V.|last1=Creekmore|title=A Moment of Crisis: Jimmy Carter, The Power of a Peacemaker, and North Korea's Nuclear Ambitions|date=2006|publisher=PublicAffairs |isbn=978-1-58648-414-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Kaplan |first1=Fred |author-link=Fred Kaplan (journalist) |date=May 2004 |title=Rolling Blunder |magazine=Washington Monthly |url=https://washingtonmonthly.com/magazine/may-2004/rolling-blunder-2/ |access-date=June 8, 2010 |archive-date=December 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205113603/http://washingtonmonthly.com/magazine/may-2004/rolling-blunder-2/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter outlined a treaty with Kim, which he announced to CNN without the Clinton administration's consent to spur American action.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://cartercenter.org/documents/nondatabase/nytimesarticle.htm |work=The New York Times |date=September 5, 2003 |last1=Brooke |first1=James |title=Carter Issues Warning on North Korea Standoff |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615210532/http://cartercenter.org/documents/nondatabase/nytimesarticle.htm |archive-date=June 15, 2010 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |via=The Carter Center}}</ref>

[[File:The Elders (9358747992).jpg|thumb|alt=Carter, Ahtisaari, Hague, and Brahmdi standing next to each other.|Carter (second from right) with [[Martti Ahtisaari]], [[William Hague]], and [[Lakhdar Brahimi]] from The Elders group in London, July 24, 2013.]]
In March 1999, Carter visited [[Taiwan]] and met with [[President of Taiwan|President]] [[Lee Teng-hui]]. During the meeting, Carter praised the progress Taiwan made in democracy, human rights, economy, culture, science and technology.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.president.gov.tw/NEWS/1219|title=President Lee Hosts Former US President Jimmy Carter|newspaper=Office of the President Republic of China (Taiwan)|date=March 30, 1999|access-date=May 23, 2023|archive-date=May 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522231559/https://english.president.gov.tw/NEWS/1219|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2006, Carter stated his disagreements with Israel's domestic and foreign policy while saying he was supported the country,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7420573.stm |work=BBC News |title=Israel 'has 150 nuclear weapons' |date=May 26, 2008 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |archive-date=November 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114221206/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7420573.stm |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/jimmy-carter-israel-s-apartheid-policies-worse-than-south-africa-s-1.206865 |title=Jimmy Carter: Israel's 'Apartheid' Policies Worse Than South Africa's |date=December 11, 2006 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=Haaretz |archive-date=October 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012121312/https://www.haaretz.com/news/jimmy-carter-israel-s-apartheid-policies-worse-than-south-africa-s-1.206865 |url-status=live}}</ref> extending his criticisms to Israel's policies in Lebanon, the [[West Bank]], and [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]].<ref>Brinkley, pp. 99–123.</ref>

In July 2007, Carter joined [[Nelson Mandela]] in Johannesburg, South Africa, to announce his participation in [[The Elders (organization)|The Elders]], a group of independent global leaders who work together on peace and human rights issues.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theelders.org/about |title=What is The Elders? |publisher=The Elders |access-date=March 8, 2013 |archive-date=March 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328003737/http://theelders.org/about |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theelders.org/our-work |title=Our Work |publisher=The Elders |access-date=March 7, 2013 |archive-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327235803/http://theelders.org/our-work |url-status=dead}}</ref> After the announcement, Carter participated in visits to [[Darfur]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2007/10/03/idUKL03712818._CH_.242020071003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131102647/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2007/10/03/idUKL03712818._CH_.242020071003 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 31, 2013 |title=Jimmy Carter blocked from meeting Darfur chief |date=October 3, 2007 |work=Reuters |access-date=June 12, 2012}}</ref> Sudan,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jfju7512LbJMdyWRLTb3YItDEgfQ |title=Sudan ready to withdraw troops from Abyei: Jimmy Carter |author=Ian Timberlake |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=May 27, 2012 |access-date=March 7, 2013 |archive-date=July 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703114403/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jfju7512LbJMdyWRLTb3YItDEgfQ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theelders.org/article/jimmy-carter-and-lakhdar-brahimi-sudan-support-peace-efforts |title=Jimmy Carter and Lakhdar Brahimi in Sudan to support peace efforts |publisher=The Elders |date=May 27, 2012 |access-date=March 7, 2013 |archive-date=May 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512233718/http://www.theelders.org/article/jimmy-carter-and-lakhdar-brahimi-sudan-support-peace-efforts |url-status=dead}}</ref> Cyprus, the [[Korean Peninsula]], and the Middle East, among others.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theelders.org/jimmy-carter |title=Jimmy Carter |publisher=The Elders |access-date=March 7, 2013 |archive-date=March 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305173858/http://theelders.org/jimmy-carter |url-status=live}}</ref> He attempted to travel to Zimbabwe in November 2008, but was stopped by President [[Robert Mugabe]]'s government.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-zimbabwe-politics-annan-idUSTRE4AL19320081122 |title=Annan, Carter say barred from Zimbabwe |work=Reuters |date=November 22, 2008 |access-date=March 7, 2013 |archive-date=May 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504143402/http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/11/22/us-zimbabwe-politics-annan-idUSTRE4AL19320081122 |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2008, Carter met with Syrian President [[Bashar al-Assad]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=160253&Itemid=96 |title=PR-USA.net |publisher=PR-USA.net |date=November 1, 2007 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516022847/http://pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=160253&Itemid=96 |archive-date=May 16, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.fw-magazine.com/content/president-jimmy-carter-speaks-forward |title=Jimmy Carter speaks to ''Forward Magazine'' |magazine=Forward Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725112857/http://www.fw-magazine.com/content/president-jimmy-carter-speaks-forward |date=July 25, 2015 |archive-date= July 25, 2015 |access-date=September 8, 2021}}</ref> and in a June 2012 call with [[Jeffrey Brown (journalist)|Jeffery Brown]], stressed that Egyptian military generals could take full executive and legislative power to form a new constitution favoring themselves if their announced intentions came true.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/carter-on-egypt/ |title=Jimmy Carter: If Egypt's Ruling Military Goes Through With Plan, Same as Coup |date=June 20, 2012 |first=Larisa |last=Epatko |publisher=PBS |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=October 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012105335/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/carter-on-egypt/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 10, 2010, Carter traveled to North Korea to secure the release of [[Aijalon Gomes]], successfully negotiating his release.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/08/27/north.korea.carter/index.html |title=Freed American Arrives Home from North Korea |work=CNN|date=August 27, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615112802/https://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/08/27/north.korea.carter/index.html |archive-date=June 15, 2021 |access-date=September 28, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=McCurry |first=Justin |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/27/north-korea-us-prisoner-jimmy-carter |title=North Korea releases US prisoner after talks with Jimmy Carter |work=The Guardian |date=August 27, 2010 |location=London |access-date=September 6, 2010 |archive-date=September 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915193551/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/27/north-korea-us-prisoner-jimmy-carter |url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout the latter part of 2017, as tensions between the U.S. and North Korea persisted, Carter recommended a peace treaty between the two nations,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://politics.blog.ajc.com/2017/08/10/jimmy-carter-presses-u-s-north-korea-to-tone-down-nuclear-war-rhetoric/ |title=Jimmy Carter presses U.S., North Korea to tone down escalating rhetoric |first=Tamar |last=Hallerman |work=ajc.com |date=August 10, 2017 |access-date=January 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216034109/http://politics.blog.ajc.com/2017/08/10/jimmy-carter-presses-u-s-north-korea-to-tone-down-nuclear-war-rhetoric/ |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and confirmed he had offered himself to the Trump administration as a willing candidate to be diplomatic envoy to North Korea.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/356567-carter-volunteers-to-help-solve-tensions-with-north-korea/ |title=Carter volunteers to help solve tensions with North Korea |date=October 21, 2017 |work=The Hill |first=John |last=Bowden |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140452/https://thehill.com/policy/international/356567-carter-volunteers-to-help-solve-tensions-with-north-korea |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Views on successive presidents ===
Carter began his first year out of office with a pledge not to critique the new [[Presidency of Ronald Reagan|Reagan administration]], stating that it was "too early".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/03/16/Too-early-to-criticize-Reagan-says-Carter/2336353566800/ |title=Too early to criticize Reagan, says Carter |first=Helen |last=Thomas |work=United Press International |date=March 16, 1981 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140509/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/03/16/Too-early-to-criticize-Reagan-says-Carter/2336353566800/ |url-status=live}}</ref> He sided with Reagan on issues like building neutron arms after the [[Soviet invasion of Afghanistan]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/09/03/Carter-backs-Reagan-on-neutron-weapon/8627368337600/ |title=Carter backs Reagan on neutron weapon |date=September 3, 1981 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |work=United Press International |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816013135/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/09/03/Carter-backs-Reagan-on-neutron-weapon/8627368337600/ |url-status=live}}</ref> though frequently spoke out against his administration, denouncing many of its actions in the Middle East;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/10/13/world/carter-to-lobby-senate-on-awacs.html |title=Carter to Lobby Senate on AWACS |date=October 12, 1981 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212142009/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/10/13/world/carter-to-lobby-senate-on-awacs.html |url-status=live}}</ref> in 1987, Carter insisted that he was incapable of preserving peace in the Middle East.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1987-03-22/news/8701220321_1_middle-east-peace-efforts-mideast-peace |title=Carter: Reagan Not Tending To Mideast |first=Uli |last=Schmetzer |date=March 22, 1987 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=September 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908164912/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1987-03-22/news/8701220321_1_middle-east-peace-efforts-mideast-peace |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter condemned the handling of the [[Sabra and Shatila massacre]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/09/21/Former-President-Jimmy-Carter-says-the-massacre-of-some/8666401428800/?spt=su |title=Former President Jimmy Carter says the massacre of some... |date=September 21, 1982 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |work=United Press International |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140517/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/09/21/Former-President-Jimmy-Carter-says-the-massacre-of-some/8666401428800/?spt=su |url-status=live}}</ref> the lack of efforts to rescue and retrieve four American businessmen from [[West Beirut]] in 1984,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/12/23/Former-President-Jimmy-Carter-criticized-the-Reagan-administration-Sunday/6686472626000/ |title=Former President Jimmy Carter criticized the Reagan administration Sunday... |date=December 23, 1984 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |location=Miami |work=United Press International |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140458/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/12/23/Former-President-Jimmy-Carter-criticized-the-Reagan-administration-Sunday/6686472626000/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Reagan's support of the [[Strategic Defense Initiative]] in 1985,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1985-04-12/news/8501210283_1_gorbachev-initiative-president-jimmy-carter-soviet-ambassador |title='Star Wars' May Hurt Talks, Carter Warns |first=Thom |last=Shanker |date=April 12, 1985 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=September 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908164822/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1985-04-12/news/8501210283_1_gorbachev-initiative-president-jimmy-carter-soviet-ambassador |url-status=live}}</ref> and his claim of an international conspiracy on terrorism.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/07/14/Carter-Avoid-force-against-terrorism/9869490161600/?spt=su |title=Carter: Avoid force against terrorism |work=United Press International |date=July 14, 1985 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140520/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/07/14/Carter-Avoid-force-against-terrorism/9869490161600/?spt=su |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1987 he also criticized Reagan for conceding to terrorist demands,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/02/09/Former-President-Jimmy-Carter-told-students-Monday-that-President/1036539845200/ |title=Former President Jimmy Carter told students Monday that President... |date=February 9, 1987 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |work=United Press International |archive-date=June 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617022252/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/02/09/Former-President-Jimmy-Carter-told-students-Monday-that-President/1036539845200/ |url-status=live}}</ref> the nomination of [[Robert Bork]] for the Supreme Court,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/09/30/Former-President-Jimmy-Carter-declared-Wednesday-he-is-strongly/5450987249052/ |title=Former President Jimmy Carter declared Wednesday he is strongly... |first=John |last=Hanrahan |date=September 30, 1987 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |work=United Press International |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140518/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/09/30/Former-President-Jimmy-Carter-declared-Wednesday-he-is-strongly/5450987249052/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and his handling of the Persian Gulf crisis.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/10/17/Carter-criticizes-Reagans-gulf-policy/1657561441600/ |title=Carter criticizes Reagan's gulf policy |first=Matthew C. |last=Quinn |work=United Press International |date=October 17, 1987 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821091909/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/10/17/Carter-criticizes-Reagans-gulf-policy/1657561441600/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 16, 1989, before the [[inauguration of George H. W. Bush]], Carter told former president Ford that Reagan had experienced a media honeymoon, saying that he believed Reagan's immediate successor would be less fortunate.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/01/18/Former-President-Gerald-Ford-Wednesday-said-the-Washington-press/7903601102800/|title=Former President Gerald Ford Wednesday said the Washington press...|first=Patrick|last=McCormick|work=United Press International|date=January 18, 1989|access-date=September 8, 2021|archive-date=September 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908180103/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/01/18/Former-President-Gerald-Ford-Wednesday-said-the-Washington-press/7903601102800/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Carter had a mostly poor relationship with [[Bill Clinton]], who snubbed him from his inauguration ceremony. He doubted the morality of the Clinton administration, particularly for the [[Monica Lewinsky scandal]] and the pardon of [[Marc Rich]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/carol-felsenthal/jimmy-carter-and-bill-cli_b_94926.html|title=Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton: They Genuinely Dislike Each Other|first1=Carol|last1=Felsenthal|website=[[HuffPost]]|date=May 25, 2011|access-date=September 8, 2021|archive-date=October 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025202310/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/carol-felsenthal/jimmy-carter-and-bill-cli_b_94926.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the presidency of [[George W. Bush]], Carter opposed the [[Iraq War]]<ref>Jimmy Carter, [https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/09/opinion/just-war-or-a-just-war.html "Just War – or a Just War?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127075310/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/09/opinion/just-war-or-a-just-war.html |date=January 27, 2022}}, ''The New York Times'', March 9, 2003. Retrieved August 4, 2008.</ref> and what he considered an attempt on the part of Bush and [[Tony Blair]] to oust [[Saddam Hussein]] by using "lies and misinterpretations".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/27/AR2006082701094.html |title=Jimmy Carter: Blair Subservient to Bush |date=August 27, 2006 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=July 5, 2008 |archive-date=July 24, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724004445/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/27/AR2006082701094.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2007, Carter said the Bush administration "has been the worst in history" in terms of its impact in foreign affairs;<ref>Frank Lockwood, [http://www2.arkansasonline.com/news/2007/may/19/carter-calls-bush-administration-worst-ever/ "Carter calls Bush administration worst ever"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918231435/http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2007/may/19/carter-calls-bush-administration-worst-ever/ |date=September 18, 2015}}, ''Arkansas Democrat-Gazette'', May 19, 2007. Retrieved August 4, 2008.</ref> he later said he was just comparing Bush's tenure to that of Richard Nixon.<ref>{{cite news |title=Carter: Anti-Bush remarks 'careless or misinterpreted' |url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/05/21/carter.bush.ap/index.html |date=May 21, 2007 |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614063104/http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/05/21/carter.bush.ap/index.html |archive-date=June 14, 2007 |url-status=dead |work=CNN|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> [[Tony Fratto]] responded to Carter's comments on the Bush administration's behalf by saying that the comments increased Carter's irrelevance.<ref>{{cite news |title='Carter is irrelevant,' Bush administration shoots back |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/05/20/carter.bush.ap/index.html |date=May 20, 2007 |access-date=June 22, 2015 |agency=Associated Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070523151632/http://edition.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/05/20/carter.bush.ap/index.html |archive-date=May 23, 2007 |url-status=dead |publisher=CNN}}</ref> By the end of Bush's second term, Carter considered Bush's tenure disappointing, as he told ''[[Forward Magazine]]'' of Syria.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fwmagazine.wordpress.com/forward-magazine-interviews-jimmy-carter/ |title=Jimmy Carter Speaks to Forward Magazine |work=Forward Magazine |date=January 2009 |access-date=April 12, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109021657/http://fwmagazine.wordpress.com/forward-magazine-interviews-jimmy-carter/ |archive-date=November 9, 2012}}</ref>

Though he praised President [[Barack Obama]] in the early part of his tenure,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/campaigns/administration/35543-jimmy-carter-says-obama-will-be-outstanding/ |title=Jimmy Carter Says Obama Will Be 'Outstanding' |date=January 28, 2009 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |newspaper=The Hill |first=Walter |last=Alarkon |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140458/https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/campaigns/administration/39280-jimmy-carter-says-obama-will-be-outstanding |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter stated his disagreements with the use of [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|drone]] strikes against suspected terrorists, Obama's choice to keep [[Guantanamo Bay detention camp]] open,<ref>{{cite news |last=Bingham |first=Amy |title=Jimmy Carter Accuses U.S. of 'Widespread Abuse of Human Rights' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/06/jimmy-carter-accuses-u-s-of-widespread-abuse-of-human-rights/ |work=ABC News |date=June 25, 2012 |access-date=June 26, 2012 |archive-date=June 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626170916/http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/06/jimmy-carter-accuses-u-s-of-widespread-abuse-of-human-rights/ |url-status=live}} ABC quotes came from a NY ''Times'' [https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/25/opinion/americas-shameful-human-rights-record.html June 25, 2012 op-ed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011214301/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/25/opinion/americas-shameful-human-rights-record.html |date=October 11, 2021}} written by Carter</ref> and the federal surveillance programs disclosed by [[Edward Snowden]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/political-insider-blog-your-daily-jolt-america-has-no-functioning-democracy-says-jimmy-carter/DKLFS2YYFBANHD7AHB2AYBH6ZA/ |last1=Bluestein |first1=Greg |last2=Galloway |first2=Jim |title=Your daily jolt: 'America has no functioning democracy,' says Jimmy Carter |publisher=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=July 18, 2013 |access-date=June 4, 2021 |archive-date=June 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604201246/https://www.ajc.com/politics/political-insider-blog-your-daily-jolt-america-has-no-functioning-democracy-says-jimmy-carter/DKLFS2YYFBANHD7AHB2AYBH6ZA/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/nsa-affaere-jimmy-carter-kritisiert-usa-a-911589.html |author=Peter Schmitz |title=NSA-Affäre: Ex-Präsident Carter verdammt US-Schnüffelei |magazine=Der Spiegel |date=July 17, 2013 |access-date=July 20, 2013 |archive-date=July 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729220006/http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/nsa-affaere-jimmy-carter-kritisiert-usa-a-911589.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

During [[Donald Trump]]'s presidency, Carter spoke favorably of the chance for immigration reform<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/09/14/ex-president-carter-give-trump-credit-on-forcing-immigration-debate.html |title=Ex-President Carter: Give Trump credit on forcing immigration debate |date=September 14, 2017 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=Fox News |archive-date=September 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925123226/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/09/14/ex-president-carter-give-trump-credit-on-forcing-immigration-debate.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and criticized Trump for his handling of the [[U.S. national anthem protests (2016–present)|U.S. national anthem protests]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/356566-jimmy-carter-i-would-rather-see-all-the-players-stand-during/ |title=Jimmy Carter: 'I would rather see all the players stand during' anthem |first=Jacqueline |last=Thomsen |date=October 21, 2017 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |newspaper=The Hill |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140457/https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/356566-jimmy-carter-i-would-rather-see-all-the-players-stand-during |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2017, he defended Trump in an interview with ''The New York Times'', criticizing the media's coverage of him as harsher "than any other president certainly that I've known about".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/21/opinion/sunday/jimmy-carter-lusts-trump-posting.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220103/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/21/opinion/sunday/jimmy-carter-lusts-trump-posting.html |archive-date=January 3, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Jimmy Carter Lusts for a Trump Posting |last=Dowd |first=Maureen |date=October 21, 2017 |work=The New York Times |access-date=January 17, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/22/politics/jimmy-carter-new-york-times-interview/index.html |title=Jimmy Carter wants to partner with Trump |first=Nicole |last=Chavez |work=CNN|access-date=January 17, 2018 |archive-date=December 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209065952/https://www.cnn.com/2017/10/22/politics/jimmy-carter-new-york-times-interview/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, Trump called Carter and expressed concern that China was "getting ahead" of the U.S. Carter agreed, saying that China's strength came from its lack of involvement in armed conflict, calling the U.S. "the most warlike nation in the history of the world."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wabe.org/president-trump-calls-president-carter-to-talk-china/ |title=President Trump Called Former President Carter To Talk About China |newspaper=WABE |date=April 14, 2019 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |archive-date=September 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914102157/https://www.wabe.org/president-trump-calls-president-carter-to-talk-china/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Presidential politics ===
[[File:Jimmy Carter (1988).jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Monochrome picture of Carter|Carter in 1988]]
Carter was considered a potential candidate in the [[1984 United States presidential election|1984 presidential election]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1981/0310/031029.html |title=Mondale in '84: he may run if Jimmy Carter doesn't |first=Godfrey Jr. |last=Sperling |date=March 10, 1981 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817231518/https://www.csmonitor.com/1981/0310/031029.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/04/25/Rosalynn-Carter-Bitter-at-1980-loss-Wishes-her-husband-would-run-again/7363451717200/ |title=Rosalynn Carter: Bitter at 1980 loss: Wishes her husband would run again |date=April 25, 1984 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |first=Helen |last=Thomas |work=United Press International |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140459/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/04/25/Rosalynn-Carter-Bitter-at-1980-loss-Wishes-her-husband-would-run-again/7363451717200/ |url-status=live}}</ref> but did not run and instead endorsed Walter Mondale for the Democratic nomination.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/05/11/us/carter-backs-mondale-for-presidency-in-1984.html |title=Carter Backs Mondale For Presidency in 1984 |date=May 11, 1982 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815082521/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/05/11/us/carter-backs-mondale-for-presidency-in-1984.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/03/14/Mondale-wins-Carter-hometown/9490448088400/ |title=Mondale wins Carter hometown |date=March 14, 1984 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=United Press International |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140458/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/03/14/Mondale-wins-Carter-hometown/9490448088400/ |url-status=live}}</ref> After Mondale secured the nomination, Carter critiqued the Reagan campaign,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/14/us/carter-predicts-that-reagan-will-avoid-debating-mondale.html |title=Carter Predicts That Reagan Will Avoid Debating Mondale |date=June 14, 1984 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815112639/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/14/us/carter-predicts-that-reagan-will-avoid-debating-mondale.html |url-status=live}}</ref> spoke at the [[1984 Democratic National Convention]], and advised Mondale.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/28/us/campaign-notes-carter-vows-to-shun-convention-spotlight.html |title=Campaign Notes; Carter Vows to Shun Convention Spotlight |date=June 28, 1984 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212143524/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/28/us/campaign-notes-carter-vows-to-shun-convention-spotlight.html |url-status=live}}</ref> After the election, in which Reagan defeated Mondale, Carter said the loss was predictable because Mondale's platform included raising taxes.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/11/07/Former-President-Jimmy-Carter-said-Wednesday-Walter-Mondales-defeat/4956468651600/ |title=Former President Jimmy Carter said Wednesday Walter Mondale's defeat... |first=Carol |last=Rosenberg |date=November 7, 1984 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=United Press International |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140507/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/11/07/Former-President-Jimmy-Carter-said-Wednesday-Walter-Mondales-defeat/4956468651600/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[1988 United States presidential election|1988 presidential election]], Carter ruled himself out as a candidate and predicted Vice President [[George H. W. Bush]] would be the Republican nominee.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/03/19/Former-President-Jimmy-Carter-said-today-Vice-President-George/2079543128400/ |title=Former President Jimmy Carter said today Vice President George... |date=March 19, 1987 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=United Press International |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140457/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/03/19/Former-President-Jimmy-Carter-said-today-Vice-President-George/2079543128400/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter foresaw unity at the [[1988 Democratic National Convention]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/07/16/Carter-predicts-unified-convention/8408585028800/ |title=Carter predicts unified convention |first=Robert |last=Mackay |date=July 16, 1988 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=United Press International |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816075951/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/07/16/Carter-predicts-unified-convention/8408585028800/ |url-status=live}}</ref> where he delivered an address.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1988/07/21/the-carter-constituency/0044a89e-a29c-425d-a7f4-7deb29449bf8/ |title=The Carter Constituency |date=July 21, 1988 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post |archive-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204234334/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1988/07/21/the-carter-constituency/0044a89e-a29c-425d-a7f4-7deb29449bf8/ |url-status=live}}</ref> After the election, which Bush won, Carter said Bush would have a more difficult presidency than Reagan because he was not as popular.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/11/10/Carter-predicts-tough-times-for-Bush/1653595141200/ |title=Carter predicts tough times for Bush |date=November 10, 1988 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=United Press International |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011214301/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/11/10/Carter-predicts-tough-times-for-Bush/1653595141200/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

During the [[1992 United States presidential election|1992 presidential election]], Carter met with Senator [[Paul Tsongas]], who sought his advice.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/23/us/the-1992-campaign-georgia-carter-welcomes-tsongas-to-plains.html |title=THE 1992 CAMPAIGN: Georgia; Carter Welcomes Tsongas to Plains |first=Karen |last=De Witt |date=February 23, 1992 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212142008/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/23/us/the-1992-campaign-georgia-carter-welcomes-tsongas-to-plains.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter spoke favorably of former governor of Arkansas Bill Clinton,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/04/13/Carter-says-Clinton-election-would-be-good-for-Japan-US-relations/4488703137600/ |title=Carter says Clinton election would be good for Japan-U.S. relations |date=April 13, 1992 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=United Press International |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816125620/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/04/13/Carter-says-Clinton-election-would-be-good-for-Japan-US-relations/4488703137600/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and criticized [[Ross Perot]], a Texas billionaire who was running as an independent.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/21/us/1992-campaign-carter-with-clinton-his-side-praises-candidate-s-qualities.html |title=THE 1992 CAMPAIGN; Carter, With Clinton at His Side, Praises the Candidate's Qualities |date=May 21, 1992 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |first=Gwen |last=Ifill |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818143834/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/21/us/1992-campaign-carter-with-clinton-his-side-praises-candidate-s-qualities.html |url-status=live}}</ref> As the primary concluded, Carter spoke of the need for the [[1992 Democratic National Convention]] to address certain issues not focused on in the past,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/08/19/Clinton-and-Gore-help-Carter-build-house/8269714196800/ |title=Clinton and Gore help Carter build house |first=Steve |last=Glasser |date=August 19, 1992 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=United Press International |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817013703/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/08/19/Clinton-and-Gore-help-Carter-build-house/8269714196800/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and campaigned for Clinton after he became the Democratic nominee,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/20/news/the-1992-campaign-the-democrats-clinton-assails-gop-attacks-aimed-at-wife.html |title=THE 1992 CAMPAIGN: The Democrats; Clinton Assails G.O.P. Attacks Aimed at Wife |first=Gwen |last=Ifill |date=August 20, 1992 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815112643/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/20/news/the-1992-campaign-the-democrats-clinton-assails-gop-attacks-aimed-at-wife.html |url-status=live}}</ref> publicly stating his expectation to be consulted during Clinton's presidency.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/11/06/Carter-ready-to-consult-with-Clinton/4107721026000/ |title=Carter ready to consult with Clinton |date=November 6, 1992 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=United Press International |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140502/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/11/06/Carter-ready-to-consult-with-Clinton/4107721026000/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Carter endorsed Vice President [[Al Gore]] days before the [[2000 United States presidential election|2000 presidential election]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/11/01/Former-President-Carter-endorses-Gore/5798973054800/ |title=Former President Carter endorses Gore |date=November 1, 2000 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=United Press International |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818231158/https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/11/01/Former-President-Carter-endorses-Gore/5798973054800/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and in subsequent years voiced his opinion that Gore won the election,<ref>{{cite book |title=Born to Cheat: How Bush, Cheney, Rove & Co. Broke the Rules – From the Sandlot to the White House |page=126 |publisher=Do Something Press |first=Jackson |last=Thoreau |isbn=978-1-881365-53-2 |year=2007}}</ref> despite Bush's eventual victory following the Supreme Court's ruling in ''[[Bush v. Gore]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/12/13/cnn.poll/index.html |title=Poll: Majority of Americans accept Bush as legitimate president |date=December 13, 2000 |access-date=April 27, 2011}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In the [[2004 United States presidential election|2004 presidential election]], Carter endorsed [[John Kerry]] and spoke at the [[2004 Democratic National Convention]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/07/26/cnna.carter/ |title=Carter: Kerry 'the president we need now' |date=July 26, 2004 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=CNN|archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815070106/http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/07/26/cnna.carter/ |url-status=live}}</ref> He also voiced concern about another voting mishap in Florida.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/sep/28/uselections2004.usa |title=Jimmy Carter fears repeat of election fiasco in Florida |newspaper=The Guardian |date=September 28, 2004 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011183952/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/sep/28/uselections2004.usa |url-status=live}}</ref>

During the [[2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries|2008 Democratic presidential primaries]], it was speculated that Carter would endorse [[Barack Obama]] over his main primary rival [[Hillary Clinton]], as Carter spoke favorably of Obama, as did other members of the Carter family.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/01/30/carter-praises-obama/ |title=Carter praises Obama |date=January 30, 2008 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=CNN|archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140456/https://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/01/30/carter-praises-obama/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/03/carter-hints-at-supporting-obama/ |title=Carter hints at supporting Obama |date=April 3, 2008 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=CNN|archive-date=April 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407063956/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/03/carter-hints-at-supporting-obama/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter also commented on Clinton ending her bid when superdelegates voted after the June 3 primary.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/26/carter-after-june-3-it-will-be-time-for-clinton-to-give-it-up/ |title=Carter: After June 3, it will be time for Clinton to 'give it up' |date=May 26, 2008 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=CNN|archive-date=June 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614204649/https://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/26/carter-after-june-3-it-will-be-time-for-clinton-to-give-it-up/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter criticized the Republican nominee, [[John McCain]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Carter-McCain-milking-POW-status/64911219972668/ |title=Carter: McCain 'milking' POW status |date=August 28, 2008 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=United Press International |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140503/https://www.upi.com/Carter-McCain-milking-POW-status/64911219972668/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=5679652&page=1 |title=Carter: McCain 'milking' POW time |date=August 30, 2008 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=ABC News |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140453/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=5679652&page=1 |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter warned Obama against selecting Clinton as his running mate.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jun/04/uselections2008 |title=US elections: Jimmy Carter tells Barack Obama not to pick Hillary Clinton as running mate |first=Jonathan |last=Freedland |date=June 4, 2008 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=November 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116022610/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jun/04/uselections2008 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Carter endorsed Republican [[Mitt Romney]] for the Republican nomination during the primary season of the [[2012 United States presidential election|2012 presidential election]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/215259/20110916/mitt-romney-jimmy-carter-massachusetts-health-care.htm |title=Could Jimmy Carter's Comments Doom Mitt Romney? |work=International Business Timegs |date=September 16, 2011 |access-date=September 22, 2011 |archive-date=September 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924042856/http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/215259/20110916/mitt-romney-jimmy-carter-massachusetts-health-care.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> though he clarified that his backing of Romney was due to him considering the former Massachusetts governor the candidate that could best assure a victory for President Obama.<ref>Yahoo News, [https://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/jimmy-carter-wants-mitt-romney-republican-nominee-141827488.html Jimmy Carter wants Mitt Romney to be the Republican nominee] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140454/https://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/jimmy-carter-wants-mitt-romney-republican-nominee-141827488.html |date=December 12, 2021}}, September 16, 2011. Retrieved October 5, 2011.</ref> Carter delivered a videotape address at the [[2012 Democratic National Convention]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Camia |first=Catalina |title=Jimmy Carter to speak by video at Dem convention |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2012/08/jimmy-carter-democratic-convention-speaker-barack-obama/1 |newspaper=USA Today |date=August 7, 2012 |access-date=August 7, 2012 |archive-date=August 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808102211/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2012/08/jimmy-carter-democratic-convention-speaker-barack-obama/1 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:The Funeral of President George H.W. Bush (46204190411).jpg|thumb|alt=The attendant of George H. W. Bush's funeral.|The [[Death and state funeral of George H. W. Bush|state funeral of George H. W. Bush]] in December 2018. Carter and his wife Rosalynn can be seen on the far right of the photograph.]]

Carter was critical of Republican presidential candidate [[Donald Trump]] shortly after the latter entered the primary, predicting that he would lose.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/08/politics/jimmy-carter-donald-trump-hillary-clinton/ |title=Jimmy Carter: Trump's comments are 'very stupid' |date=July 8, 2015 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |work=CNN|first=Theodore |last=Schleifer |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140452/https://www.cnn.com/2015/07/08/politics/jimmy-carter-donald-trump-hillary-clinton/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/258811-carter-democrats-and-republicans-hardly-speak-now/ |title=Carter: Dems, GOP 'hardly speak' now |first=Mark |last=Hensch |date=November 2, 2015 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |newspaper=The Hill |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628012425/https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/258811-carter-democrats-and-republicans-hardly-speak-now |url-status=live}}</ref> As the primary continued, Carter said he would prefer Trump to his main rival, [[Ted Cruz]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/jimmy-carter-i-would-choose-donald-trump-over-ted-cruz/ |date=February 3, 2016 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |title=Jimmy Carter: I would choose Donald Trump over Ted Cruz |first=Stephanie |last=Condon |work=CBS News |archive-date=October 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021124156/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jimmy-carter-i-would-choose-donald-trump-over-ted-cruz/ |url-status=live}}</ref> though he rebuked the Trump campaign in remarks during the primary<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/24/us/jimmy-carter-racism-baptist-conference-unity-donald-trump.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220103/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/24/us/jimmy-carter-racism-baptist-conference-unity-donald-trump.html |archive-date=January 3, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Jimmy Carter, Seeing Resurgence of Racism, Plans Baptist Conference for Unity |date=May 24, 2016 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |first=Laurie |last=Goodstein |newspaper=The New York Times}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and in his address to the [[2016 Democratic National Convention]]. Carter believes that Trump would not have been elected without [[Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections|Russia's interference in the 2016 election]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/jimmy-carter-says-trump-wouldnt-be-president-without-help-from-russia/2019/06/28/deef1ef0-99b6-11e9-8d0a-5edd7e2025b1_story.html |title=Jimmy Carter says Trump wouldn't be president without help from Russia |last=Wagner |first=John |date=June 28, 2019 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=June 29, 2019 |archive-date=June 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629001747/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/jimmy-carter-says-trump-wouldnt-be-president-without-help-from-russia/2019/06/28/deef1ef0-99b6-11e9-8d0a-5edd7e2025b1_story.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and "that Trump didn't actually win the election in 2016. He lost the election, and he was put into office because the Russians interfered on his behalf." When questioned, he agreed that Trump is an "illegitimate president".<ref name="Lewis_6/28/2019">{{cite web |last=Lewis |first=Sophie |title=Jimmy Carter calls Trump an 'illegitimate president' due to Russian interference |work=CBS News |date=June 28, 2019 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jimmy-carter-says-president-trump-illegitimate-president-russian-interference-2019-06-28/ |access-date=March 24, 2020 |archive-date=March 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324030136/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jimmy-carter-says-president-trump-illegitimate-president-russian-interference-2019-06-28/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="C-SPAN_6/28/2019">{{cite web |title=Conversation with Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale |publisher=C-SPAN |date=June 28, 2019 |url=https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4805096/jimmy-carter-president-trump-put-office-russian-interference |access-date=March 24, 2020 |archive-date=April 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420064317/https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4805096%2Fjimmy-carter-president-trump-put-office-russian-interference |url-status=live }}</ref> In a 2017 discussion with Senator [[Bernie Sanders]], Carter revealed he voted for Sanders in the [[2016 Democratic Party presidential primaries]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/05/09/yall-see-why-i-voted-for-him-jimmy-carter-says-he-was-a-bernie-sanders-supporter/ |title='Y'all see why I voted for him?': Jimmy Carter says he was a Bernie Sanders supporter |date=May 9, 2017 |access-date=February 20, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Derek |last=Hawkins |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112003025/https://www.washingtonpost.com/gdpr-consent/?next_url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.washingtonpost.com%2fnews%2fmorning-mix%2fwp%2f2017%2f05%2f09%2fyall-see-why-i-voted-for-him-jimmy-carter-says-he-was-a-bernie-sanders-supporter%2f |url-status=live}}</ref>

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter delivered a recorded audio message endorsing [[Joe Biden]] for the virtual [[2020 Democratic National Convention]]. On January 6, 2021, following the [[January 6 United States Capitol attack|U.S. Capitol attack]], along with the other three still living former presidents, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton,<ref>{{cite news |last8=institutions |first8=Washington |last9=Chason |first9=historical topicsRachel |date=January 6, 2021 |title=Live updates: U.S. Capitol is on lockdown as protesters clash with police and breach the building |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/01/06/dc-protests-trump-rally-live-updates/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106194011/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/01/06/dc-protests-trump-rally-live-updates/ |archive-date=January 6, 2021 |access-date=January 8, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> Jimmy Carter denounced the attack, releasing a statement saying that he and his wife were "troubled" by the events, also stating that what had occurred was "a national tragedy and is not who we are as a nation", and adding that "having observed elections in troubled democracies worldwide, I know that we the people can unite to walk back from this precipice to peacefully uphold the laws of our nation".<ref>{{cite web |title=All living former presidents condemn violence at the Capitol: 'A national tragedy' |url=https://www.today.com/news/all-living-former-presidents-condemn-violence-capitol-t205224 |access-date=January 8, 2021 |work=[[Today (American TV program)|Today]] |date=January 7, 2021 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107195632/https://www.today.com/news/all-living-former-presidents-condemn-violence-capitol-t205224 |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter delivered a recorded audio message for the [[inauguration of Joe Biden]] on January 20, 2021, as the Carters were unable to attend the ceremony in person.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/former-president-carter-reflects-on-his-inauguration-offers-biden-harris-insight-in-video|title=Former President Carter reflects on his inauguration, offers Biden, Harris insight in video|publisher=Fox 5 Atlanta|date=January 21, 2021|access-date=February 18, 2023|archive-date=February 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218215845/https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/former-president-carter-reflects-on-his-inauguration-offers-biden-harris-insight-in-video|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2022, the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit]] overruled a three-judge panel of the court and scheduled a rehearing of the case against the [[Trump administration]]-proposed [[Izembek National Wildlife Refuge|land swap]] in Alaska to allow a road through the [[Izembek National Wildlife Refuge]]. In an unusual action, Carter had filed an opinion in support of the suit by environmental groups, saying the swap violated the [[Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act]] (Anilca) [[Presidency of Jimmy Carter#Environment|passed in 1980]] near the end of Carter's term. Carter said the act "may be the most significant domestic achievement of my political life" at the time of his filing.<ref>Fountain, Henry, [https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/11/climate/anilca-road-alaska-trump-court-decision.html "Court to reconsider Trump-era decision that favored Alaska road project"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111231724/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/11/climate/anilca-road-alaska-trump-court-decision.html |date=November 11, 2022 }}, ''The New York Times'', November 11, 2022. Retrieved November 11, 2022.</ref>

=== Hurricane relief ===
Carter criticized the [[Presidency of George W. Bush|Bush administration]]'s handling of [[Hurricane Katrina]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wistv.com/story/3878857/jimmy-carter-criticizes-femas-role-in-katrina-relief |title=Jimmy Carter criticizes FEMA's role in Katrina relief |date=September 21, 2005 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |publisher=wistv.com |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140458/https://www.wistv.com/story/3878857/jimmy-carter-criticizes-femas-role-in-katrina-relief/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and built homes in the aftermath of [[Hurricane Sandy]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2013/10/former_president_carter_joins_effort_to_rebuild_sandy-ravaged_union_beach.html |title=Former President Carter joins effort to rebuild Sandy-ravaged Union Beach |date=October 12, 2013 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |first=Christopher |last=Robbins |archive-date=October 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012100123/http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2013/10/former_president_carter_joins_effort_to_rebuild_sandy-ravaged_union_beach.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He also partnered with former presidents to work with [[One America Appeal]] to help the victims of [[Hurricane Harvey]] and [[Hurricane Irma]] in the [[Gulf Coast of the United States|Gulf Coast]] and Texas communities,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/349993-former-presidents-add-irma-recovery-to-fundraising-appeal/ |title=Former presidents fundraise for Irma disaster relief |last=Shelbourne |first=Mallory |date=September 10, 2017 |work=The Hill |access-date=September 11, 2017 |archive-date=April 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428090029/https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/349993-former-presidents-add-irma-recovery-to-fundraising-appeal |url-status=live}}</ref> in addition to writing op-eds about the goodness seen in Americans who assist each other during natural disasters.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/02/opinions/help-harvey-recovery-jimmy-carter/index.html |title=Jimmy Carter: When the waters rise, so do our better angels |date=September 2, 2017 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |work=CNN|archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140452/https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/02/opinions/help-harvey-recovery-jimmy-carter/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Other activities ===
[[File:President Jimmy Carter Interview September 2019.webm|thumb|alt=Video of Carter discussing his legacy.|Carter discussing his legacy and the work of the [[Carter Center]] on the eve of his 95th birthday.]]
In 1982, Carter founded the [[Carter Center]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Timeline and History of The Carter Center [1981–1989] |url=http://www.cartercenter.org/about/history/chronology_1980.html |website=The Carter Center |access-date=October 27, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091101123818/http://www.cartercenter.org/about/history/chronology_1980.html |archive-date=November 1, 2009}}</ref> a non-governmental and non-profit organization with the purpose of [[Human rights activists|advancing human rights]] and alleviating human [[suffering]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.georgiatrend.com/November-2012/The-Carter-Center-At-30-Years/ |title=The Carter Center At 30 Years |work=GeorgiaTrend |date=October 31, 2012 |access-date=March 11, 2013 |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104085840/http://www.georgiatrend.com/November-2012/The-Carter-Center-At-30-Years/ |url-status=live}}</ref> including helping improve the [[quality of life]] for people in more than 80 countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cartercenter.org/index.html |title=Waging Peace. Fighting Disease |website=The Carter Center |access-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-date=January 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106075155/https://www.cartercenter.org/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Among these efforts has been the contribution of the Carter Center working alongside the [[World Health Organization]] to the near-[[eradication of dracunculiasis]], also called Guinea worm disease. The incidence of this disease has decreased from 3.5&nbsp;million cases in the mid-1980s, to 25 cases in 2016,<ref>{{Cite news|title=African worm disease from dirty water nearly eradicated, says Jimmy Carter|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/guinea-worm-disease-nearly-eradicated-jimmy-carter-says/|access-date=November 21, 2021|agency=CBS News|date=January 11, 2017 |archive-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121080137/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/guinea-worm-disease-nearly-eradicated-jimmy-carter-says/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Dracunculiasis eradication: "on the threshold of a historic achievement"|url=https://www.who.int/news/item/26-09-2019-dracunculiasis-eradication-on-the-threshold-of-a-historic-achievement|access-date=November 21, 2021|publisher=World Health Organization|archive-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121080134/https://www.who.int/news/item/26-09-2019-dracunculiasis-eradication-on-the-threshold-of-a-historic-achievement|url-status=live}}</ref> and 10 as of September 2021 according to the Carter Center's statistics.<ref>{{Cite web|title=View Latest Worldwide Guinea Worm Case Totals|url=https://www.cartercenter.org/health/guinea_worm/case-totals.html|access-date=November 21, 2021|publisher=Carter Center|archive-date=December 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219131528/https://www.cartercenter.org/health/guinea_worm/case-totals.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Carter attended the dedication of his presidential library<ref>{{cite news |url=https://articles.latimes.com/1986-10-02/news/mn-3888_1_carter-s-presidential-library |title=You Gave of Yourself': Reagan Praises Carter at Library Dedication |date=October 2, 1986 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907044303/http://articles.latimes.com/1986-10-02/news/mn-3888_1_carter-s-presidential-library |url-status=live}}</ref> and those of Presidents Ronald Reagan,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/05/us/4-presidents-join-reagan-in-dedicating-his-library.html |title=4 Presidents Join Reagan in Dedicating His Library |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 5, 1991 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |first=Robert |last=Reinhold |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817065855/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/05/us/4-presidents-join-reagan-in-dedicating-his-library.html |url-status=live}}</ref> George H. W. Bush,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/06/us/dedication-of-bush-library-is-set-for-today.html |title=Dedication of Bush Library Is Set for Today |date=November 6, 1997 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212142015/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/06/us/dedication-of-bush-library-is-set-for-today.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Bill Clinton,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/18/politics/18cnd-clin.html |title=Thousands Attend Dedication of Clinton's Presidential Library |date=November 18, 2004 |last=Newman |first=Maria |work=The New York Times |access-date=December 18, 2009 |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615235749/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/18/politics/18cnd-clin.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4021201.stm |title=Clinton library open for business |date=November 18, 2004 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=December 18, 2009 |archive-date=January 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122014526/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4021201.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> and George W. Bush.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/25/nation/la-na-bush-library-20130426 |title=At George W. Bush library, five presidents meet in harmony |date=April 25, 2013 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002204839/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/25/nation/la-na-bush-library-20130426 |url-status=live}}</ref> He delivered eulogies at the funerals of [[Coretta Scott King]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/08/us/at-mrs-kings-funeral-a-mix-of-elegy-and-politics.html |title=At Mrs. King's Funeral, a Mix of Elegy and Politics |date=February 8, 2006 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=August 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810200712/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/08/us/at-mrs-kings-funeral-a-mix-of-elegy-and-politics.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Gerald Ford,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/grf/Funeral/Carter.asp |title=Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum |date=January 3, 2007 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |website=fordlibrarymuseum.gov |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816125621/https://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/grf/Funeral/Carter.asp |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/carter-praises-distinguished-opponent-ford-at-funeral-1.640103 |title=Carter praises 'distinguished opponent' Ford at funeral |publisher=CBC News |date=January 3, 2007 |access-date=November 11, 2015 |archive-date=August 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819114247/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/carter-praises-distinguished-opponent-ford-at-funeral-1.640103 |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Theodore Hesburgh]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dits |first1=Joseph |title=Habitat ceremony at Notre Dame is only chance to see Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/habitat-ceremony-at-notre-dame-is-only-chance-to-see/article_f63d275c-f402-52cc-a7dd-0cd740ac393f.html |work=South Bend Tribune |publisher=GateHouse Media |date=August 20, 2018 |location=South Bend, Ind. |access-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116192844/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/habitat-ceremony-at-notre-dame-is-only-chance-to-see/article_f63d275c-f402-52cc-a7dd-0cd740ac393f.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2007, Carter founded the [[New Baptist Covenant]] organization for [[social justice]].<ref>Carla Hinton, [https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/politics/2009/07/25/ex-president-jimmy-carter-works-to-unite-all-baptists/61381494007/ Ex-president Jimmy Carter works to unite all Baptists] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106230758/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/politics/2009/07/25/ex-president-jimmy-carter-works-to-unite-all-baptists/61381494007/ |date=November 6, 2023 }}, oklahoman.com, US, July 25, 2009</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Cooperman |first1=Alan |date=January 21, 2007 |title=Carter, Clinton Seek To Bring Together Moderate Baptists Exiles From Conservative Group Targeted |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2007/01/21/carter-clinton-seek-to-bring-together-moderate-baptists-span-classbankheadexiles-from-conservative-group-targetedspan/2044354e-264d-4577-8120-03d491375775/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223102738/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2007/01/21/carter-clinton-seek-to-bring-together-moderate-baptists-span-classbankheadexiles-from-conservative-group-targetedspan/2044354e-264d-4577-8120-03d491375775/ |archive-date=December 23, 2021}}</ref>

{{As of|2019|August|df=US}}, Carter is Honorary Chair for the [[World Justice Project]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://worldjusticeproject.org/about-us/who-we-are/honorary-chairs |title=Honorary Chairs |website=World Justice Project |access-date=August 6, 2019 |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417085713/https://worldjusticeproject.org/about-us/who-we-are/honorary-chairs |url-status=live}}</ref> and formerly served as one for the [[Continuity of Government Commission]].<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/06_continuity_of_government.pdf |title=Preserving Our Institutions |date=June 2009 |publisher=[[Continuity of Government Commission]] |via=brookings.edu |access-date=August 6, 2019 |archive-date=April 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428045333/https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/06_continuity_of_government.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> He continued to occasionally teach Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church as of 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mbcplains.org/?page_id=212 |title=Jimmy Carter's Sunday School Class |website=Maranatha Baptist Church |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519103559/https://mbcplains.org/?page_id=212 |archive-date=May 19, 2019 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 6, 2019}}</ref> Carter also teaches at [[Emory University]] in Atlanta, and in June 2019 was awarded tenure for 37 years of service.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/03/politics/jimmy-carter-emory-university-tenure/index.html |title=Jimmy Carter granted tenure at Emory University |last=Watkins |first=Eli |date=June 3, 2019 |work=CNN|access-date=June 4, 2019 |archive-date=June 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604001205/https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/03/politics/jimmy-carter-emory-university-tenure/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Israel and Palestine===
{{Further|Commentary on Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid|Israel and apartheid}}
<!-- This section, as well as other mentions of his work with Israel and Palestine are covered by ARBPIA. Your account must be at least 30 days old, and you must have at least 500 edits to edit this material. -->
Carter's ''[[Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid]],'' a [[The New York Times Best Seller list|''New York Times'' Best Seller]] book, published in 2006, generated controversy for characterizing Israel's policies in the [[Israeli-occupied territories|Israeli-occupied]] [[West Bank]] and [[Gaza Strip]] as amounting to [[apartheid]].<ref>Craig Daigle, "Beyond Camp David: Jimmy Carter, Palestinian Self-Determination, and Human Rights." ''Diplomatic History'' 42.5 (2018): 802-830.</ref> In an interview, Carter defined apartheid as the "forced separation of two peoples in the same territory with one of the groups dominating or controlling the other."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/14/books/14cart.html|title=Carter Book Stirs Furor With Its View of Israelis' 'Apartheid'|work=The New York Times|date=December 14, 2006|access-date=February 19, 2023|archive-date=June 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608200403/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/14/books/14cart.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In remarks broadcast over radio, he said that Israel's policies amounted to an apartheid worse than South Africa's:<ref name="HAIP">{{cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/2006-12-11/ty-article/jimmy-carter-israels-apartheid-policies-worse-than-south-africas/0000017f-db7c-d3a5-af7f-fbfea0530000|title=Jimmy Carter: Israel's 'Apartheid' Policies Worse Than South Africa's|work=Haaretz|access-date=February 19, 2023|date=November 12, 2006|archive-date=March 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306044613/https://www.haaretz.com/2006-12-11/ty-article/jimmy-carter-israels-apartheid-policies-worse-than-south-africas/0000017f-db7c-d3a5-af7f-fbfea0530000|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{cquote|When Israel does occupy this territory deep within the West Bank, and connects the 200-or-so settlements with each other, with a road, and then prohibits the Palestinians from using that road, or in many cases even crossing the road, this perpetrates even worse instances of apartness, or apartheid, than we witnessed even in South Africa.<ref name="HAIP" />
}}

Some accused Carter of [[antisemitism]]. He defended his arguments and said, "the hope is that my book will at least stimulate a debate, which has not existed in this country. There's never been any debate on this issue, of any significance."<ref name="HAIP" /> He expressed his opinion that Israel will not have peace until it agrees to withdraw from the [[Israeli-occupied territories|occupied territories]], adding, "the greatest commitment in my life has been trying to bring peace to Israel."<ref name="HAIP" /> The comparisons of [[Israel and apartheid]] drew widespread traction in the early 2020s, after [[Amnesty International]], [[Human Rights Watch]] and other Palestinian, Israeli and international human rights groups issued reports characterizing Israel's policies as apartheid.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/feb/05/amnesty-israel-apartheid-israeli-politicians-agree|title=Amnesty says Israel is an apartheid state. Many Israeli politicians agree|work=The Guardian|access-date=February 19, 2023|date=February 5, 2022|archive-date=August 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230808075021/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/feb/05/amnesty-israel-apartheid-israeli-politicians-agree|url-status=live}}</ref>

In his 2010 book ''[[We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land]]'', Carter cites Israel's unwillingness to withdraw from the territories and [[Israeli settlements|settlement expansion]] as the primary obstacle to peace in the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/library/carterbi.phtml |title=Books written by President and Mrs. Carter |website=jimmycarterlibrary.gov |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041012000917/http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/library/carterbi.phtml |archive-date=October 12, 2004}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
[[File:Former US President Jimmy Carter Builds Homes Despite Black Eye From Fall.webm|thumb|alt=Video of Carter helping build a house.|Carter building homes despite having a black eye from a fall, 2019]]
Carter's hobbies include painting,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.artfixdaily.com/news_feed/2017/06/27/4532-jimmy-carter-painting-brings-over-half-million-dollars-at-auction|title=Jimmy Carter Painting Brings Over Half Million Dollars At Auction|date=June 27, 2017|access-date=September 7, 2021|archive-date=September 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907184128/https://www.artfixdaily.com/news_feed/2017/06/27/4532-jimmy-carter-painting-brings-over-half-million-dollars-at-auction|url-status=live}}</ref> [[fly fishing]], woodworking, cycling, tennis, and skiing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2002/carter-bio.html |title=Jimmy Carter – Biographical |publisher=The Nobel Foundation |access-date=December 28, 2014 |archive-date=February 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215182218/http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2002/carter-bio.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He also has an interest in poetry, particularly the works of [[Dylan Thomas]].<ref name="Thomas">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-15661342 |title=Jimmy Carter to welcome visitors to Dylan Thomas house |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=November 9, 2011 |access-date=November 11, 2015 |archive-date=September 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917030101/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-15661342 |url-status=live}}</ref> During a state visit to the UK in 1977, Carter suggested that Thomas should have a memorial in [[Poets' Corner]] at [[Westminster Abbey]];<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20068169,00.html |title=Jimmy Carter's Crusade for Dylan Thomas Wins a Supporter—his Grateful Widow, Caitlin |website=People |first=M.J. |last=Wilson |date=June 27, 1977 |access-date=November 11, 2015 |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222125301/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20068169,00.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> this later came to fruition in 1982.<ref name="Thomas" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.westminster-abbey.org/our-history/people/dylan-thomas |title=Dylan Thomas |website=Westminster Abbey |publisher=The Dean and Chapter of Westminster |year=2015 |access-date=November 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222105450/http://www.westminster-abbey.org/our-history/people/dylan-thomas |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Carter was a personal friend of [[Elvis Presley]], whom he and Rosalynn met on June 30, 1973, before Presley was to perform onstage in Atlanta.<ref>{{cite web |title=Elvis Presley and Politics |url=http://www.neatorama.com/2015/07/15/Elvis-Presley-and-Politics/ |website=Neatorama |date=July 15, 2015 |access-date=February 20, 2018 |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705121127/https://www.neatorama.com/2015/07/15/Elvis-Presley-and-Politics/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They remained in contact by telephone two months before Presley's sudden death in August 1977. Carter later recalled an abrupt phone call received in June 1977 from Presley who sought a presidential pardon from Carter, to help [[George Klein (<span class="ltr">DJ</span>)|George Klein]]'s criminal case; at the time Klein had been indicted for only mail fraud, and was later found guilty of conspiracy.<ref>{{cite book |title=Elvis Presley, Reluctant Rebel: His Life and Our Times |date=2011 |publisher=David Luhrssen and Glen Jeansonne |page=195 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUXPpQAhsCkC&q=elvis+presley+jimmy+carter+george+klein&pg=PA195 |isbn=978-0-313-35904-0 |access-date=February 20, 2018 |archive-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204092440/https://books.google.com/books?id=kUXPpQAhsCkC&q=elvis+presley+jimmy+carter+george+klein&pg=PA195 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Nash |first1=Alanna |title=Elvis and the Memphis Mafia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7jDBAgAAQBAJ&q=elvis+presley+jimmy+carter+call&pg=PT607 |isbn=978-1-84513-759-5 |date=February 1, 2012 |publisher=Aurum |access-date=February 20, 2018 |archive-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204092707/https://books.google.com/books?id=7jDBAgAAQBAJ&q=elvis+presley+jimmy+carter+call&pg=PT607 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Carter, Presley was almost incoherent because of barbiturates; although he phoned the White House several times again, this was the last time they spoke.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Takes: Elvis Presley on the Line |url=https://www.newyorker.com/books/double-take/takes-elvis-presley-on-the-line |magazine=The New Yorker |date=August 16, 2011 |author=Erin Overbey |author-link=Erin Overbey |access-date=February 20, 2018 |archive-date=February 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220212448/https://www.newyorker.com/books/double-take/takes-elvis-presley-on-the-line |url-status=live}}</ref> The day after Presley's death, Carter issued a statement and explained how he had "changed the face of American popular culture".<ref>{{cite web |title=Statement by the President on the Death of Elvis Presley |url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=7969/ |website=The American Presidency Project |last1=Peters |first1=Gerhard |last2=Woolley |first2=John T. |access-date=February 20, 2018 |archive-date=November 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101190121/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=7969%2F |url-status=live}}</ref>

Carter filed a report with both the International UFO Bureau and the [[National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena]],<ref>{{cite news|first=Thomas|last=O'Toole|title=UFO Over Georgia? Jimmy Logged One|date=April 30, 1977|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1977/04/30/ufo-over-georgia-jimmy-logged-one/080ef1c3-6ff3-41a9-a1e4-a37c54b5cbca/|access-date=October 1, 2021|archive-date=November 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109013122/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1977/04/30/ufo-over-georgia-jimmy-logged-one/080ef1c3-6ff3-41a9-a1e4-a37c54b5cbca/|url-status=live}}</ref> stating that [[Jimmy Carter UFO incident|he sighted an unidentified flying object]] in October 1969.<ref>{{cite news|first=Ed|last=Kilgore|title=Jimmy Carter Saw a UFO on This Day in 1973|date=September 18, 2019|work=New York|url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/09/jimmy-carter-saw-a-ufo-on-this-day-in-1973.html|access-date=October 1, 2021|archive-date=October 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001025315/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/09/jimmy-carter-saw-a-ufo-on-this-day-in-1973.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nicap.org/waves/CarterSightingRptOct1969.pdf|title=Official report by Carter to the International UFO Bureau|access-date=September 17, 2021|archive-date=September 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913190524/http://www.nicap.org/waves/CarterSightingRptOct1969.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Joseph|last=Egelhof|title=Jimmy Carter's UFO|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86289659/|access-date=October 1, 2021|work=Boston Evening Globe|page=15|date=November 11, 1977|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|archive-date=March 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321155347/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86289659/the-boston-globe/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Beliefs ===
From a young age, Carter showed a deep commitment to [[evangelical Christianity]].<ref name="NYT baptist">[[Somini Sengupta]], [https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/21/us/carter-sadly-turns-back-on-national-baptist-body.html "Carter Sadly Turns Back on National Baptist Body"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217225008/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/21/us/carter-sadly-turns-back-on-national-baptist-body.html |date=December 17, 2014}}, ''The New York Times'', October 21, 2000. Page A9. Retrieved August 4, 2008.</ref><ref name="Balmer-2023">{{Cite web |last=Balmer |first=Randall |author-link=Randall Balmer |date=February 22, 2023 |title=Jimmy Carter Was America's Evangelical-in-Chief |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/02/22/jimmy-carter-foreign-policy-america-evangelical-christianity/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Foreign Policy |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316174428/https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/02/22/jimmy-carter-foreign-policy-america-evangelical-christianity/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1942, Carter became a [[deacon]] and taught Sunday school at Maranatha [[Baptist Church]] in Plains, Georgia.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last1=Burns|first1=Rebecca|date=June 1, 2016|title=Pilgrimage to Plains: The faithful come from around the world to hear Jimmy Carter preach|url=https://www.atlantamagazine.com/great-reads/pilgrimage-to-plains-jimmy-carter/|magazine=Atlanta Magazine|access-date=September 9, 2021|archive-date=October 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001115130/https://www.atlantamagazine.com/great-reads/pilgrimage-to-plains-jimmy-carter/|url-status=live}}</ref> At a private inauguration worship service, the preacher was Nelson Price, the pastor of Roswell Street Baptist Church of Marietta, Georgia.<ref>Hobbs, Herschel H. and Mullins, Edgar Young. (1978). ''The Axioms of Religion''. Nashville, Tennessee: Broadman Press. Revised edition. p. 22. {{ISBN|978-0-8054-1707-4}}.</ref> An evangelical Christian, Carter appealed to voters after the scandals of the [[Presidency of Richard Nixon|Nixon Administration]], and is credited with popularizing the term "[[born again]]" into American [[lexicon]] during the 1976 American presidential campaign.<ref name="Balmer-2023" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Daniel |date=May 20, 2021 |title=Evangelicals and the American Presidency |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/billy-graham-evangelicals-and-american-presidency/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |publisher=[[PBS]] |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316174428/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/billy-graham-evangelicals-and-american-presidency/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Haberman |first=Clyde |date=October 28, 2018 |title=Religion and Right-Wing Politics: How Evangelicals Reshaped Elections |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/28/us/religion-politics-evangelicals.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514195454/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/28/us/religion-politics-evangelicals.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Green |first=Joshua |date=March 1, 2023 |title=How Evangelical Voters Swung From Carter to Trump |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/how-evangelical-voters-swung-from-carter-to-trump/2023/03/01/e43a7112-b833-11ed-b0df-8ca14de679ad_story.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320002043/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/how-evangelical-voters-swung-from-carter-to-trump/2023/03/01/e43a7112-b833-11ed-b0df-8ca14de679ad_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As president, Carter prayed several times a day, and professed that Jesus was the driving force in his life. He was greatly influenced by a sermon he had heard as a young man that asked: "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"<ref>{{cite book |title=Conversations with Carter |isbn=978-1-55587-801-6 |year=1998 |page=14 |first1=Jimmy |last1=Carter |first2=Don |last2=Richardson |publisher=Lynne Rienner Publishers}}</ref> In 2000, after the [[Southern Baptist Convention]] announced it would no longer permit women to become pastors, he renounced his membership, saying: "I personally feel that women should play an absolutely equal role in service of Christ in the church."<ref>{{cite news |title=Jimmy Carter Leaves Southern Baptists |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=95311&page=1 |access-date=October 12, 2022 |agency=ABC News |archive-date=October 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011054437/https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=95311&page=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> He remained a member of the [[Cooperative Baptist Fellowship]].<ref name="NYT baptist" /> Carter's support for the [[Equal Rights Amendment]]<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://doi.org/10.1525/rac.2014.24.1.100 | doi=10.1525/rac.2014.24.1.100 | title=The Politicization of Family Life: How Headship Became Essential to Evangelical Identity in the Late Twentieth Century | year=2014 | last1=Stasson | first1=Anneke | journal=Religion and American Culture: A Journal of Interpretation | volume=24 | pages=100–138 | s2cid=142760970}}</ref> led many [[evangelical conservatives]] to leave the Democratic Party, contributing to the development of the [[Christian right]] in American politics.<ref>Ellis, Blake A. “An Alternative Politics: Texas Baptists and the Rise of the Christian Right, 1975-1985.” ''The Southwestern Historical Quarterly'', vol. 112, no. 4, 2009, pp. 361–86. [http://www.jstor.org/stable/30242432 JSTOR website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510041215/https://www.jstor.org/stable/30242432 |date=May 10, 2023 }} Retrieved May 5, 2023.</ref>

=== Family ===
[[File:Farah Pahlavi and Rosalynn Carter (cropped and retouched).jpg|thumb|alt=The Empress of Iran holding Carter's infant grandson.|[[Farah Pahlavi]], [[Empress of Iran]], holds Jimmy Carter IV while Rosalynn Carter, Caron Carter and Chip Carter watch, January 1978.]]
Carter had three younger siblings, all of whom died of pancreatic cancer: sisters Gloria Spann (1926–1990) and Ruth Stapleton (1929–1983), and brother [[Billy Carter]] (1937–1988).<ref>{{cite news |author=Robert D. Hershey Jr |title=Billy Carter Dies of Cancer at 51; Troubled Brother of a President |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/26/obituaries/billy-carter-dies-of-cancer-at-51-troubled-brother-of-a-president.html |work=The New York Times |date=September 26, 1988 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-date=February 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207130017/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/26/obituaries/billy-carter-dies-of-cancer-at-51-troubled-brother-of-a-president.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He was first cousin to politician [[Hugh Carter]] and a distant cousin to the [[Carter family]] of musicians.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Johnny Cash, the Autobiography|isbn=978-0-00-274080-7|publisher=Harper Collins|first1=John R.|last1=Cash|date=1997}}</ref>
He is related to [[Motown]] founder [[Berry Gordy]] by way of their white great-grandfather James Thomas Gordy, who had a relationship with a black female slave he owned.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://walkoffame.com/berry-gordy/#:~:text=Berry%20Gordy%20I%20was%20the,and%20Carter%20second%20half%2Dcousins|title=Berry Gordy|work=[[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]|date=October 25, 2019 |access-date=March 21, 2022|archive-date=March 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305212554/https://walkoffame.com/berry-gordy/#:~:text=Berry%20Gordy%20I%20was%20the,and%20Carter%20second%20half%2Dcousins|url-status=live}}</ref>

Carter married Rosalynn Smith on July 7, 1946, in the Plains Methodist Church, the church of Rosalynn's family.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vejnoska |first1=Jill |title=Happy 71st wedding anniversary Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter! |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/happy-71st-wedding-anniversary-jimmy-and-rosalynn-carter/8gLu5tUWRYN0iKxX4g8mWP/ |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=July 7, 2017 |access-date=March 31, 2019 |archive-date=April 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401022911/https://www.ajc.com/news/happy-71st-wedding-anniversary-jimmy-and-rosalynn-carter/8gLu5tUWRYN0iKxX4g8mWP/ |url-status=live}}</ref> They had three sons, [[Jack Carter (politician)|Jack]], James III, and Donnel; one daughter, [[Amy Carter|Amy]]; nine grandsons (one of whom is deceased), three granddaughters, five great-grandsons, and eight great-granddaughters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/about_us/biography_of_jimmy_carter |title=Biography of Jimmy Carter |date=July 25, 2018 |access-date=October 13, 2020 |work=Jimmy Carter Library |archive-date=October 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018014719/https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/about_us/biography_of_jimmy_carter |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Mary Prince (nanny)|Mary Prince]] (an African American woman wrongly convicted of murder, and later pardoned) was their daughter Amy's nanny for most of the period from 1971 until Jimmy Carter's presidency ended.<ref name="Carter2005">{{cite book |author=Jimmy Carter |title=Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis |url=https://archive.org/details/ourendangeredvalcart00cart |url-access=registration |year=2005 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-0-7432-8457-8 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/ourendangeredvalcart00cart/page/84 84]– |quote=My last book, ''Sharing Good Times'', is dedicated "to Mary Prince, whom we love and cherish." Mary is a wonderful black woman who, as a teenager visiting a small town, was falsely accused of murder and defended by an assigned lawyer whom she first met on the day of the trial, when he advised her to plead guilty, promising a light sentence. She got life imprisonment instead ... A reexamination of the evidence and trial proceedings by the original judge revealed that she was completely innocent, and she was granted a pardon.}}</ref><ref name="glamour1">{{cite web |last=Chabbott |first=Sophia |url=http://www.glamour.com/inspired/blogs/the-conversation/2015/03/the-residence-book |title=The Residence: Meet the Women Behind Presidential Families Kennedy, Johnson, Carter |work=Glamour |date=March 19, 2015 |access-date=May 2, 2015 |quote=Rosalynn Carter, who believed Prince was wrongly convicted, secured a reprieve so Prince could join them in Washington. Prince was later granted a full pardon; to this day she occasionally babysits the Carters' grandkids. |archive-date=May 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509085304/http://www.glamour.com/inspired/blogs/the-conversation/2015/03/the-residence-book |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter had asked to be designated as her [[parole officer]], thus helping to enable her to work in the White House.<ref name="Carter2005" />{{efn|name=Prince01|After working in the Georgia governor's mansion as a [[Trustee#Correctional institution usage|trustee prisoner]], Prince had been returned to prison in 1975 when Carter's term as governor ended, but intervention on her behalf by both Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, with Jimmy Carter asking to be designated as her [[parole officer]], enabled her to be [[paroled|reprieved]] and to work in the White House.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Crawford |first=Clare |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20067515,00.html |title=A Story of Love and Rehabilitation: the Ex-Con in the White House |magazine=People |date=March 14, 1977 |access-date=May 3, 2015 |archive-date=June 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623232438/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20067515,00.html |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Carter2005" /><ref name="glamour1" />}}

The Carters celebrated their 77th anniversary on July 7, 2023. On October 19, 2019, they became the longest-wed presidential couple, having overtaken George and [[Barbara Bush]] at 26,765 days.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/10/18/jimmy-rosalynn-carter-become-longest-married-presidential-couple/4025978002/|title='Still going strong': Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter become longest-married presidential couple|first1=Dustin|last1=Barnes|date=October 19, 2019|access-date=September 7, 2021|website=USA Today|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101135011/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/10/18/jimmy-rosalynn-carter-become-longest-married-presidential-couple/4025978002/|url-status=live}}</ref> After Rosalynn's death on November 19, 2023, Carter released the following statement:

{{blockquote|Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.<ref name="Carter Center death" />}}

The Carters' eldest son, Jack Carter, was the 2006 Democratic [[2006 United States Senate election in Nevada|nominee for U.S. Senate in Nevada]] and lost to Republican incumbent [[John Ensign]]. Jack's son [[Jason Carter (politician)|Jason Carter]] is a former Georgia state senator,<ref>{{cite news |last=Hulse |first=Carl |title=Veteran House Democrat Loses Seat in Primary |website=The New York Times |date=May 11, 2010 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/12/us/politics/12elect.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220103/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/12/us/politics/12elect.html |archive-date=January 3, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=August 12, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and in 2014 was the Democratic nominee for [[2014 Georgia gubernatorial election|governor of Georgia]], losing to the Republican incumbent, [[Nathan Deal]]. On December 20, 2015, while teaching a Sunday school class, Carter announced that his 28-year-old grandson Jeremy Carter had died of unspecified causes.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/20/us/jimmy-carter-grandson-death/ |title=Hours after death of grandson, Jimmy Carter reveals the news to his church |first1=Ashley |last1=Fantz |first2=Carma |last2=Hassan |work=CNN|date=December 20, 2015 |access-date=December 21, 2015 |archive-date=December 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220215627/http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/20/us/jimmy-carter-grandson-death/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Health and longevity ==
=== Health issues <!-- 'Problems' is not a neutral word. -->===
[[File:JimmyCarteronBicycle.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Carter riding a bicycle|Carter in [[Plains, Georgia|Plains]], Georgia, 2008]]
On August 3, 2015, Carter underwent an [[elective surgery]] to remove a small mass on his liver, and his prognosis for a full recovery was initially said to be excellent. On August 12, he announced he had been diagnosed with cancer that had [[metastasized]], without specifying where the cancer had originated.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pramuk |first=Jacob |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/12/former-president-jimmy-carter-reveals-he-has-cancer.html |title=Former President Jimmy Carter reveals he has cancer |publisher=CNBC |date=August 12, 2015 |location=New York City |access-date=August 12, 2015 |archive-date=August 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812221113/http://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/12/former-president-jimmy-carter-reveals-he-has-cancer.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On August 20, Carter disclosed that [[melanoma]] had been found in his brain and liver, and that he had begun treatment with the [[immunotherapy]] drug [[pembrolizumab]] and was about to start [[radiation therapy]]. His healthcare was managed by [[Emory Healthcare]] of [[Atlanta]]. His family history of cancer includes both of his parents and all three of his siblings.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-08-20/jimmy-carter-says-he-will-undergo-treatment-for-cancer-in-brain |title=Jimmy Carter Says He's Being Treated for Cancer in Brain |first=Toluse |last=Olorunnipa |publisher=Bloomberg News |date=August 20, 2015 |access-date=August 20, 2015 |archive-date=August 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821073525/http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-08-20/jimmy-carter-says-he-will-undergo-treatment-for-cancer-in-brain |url-status=live}}</ref> On December 5, he announced that his medical scans [[Remission (medicine)|no longer showed any cancer]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/carter-center-statement-120615.html |title=Statement from Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter |date=December 5, 2015 |publisher=The Carter Center |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140501/https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/carter-center-statement-120615.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Carter broke his hip in a fall at his Plains home on May 13, 2019, and underwent surgery the same day at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/president-jimmy-carter-undergoes-surgery-breaking-hip/story?id=63012990 |title=Former President Jimmy Carter undergoes surgery after breaking hip |first=Julia |last=Jacobo |work=ABC News |date=May 13, 2019 |access-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-date=October 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007151021/https://abcnews.go.com/US/president-jimmy-carter-undergoes-surgery-breaking-hip/story?id=63012990 |url-status=live}}</ref> On October 6, an injury above his left eyebrow received in another fall at home required 14 stitches<ref>{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-jimmy-carter-requires-stitches-fall-home-feels/story?id=66100086 |title=Former President Jimmy Carter requires 14 stitches after fall at home, 'feels fine' |first=Mark |last=Osborne |work=ABC News |date=October 6, 2019 |access-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022184927/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-jimmy-carter-requires-stitches-fall-home-feels/story?id=66100086 |url-status=live}}</ref> and resulted in a [[black eye]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/jimmy-carter-black-eye-stitches-after-fall-2019-10 |title=Jimmy Carter was left with a black eye and needed 14 stitches after falling at his Georgia home |last=Hall |first=Kristin M. |website=Business Insider |access-date=November 29, 2019 |archive-date=January 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104213134/https://www.businessinsider.com/jimmy-carter-black-eye-stitches-after-fall-2019-10 |url-status=live}}</ref> On October 21, Carter was admitted to the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center after sustaining a minor pelvic fracture from falling at home for the third time in 2019.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/22/politics/jimmy-carter-hospital-fall-home/index.html |title=Jimmy Carter hospitalized after fall at Georgia home |first1=Veronica |last1=Stracqualursi |first2=Devon M. |last2=Sayers |first3=Betsy |last3=Klein |work=CNN|date=October 22, 2019 |access-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022125848/https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/22/politics/jimmy-carter-hospital-fall-home/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He was able to resume teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 3.<ref>{{cite news |title=In good humor, Jimmy Carter returns to Sunday school after fall |last=Judd |first=Alan |date=November 3, 2019 |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/good-humor-carter-returns-sunday-school-after-fall/FWyJNsy0fjRI2CmoLr7eoN/ |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-date=June 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604201924/https://www.ajc.com/news/good-humor-carter-returns-sunday-school-after-fall/FWyJNsy0fjRI2CmoLr7eoN/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=former President Jimmy Carter is back teaching Sunday school |last=Reeves |first=Jay |work=AP News |date=November 3, 2019 |url=https://apnews.com/5d66f9855c8f40619222e8e3b99ea66a |access-date=November 3, 2019 |archive-date=November 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104023016/https://apnews.com/5d66f9855c8f40619222e8e3b99ea66a |url-status=live}}</ref>

On November 11, 2019, Carter was hospitalized at the [[Emory University Hospital]] in Atlanta for a procedure to relieve pressure on his brain caused by bleeding connected with his falls.<ref name="Emory Hos" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/263073902/pastor-jimmy-carter-up-and-walking-post-brain-surgery |title=Pastor: Jimmy Carter 'Up and Walking' Post Brain Surgery |publisher=Voice of America |date=November 14, 2019 |access-date=November 14, 2019 |archive-date=November 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114205234/https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/263073902/pastor-jimmy-carter-up-and-walking-post-brain-surgery |url-status=live}}</ref> He was released from the hospital on November 27.<ref>{{cite news |title=Former President Jimmy Carter admitted to hospital for brain surgery |last=Allen |first=Karma |work=ABC News |date=November 11, 2019 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-jimmy-carter-admitted-hospital-brain-surgery/story?id=66926890 |access-date=November 11, 2019 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112032603/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-jimmy-carter-admitted-hospital-brain-surgery/story?id=66926890 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Emory Hos">{{cite news |last=Duster |first=Chandelis |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/27/politics/jimmy-carter-released-from-hospital/index.html |title=Jimmy Carter released from hospital after two week stay |work=CNN|date=November 27, 2019 |access-date=November 29, 2019 |archive-date=November 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129004504/https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/27/politics/jimmy-carter-released-from-hospital/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On December 2, 2019, Carter was readmitted to the hospital for a urinary tract infection. He was released on December 4.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/12/03/784376075/jimmy-carter-hospitalized-for-urinary-tract-infection|title=Jimmy Carter Hospitalized for Urinary Tract Infection|date=December 3, 2019|access-date=September 7, 2021 |first1=Brakkton|last1=Booker|publisher=NPR|archive-date=October 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011214301/https://www.npr.org/2019/12/03/784376075/jimmy-carter-hospitalized-for-urinary-tract-infection|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jimmy-carter-discharged-georgia-hospital-urinary-tract-infection-n1095951|title=Jimmy Carter discharged from Georgia hospital after urinary tract infection|date=December 4, 2019|access-date=September 7, 2021|website=NPR|archive-date=June 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628005459/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jimmy-carter-discharged-georgia-hospital-urinary-tract-infection-n1095951|url-status=live}}</ref>

On February 18, 2023, the Carter Center announced that following a "series of short hospital stays", Carter decided to "spend his remaining time at home with his family" in Plains to "receive [[Hospice care in the United States|hospice care]] instead of additional medical intervention"<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 18, 2023 |title=Statement on President Carter's Health |url=https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/2023/statement-on-president-carters-health.html |access-date=February 22, 2023 |publisher=Carter Center |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313045849/https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/2023/statement-on-president-carters-health.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-gerald-ford-ronald-reagan-hospice-care-f4e26c10a7b366f14e62f690da403b0a |title=Carter Center: Former President Jimmy Carter in hospice care |last=Barrow |first=Bill |date=February 18, 2023 |work=[[Associated Press News]] |access-date=February 18, 2023 |archive-date=February 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218204155/https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-gerald-ford-ronald-reagan-hospice-care-f4e26c10a7b366f14e62f690da403b0a |url-status=live }}</ref> for an unspecified [[terminal illness]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 21, 2023 |title=Jimmy Carter enters hospice care. What is it? |url=https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-hospice-care-86b6d73e53eec03ab3cb9980c71bbb32 |access-date=February 18, 2024 |work=Associated Press News |quote=Hospice care&nbsp;... is reserved for those declared by two physicians to be terminally ill, with six months or less to live.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Stableford |first=Dylan |date=November 28, 2023 |title=Rosalynn Carter funeral: Jimmy Carter and all 5 living first ladies attend service |url=https://news.yahoo.com/watch-live-rosalynn-carter-funeral-jimmy-carter-all-5-living-first-ladies-melania-trump-hillary-clinton-michelle-obama-162011346.html |access-date=February 18, 2024 |agency=Yahoo! News |quote=In February, he decided to forgo further medical treatment for an undisclosed illness and entered hospice care at his home. |archive-date=November 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128184156/https://news.yahoo.com/watch-live-rosalynn-carter-funeral-jimmy-carter-all-5-living-first-ladies-melania-trump-hillary-clinton-michelle-obama-162011346.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Carter asked President Biden to deliver his eulogy.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Judd |first1=Donald |date=March 14, 2023 |title=Biden says Carter asked him to deliver his eulogy |agency=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/14/politics/jimmy-carter-eulogy-biden/index.html |access-date=March 14, 2023 |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314044102/https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/14/politics/jimmy-carter-eulogy-biden/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Longevity ===
At 99 years old, Carter is the longest-lived former U.S. president. He has been the earliest-serving living former president since [[Death and state funeral of Gerald Ford|Gerald Ford's death]] in 2006. In 2012, he surpassed [[Herbert Hoover]] as the longest-retired president. On January 20, 2017, and January 20, 2021, Carter became the first president to live to the 40th anniversary of his inauguration and post-presidency, respectively. In 2017, Carter, then 92, became the oldest former president ever to [[Inauguration of Donald Trump|attend an American presidential inauguration]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://time.com/4639799/jimmy-carter-beat-cancer-donald-trump-inauguration/ |title=How Jimmy Carter Beat Cancer and Became the Oldest President to Attend an Inauguration |first=Katie |last=Reilly |date=January 20, 2017 |magazine=Time |access-date=January 20, 2017 |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120162759/http://time.com/4639799/jimmy-carter-beat-cancer-donald-trump-inauguration/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Jimmy Carter is poised to be the president who has lived the longest in US history |last=Jacobo |first=Julia |date=March 21, 2019 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/jimmy-carter-now-oldest-living-president-us-history/story?id=61835536 |work=ABC News |access-date=October 8, 2019 |archive-date=August 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824213745/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/jimmy-carter-now-oldest-living-president-us-history/story?id=61835536 |url-status=live}}</ref> On March 22, 2019, he became the nation's [[List of presidents of the United States by age|longest-lived president]], when he surpassed the lifespan of [[George H. W. Bush]], who died at the age of {{age in years and days|1924|6|12|2018|11|30}}, on November 30, 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last=Barrow |first=Bill |title=Jimmy Carter's new milestone: Longest-lived U.S. president |work=The Detroit News |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/nation/2019/03/22/carter-president-longest-lived/39240613/ |date=March 22, 2019 |access-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322193330/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/nation/2019/03/22/carter-president-longest-lived/39240613/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Carter entered hospice care several months before celebrating his 99th birthday at his home.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-99-birthday-hospice-19be42d93ca052816aaa06c57c38be1b |title=Jimmy Carter turns 99 at home with Rosalynn and other family as tributes come from around the world |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |date=October 1, 2023 |accessdate=October 1, 2023 |first=Bill |last=Barrow |department=U.S. News |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001044048/https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-99-birthday-hospice-19be42d93ca052816aaa06c57c38be1b |url-status=live }}</ref> He said in a 2019 interview with ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' that he never expected to live as long as he had and that the best explanation for longevity was a good marriage.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://people.com/politics/jimmy-carter-living-to-95-habitat-humanity-build-rosalynn-marriage/|title=Jimmy Carter: Why I Chose Habitat and How I Keep Going|first=Adam |last=Carlson |date=October 15, 2019 |magazine=People|access-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-date=March 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305211103/https://people.com/politics/jimmy-carter-living-to-95-habitat-humanity-build-rosalynn-marriage/|url-status=live}}</ref> Carter has made arrangements to be buried in front of his home at [[209 Woodland Drive]] in Plains. He noted in 2006 that a funeral in Washington, D.C., with visitation at the Carter Center was also planned.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/650212241/Carter-hopes-to-be-buried-in-hometown-of-Plains-Ga.html |title=President Carter Talks of Funeral Plans |date=December 4, 2006 |newspaper=[[Deseret News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |access-date=February 11, 2017 |archive-date=March 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302031127/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/650212241/Carter-hopes-to-be-buried-in-hometown-of-Plains-Ga.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> According to his grandson, Carter is no longer awake every day.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-11 |title=Jimmy Carter, 99, Is No Longer Awake Every Day, Grandson Says: 'He's Experiencing the World as Best He Can' |url=https://ca.news.yahoo.com/jimmy-carter-99-no-longer-115558774.html |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-CA}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
=== Public opinion ===
In exit polls from the 1976 presidential election, many voters still held Ford's pardon of Nixon against him.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/27/opinion/polls/main2301584.shtml |work=CBS News |title=Polls: Ford's Image Improved Over Time |date=December 27, 2006 |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=September 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908032831/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/27/opinion/polls/main2301584.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref> By comparison, Carter was viewed as a sincere, honest, and well-meaning southerner.<ref name="Independent 2009-01-22" /> In the 1980 election, Reagan projected an easy self-confidence, in contrast to Carter's serious and introspective temperament. Carter was portrayed as pessimistic and indecisive in comparison to Reagan, who was known for his charm and delegation of tasks to subordinates.<ref>{{cite news |first=E. J. |last=Dionne |date=May 18, 1989 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/18/us/washington-talk-carter-begins-to-shed-negative-public-image.html |title=Washington Talk; Carter Begins to Shed Negative Public Image |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=January 28, 2009 |archive-date=May 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524021900/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/18/us/washington-talk-carter-begins-to-shed-negative-public-image.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Reagan used the economic issues, Iran hostage crisis, and lack of Washington cooperation to portray Carter as a weak and ineffectual leader. Carter was the first elected incumbent president since [[Herbert Hoover]] [[1932 United States presidential election|in 1932]] to lose a reelection bid.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/books/first/b/brinkley-unfinished.html |title=The Unfinished Presidency – Jimmy Carter's Journey Beyond the White House |website=The New York Times |year=1998 |access-date=November 27, 2015 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233450/https://www.nytimes.com/books/first/b/brinkley-unfinished.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Carter began his presidency with a 66&nbsp;percent approval rating,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/113923/History-Foretells-Obama-First-Job-Approval-Rating.aspx |title=What History Foretells for Obama's First Job Approval Rating |publisher=Gallup.com |date=January 22, 2009 |access-date=December 10, 2011 |archive-date=January 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111182110/http://www.gallup.com/poll/113923/History-Foretells-Obama-First-Job-Approval-Rating.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> which had dropped to 34&nbsp;percent approval by the time he left office, with 55&nbsp;percent disapproving.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/113770/Bush-Presidency-Closes-34-Approval-61-Disapproval.aspx |title=Bush Presidency Closes With 34% Approval, 61% Disapproval |publisher=Gallup.com |access-date=December 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090119053947/http://www.gallup.com/poll/113770/Bush-Presidency-Closes-34-Approval-61-Disapproval.aspx |archive-date=January 19, 2009}}</ref>

Carter's presidency was initially viewed by some scholars as a failure.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jimmy Carter's Legacy of Failure |url=http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Jimmy-Carter-s-Legacy-of-Failure-2483048.php <!-- also: https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Jimmy-Carter-s-Legacy-of-Failure-2483048.php --> |date=December 12, 2006 |first=Cinnamon |last=Stillwell |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-date=July 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717125517/http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Jimmy-Carter-s-Legacy-of-Failure-2483048.php |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Jimmy Carter: Why He Failed |url=http://www.brookings.edu/research/opinions/2000/01/21politics-hess |date=January 21, 2000 |publisher=Brookings Institution |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725153444/http://www.brookings.edu/research/opinions/2000/01/21politics-hess |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |first=Ramesh |last=Ponnuru |title=In Carter's Shadow |url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1810305,00.html |magazine=Time |date=May 28, 2008 |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725145652/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1810305,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[historical rankings of American presidents]], Carter's presidency has ranged from 18th to 34th place.<ref name="Jimmy Carter's Post-Presidency">{{cite web |title=Jimmy Carter's Post-Presidency |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/carter-post-presidency/ |website=American Experience |publisher=PBS, WGBH |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-date=May 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506081425/http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/carter-post-presidency/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Brinkley, pp. 505–530.">Brinkley, pp. 505–530.</ref> The documentary ''[[Back Door Channels: The Price of Peace]]'' (2009) credits Carter's efforts at Camp David, which brought peace between Israel and Egypt, with bringing the only meaningful peace to the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gibb |first=Lindsay |url=http://realscreen.com/2009/06/08/montecarlofest-20090608/ |title=Monte-Carlo TV fest opens with doc for first time |date=June 4, 2009 |access-date=June 12, 2012 |archive-date=March 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326204832/http://realscreen.com/2009/06/08/montecarlofest-20090608/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WorldScreen.com – Archives |url=http://www.worldscreen.com/articles/display/21252 |website=worldscreen.com |access-date=June 22, 2015 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> His post-presidency activities have been favorably received. ''[[The Independent]]'' wrote, "Carter is widely considered a better man than he was a president."<ref name="Independent 2009-01-22">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/presidents/jimmy-carter-1482922.html |title=Jimmy Carter:39th president – 1977–1981 |work=The Independent |location=London |date=January 22, 2009 |access-date=January 28, 2009 |archive-date=February 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223024100/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/presidents/jimmy-carter-1482922.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Although his presidency received a mixed reception, his [[peacekeeping]] and humanitarian efforts since he left office have made Carter renowned as one of the most successful ex-presidents in American history.<ref name="Jimmy Carter's Post-Presidency" /><ref name="Brinkley, pp. 505–530." />

=== Awards and honors ===
{{Further|List of awards and honors received by Jimmy Carter}}

Carter received the [[American Academy of Achievement]]'s Golden Plate Award in 1984.<ref name="achievement.org" /> The [[Jimmy Carter Library and Museum]] was opened in 1986.<ref>{{cite news |first=Peter |last=Applebome |title=Carter Center: More Than the Past |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/30/travel/carter-center-more-than-the-past.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 30, 1993 |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-date=July 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705073105/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/30/travel/carter-center-more-than-the-past.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The following year, the [[Jimmy Carter National Historical Park]] was established as a [[National Historic Site (United States)| National Historic Site]]<ref>{{cite news |first=Najja |last=Parker |title=Guide to visiting Jimmy Carter Historical Park in Plains, Georgia |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/world/guide-visiting-jimmy-carter-historic-site-plains-georgia/VVYPV6Ni0LqcJ0UaPuQkWP/ |newspaper=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]] |date=May 9, 2018 |access-date=July 8, 2023 |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708012111/https://www.ajc.com/news/world/guide-visiting-jimmy-carter-historic-site-plains-georgia/VVYPV6Ni0LqcJ0UaPuQkWP/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and in 2021, renamed as a national historical park.<ref>{{cite news |first=Alex |last=Jones |title=Jimmy Carter historic sites become national historic park |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/world/guide-visiting-jimmy-carter-historic-site-plains-georgia/VVYPV6Ni0LqcJ0UaPuQkWP/ |work=[[WTVM]] |date=January 15, 2021 |access-date=July 8, 2023 |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708012349/https://www.wtvm.com/2021/01/15/jimmy-carter-historic-sites-become-national-historic-park/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1991, Carter was made an honorary member of [[Phi Beta Kappa]] at [[Kansas State University]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pbk.org/presidents |title=PBK – Phi Beta Kappa Presidents |website=pbk.org |access-date=November 29, 2019 |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118101012/https://www.pbk.org/presidents |url-status=live}}</ref> and was elected to the [[American Philosophical Society]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=APS Member History |url=https://search.amphilsoc.org/memhist/search?creator=Jimmy+Carter&title=&subject=&subdiv=&mem=&year=&year-max=&dead=&keyword=&smode=advanced |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=search.amphilsoc.org}}</ref> In 1998, the U.S. Navy named the third and [[USS Jimmy Carter|last ''Seawolf''-class submarine]], honoring Carter and his service as a submariner officer.<ref>{{cite web |last=McIntyre |first=Jamie |date=April 8, 1998 |title=Navy to name submarine after former president Jimmy Carter |url=http://edition.cnn.com/US/9804/08/carter.sub/ |work=CNN|access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622200204/http://edition.cnn.com/US/9804/08/carter.sub/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Carter received the [[United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights]], given in honor of human rights achievements,<ref>{{cite web |title=HR Prize – List of previous recipients |url=http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/HRPrizeListofpreviousrecipients.aspx |publisher=[[Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights]] |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-date=April 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408010114/http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/HRPrizeListofpreviousrecipients.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[Hoover Medal]], recognizing engineers who have contributed to global causes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.asme.org/about-asme/get-involved/honors-awards/unit-awards/hoover-awards/1998 |title=James Earl Carter Jr 1998 – ASME |access-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714192308/https://www.asme.org/about-asme/get-involved/honors-awards/unit-awards/hoover-awards/1998 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Carter's 2002 [[Nobel Peace Prize]]<ref>{{cite press release |title=The Nobel Peace Prize for 2002 to Jimmy Carter |url=https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2002/press.html |publisher=Nobel Foundation |date=October 11, 2002 |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-date=July 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701001814/http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2002/press.html |url-status=live}}</ref> was partially a response to president George W. Bush's threats of war against Iraq and Carter's criticism of the Bush administration.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jimmy Carter wins Nobel Peace Prize |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/europe/10/11/carter.nobel/index.html |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091121014447/http://archives.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/europe/10/11/carter.nobel/index.html |archive-date=November 21, 2009 |url-status=live |work=CNN|date=October 11, 2002}}</ref> In 2009, the [[Souther Field]] Airport in [[Americus, Georgia]], was renamed [[Jimmy Carter Regional Airport]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Jimmy Carter Regional Airport Becomes a Reality |url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/11/jimmy-carter-regional-airport-reality/ |date=October 11, 2009 |agency=Associated Press |work=Fox News |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707030437/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/11/jimmy-carter-regional-airport-reality/ |archive-date=July 7, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Carter has been nominated nine times for the [[Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album]] for audio recordings of his books, and has won three times—for ''[[Our Endangered Values]]: America's Moral Crisis'' (2007), ''[[A Full Life: Reflections at 90]]'' (2016) and ''Faith: A Journey For All'' (2018).<ref>{{cite news |author=Gregory Krieg |title=Former President Jimmy Carter wins Grammy Award |work=CNN|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/15/politics/jimmy-carter-grammy-award-spoken-word/ |date=February 15, 2016 |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=September 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924221903/https://www.cnn.com/2016/02/15/politics/jimmy-carter-grammy-award-spoken-word/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first1=Jeff |last1=Leeds |first2=Lorne |last2=Manly |title=Defiant Dixie Chicks Are Big Winners at the Grammys |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/12/arts/music/12gram.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=February 12, 2007 |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714142349/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/12/arts/music/12gram.html?_r=0 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Judy Kurtz, [https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/262293-jimmy-carter-up-for-another-grammy/ Jimmy Carter up for another Grammy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114135944/https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/262293-jimmy-carter-up-for-another-grammy/ |date=November 14, 2023 }} , ''The Hill'' (December 7, 2015).</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Karanth |first1=Sanjana |title=Jimmy Carter Wins 2019 Grammy Award For Spoken Word Album |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/jimmy-carter-grammys-spoken-word-album_us_5c60b896e4b0eec79b24c9cc?guccounter=1 |website=HuffPost |date=February 11, 2019 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |archive-date=February 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011336/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/jimmy-carter-grammys-spoken-word-album_us_5c60b896e4b0eec79b24c9cc?guccounter=1 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On February 21, 2024, the [[White House Historical Association]] unveiled its official 2024 White House Christmas ornament honoring Carter's naval service and efforts for peace. This was the first time a president being honored was alive at the time of the unveiling.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tSSQFo97Mg "Jimmy Carter becomes first president to live to see White House ornament honoring his legacy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223062708/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tSSQFo97Mg |date=February 23, 2024 }}, [[Associated Press]], February 21, 2024</ref>

== See also ==
<!-- alphabetical order please [[WP:SEEALSO]] -->
<!-- please add a short description [[WP:SEEALSO]], via {{subst:AnnotatedListOfLinks}} or {{Annotated link}} -->
* {{Annotated link |Electoral history of Jimmy Carter}}
* [[List of members of the American Legion]]
* {{Annotated link |Jimmy Carter rabbit incident}}
* {{Annotated link |Mush from the Wimp|"Mush from the Wimp"}}
* {{Annotated link |Political positions of Jimmy Carter}}
<!-- alphabetical order please [[WP:SEEALSO]] -->

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== Citations ==
{{reflist}}

== General sources ==
* {{Cite book|last=Alter|first=Jonathan|title=His Very Best {{endash}} Jimmy Carter, a Life|publisher=Simon & Schuster|year=2020|isbn=978-1-5011-2554-6}}
* {{cite book|last=Bourne|first=Peter G.|lccn=96048593|ol=22339703M|title=Jimmy Carter: A Comprehensive Biography From Plains to Post-Presidency|year=1997|publisher=Scribner|isbn=978-0-684-19543-8}}
*{{Cite book|last=Brinkley|first=Douglas|title=The Unfinished Presidency {{endash}} Jimmy Carter's journey beyond the White House|publisher=Viking Press|year=1998|isbn=978-0-670-88006-5|lccn=98182755|ol=24739261M}}
* {{cite book|first1=Steven F.|last1=Hayward|title=The Age of Reagan: The Fall of the Old Liberal Order: 1964–1980|year=2009|publisher=Crown Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-307-45370-9}}
* {{cite book|last1=Herring|first1=George C.|title=From Colony to Superpower; U.S. Foreign Relations Since 1776|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2008|isbn=978-0-19-507822-0|lccn=2008007996|ol=19970907M}}
* {{cite book|last1=Kaufman|first1=Burton I.|last2=Kaufman|first2=Scott|title=The Presidency of James Earl Carter|publisher=University Press of Kansas|edition=2nd|ol=7763218M|year=2006|isbn=978-0-7006-1471-4}}
* {{cite book|title=Jimmy Carter, American Moralist|first=Kenneth Earl|last=Morris|publisher=University of Georgia Press|year=1996|isbn=978-0-8203-1862-2|lccn=96006350|ol=969764M}}
* {{cite book|last1=Zelizer|first1=Julian E.|title=Jimmy Carter|publisher=Times Books|year=2010|isbn=978-0-8050-8957-8|lccn=2010016818|ol=24804105M}}

== Further reading ==
{{further|Jimmy Carter bibliography|Presidency of Jimmy Carter#Further reading}}
{{refbegin|30em}}
* Andelic, Patrick. ''Donkey Work: Congressional Democrats in Conservative America, 1974–1994'' (2019) [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0700628037/ excerpt] {{Web archive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331131229/https://www.amazon.com/Donkey-Work-Congressional-Democrats-Conservative/dp/0700628037/ |date=March 31, 2021 }}
* {{cite journal |last1=Berggren |first1=D. Jason |last2=Rae |first2=Nicol C. |title=Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush: Faith, Foreign Policy, and an Evangelical Presidential Style |journal=Presidential Studies Quarterly |year=2006 |volume=36 |issue=4 |pages=606–632 |issn=0360-4918 |doi=10.1111/j.1741-5705.2006.02570.x}}
* {{Cite book |last=Bird |first=Kai |author-link=Kai Bird |year=2021 |title=The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter |edition=First hardcover |location=New York |publisher=Crown |isbn=9780451495235 |oclc=1280936868}} In-depth biography focused on the presidency. [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0451495233/ Excerpt]; {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125173151/https://www.amazon.com/Outlier-Unfinished-Presidency-Jimmy-Carter/dp/0451495233/ |date=January 25, 2022 }}.
* {{cite book |last=Busch |first=Andrew E. |title=Reagan's Victory: The Presidential Election of 1980 and the Rise of the Right |date=2005 |publisher=University Press of Kansas}}
* {{cite journal|last=Clymer|first=Kenton|title=Jimmy Carter, Human Rights, and Cambodia|journal=Diplomatic History|year=2003|volume=27|issue=2|pages=245–278|issn=0145-2096|jstor=24914265|doi=10.1111/1467-7709.00349}}
* Daigle, Craig. "Beyond Camp David: Jimmy Carter, Palestinian Self-Determination, and Human Rights." ''Diplomatic History'' 42.5 (2018): 802–830.
* {{cite book |last=Dumbrell |first=John |title=The Carter Presidency: A Re-evaluation |year=1995 |edition=2nd |publisher=Manchester University Press |location=Manchester, UK |isbn=978-0-7190-4693-3}}
* {{cite book |editor-last1=Fink |editor-first1=Gary M. |editor-first2=Hugh Davis |editor-last2=Graham |title=The Carter Presidency: Policy Choices in the Post-New Deal Era |year=1998 |publisher=University Press of Kansas |location=Lawrence |isbn=978-0-7006-0895-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780700608959 }}
* {{cite journal |last1=Flint |first1=Andrew R. |first2=Joy |last2=Porter |date=March 2005 |title=Jimmy Carter: The re-emergence of faith-based politics and the abortion rights issue |journal=Presidential Studies Quarterly |volume=35 |issue=1 |pages=28–51 |doi=10.1111/j.1741-5705.2004.00234.x}}
* {{cite journal |last=Freedman |first=Robert |title=The Religious Right and the Carter Administration |journal=The Historical Journal |year=2005 |volume=48 |issue=1 |pages=231–260 |issn=0018-246X |doi=10.1017/S0018246X04004285 |s2cid=154791980}}
* {{cite book |last=Gillon |first=Steven M. |title=The Democrats' Dilemma: Walter F. Mondale and the Liberal Legacy |year=1992 |publisher=Columbia University Press |location=New York |isbn=978-0-231-07630-2}}
* {{cite book |last=Glad |first=Betty |title=Jimmy Carter: In Search of the Great White House |year=1980 |publisher=W. W. Norton |location=New York |isbn=978-0-393-07527-4 |url=https://archive.org/details/jimmycarterinsea0000glad }}
* {{cite book |last1=Godbold |first1=E. Stanly Jr. |title=Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter: The Georgia Years, 1924–1974 |publisher=Oxford University Press |date=2010 |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780199753444 |url-access=registration |isbn=978-0-19-977962-8 }}
* {{cite book |last=Hahn |first=Dan F. |chapter=The rhetoric of Jimmy Carter, 1976–1980 |editor-first1=Theodore |editor-last1=Windt |editor-first2=Beth |editor-last2=Ingold |title=Essays in Presidential Rhetoric |year=1992 |edition=3rd |publisher=Kendall/Hunt |location=Dubuque, Iowa |pages=331–365 |isbn=978-0-8403-7568-1}}
* {{cite book |last=Hargrove |first=Erwin C. |title=Jimmy Carter as President: Leadership and the Politics of the Public Good |year=1988 |publisher=Louisiana State University Press |location=Baton Rouge |isbn=978-0-8071-1499-5 |url=https://archive.org/details/jimmycarteraspre00erwi }}
* {{cite book |author-link=David Harris (protestor) |last=Harris |first=David |title=The Crisis: the President, the Prophet, and the Shah – 1979 and the Coming of Militant Islam |publisher=Little, Brown |year=2004 |url=https://archive.org/details/crisispresidentp00harr |isbn=978-0-316-32394-9 }}
* Jensehaugen, Jørgen. ''Arab-Israeli diplomacy under Carter: the US, Israel and the Palestinians'' (Bloomsbury, 2018).
* {{cite book |last=Jones |first=Charles O. |title=The Trusteeship Presidency: Jimmy Carter and the United States Congress |year=1988 |publisher=Louisiana State University Press |location=Baton Rouge |isbn=978-0-8071-1426-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/trusteeshippresi0000jone }}
* {{cite book |last=Jorden |first=William J. |title=Panama Odyssey |year=1984 |publisher=University of Texas Press |location=Austin |isbn=978-0-292-76469-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/panamaodyssey00jord }}
* {{cite book |last=Keys |first=Barbara J. |date=2014 |title=Reclaiming American Virtue: The Human Rights Revolution of the 1970s |location=Cambridge, Massachusetts |publisher=Harvard University Press |url={{GBurl|id=BZHzAgAAQBAJ}} |isbn=978-0-674-72603-1 |access-date=March 21, 2022 }}
* {{cite book |last=Kucharsky |first=David |title=The Man From Plains: The Mind and Spirit of Jimmy Carter |year=1976 |publisher=Harper & Row |location=New York |isbn=978-0-06-064891-6 |url=https://archive.org/details/manfromplainsthe00kuch }}
* {{cite book |last=Mattson |first=Kevin |title=What the Heck Are You Up To, Mr. President? |publisher=Bloomsbury |date=2010 |url={{GBurl|id=RbpdkYGh65kC}} |isbn=978-1-60819-206-9 |access-date=March 21, 2022 }}
* {{cite journal |last=Morgan |first=Iwan |title=Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and the New Democratic Economics |journal=The Historical Journal |year=2004 |volume=47 |issue=4 |pages=1015–1039 |issn=0018-246X |doi=10.1017/S0018246X0400408X |s2cid=159975563}}
* Reichard, Gary W. "Early Returns: Assessing Jimmy Carter" ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'' 20#3 (Summer 1990) 603–620. [https://www.jstor.org/stable/40574538 online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513054928/https://www.jstor.org/stable/40574538 |date=May 13, 2021 }}
* {{cite book |last=Ribuffo |first=Leo P. |chapter=God and Jimmy Carter |editor=M. L. Bradbury and James B. Gilbert |title=Transforming Faith: The Sacred and Secular in Modern American History |year=1989 |publisher=Greenwood Press |location=New York |pages=[https://archive.org/details/transformingfait0000unse/page/141 141–159] |isbn=978-0-313-25707-0 |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/transformingfait0000unse/page/141 }}
* {{cite book |last=Ribuffo |first=Leo P. |chapter='Malaise' revisited: Jimmy Carter and the crisis of confidence |editor=John Patrick Diggins |title=The Liberal Persuasion: Arthur Schlesinger Jr. and the Challenge of the American Past |year=1997 |publisher=Princeton University Press |location=Princeton |pages=[https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780691048291/page/164 164–185] |isbn=978-0-691-04829-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780691048291/page/164 }}
* {{cite book |editor-last1=Rosenbaum |editor-first1=Herbert D. |editor-last2=Ugrinsky |editor-first2=Alexej |title=The Presidency and Domestic Policies of Jimmy Carter |year=1994 |publisher=Greenwood Press |location=Westport, Conn. |pages=83–116 |isbn=978-0-313-28845-6}}
* {{cite book |last=Schram |first=Martin |title=Running for President, 1976: The Carter Campaign |year=1977 |publisher=Stein and Day |location=New York |isbn=978-0-8128-2245-8 |url=https://archive.org/details/runningforpresid0000schr }}
* {{cite journal |last1=Schmitz |first1=David F. |last2=Walker |first2=Vanessa |title=Jimmy Carter and the Foreign Policy of Human Rights: the Development of a Post-cold War Foreign Policy |journal=Diplomatic History |year=2004 |volume=28 |issue=1 |pages=113–143 |issn=0145-2096 |doi=10.1111/j.1467-7709.2004.00400.x}}
* {{cite journal |last=Strong |first=Robert A. |date=Fall 1986 |title=Recapturing leadership: The Carter administration and the crisis of confidence |journal=Presidential Studies Quarterly |volume=16 |issue=3 |pages=636–650}}
* {{cite book |last=Strong |first=Robert A. |title=Working in the World: Jimmy Carter and the Making of American Foreign Policy |year=2000 |publisher=Louisiana State University Press |location=Baton Rouge |isbn=978-0-8071-2445-1}}
* {{cite news |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/01/opinion/topics-thermostatic-legacy.html |title=Topics; Thermostatic Legacy |date=January 1, 1981 |at=Section 1, Page 18, Column 1 |access-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=October 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009183157/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/01/opinion/topics-thermostatic-legacy.html |url-status=live }}
* {{cite news |first=Steve |last=Vogel |title=Remembering Failed Iranian Mission |url=<!-- PLEASE obtain link from Wash Post --> |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=May 4, 2000}}
* {{cite book |last=White |first=Theodore H. |author-link=Theodore H. White |title=America in Search of Itself: The Making of the President, 1956–1980 |year=1982 |publisher=Harper & Row |location=New York |isbn=978-0-06-039007-5}}
* Williams, Daniel K. ''The Election of the Evangelical: Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and the Presidential Contest of 1976'' (University Press of Kansas, 2020) [http://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=55955 online review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820141336/https://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=55955 |date=August 20, 2021 }}
* {{cite book |last=Witcover |first=Jules |title=Marathon: The Pursuit of the Presidency, 1972–1976 |year=1977 |publisher=Viking Press |location=New York |isbn=978-0-670-45461-7 |url=https://archive.org/details/marathonpursuit000witc }}
* {{cite news |url=https://millercenter.org/president/carter/life-after-the-presidency |title=Jimmy Carter: Life After the Presidency |date=October 4, 2016 |publisher=Miller Center |access-date=September 22, 2018 |archive-date=September 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922101708/https://millercenter.org/president/carter/life-after-the-presidency |url-status=live }}
{{refend}}

=== Primary sources ===
{{Main|Bibliography of Jimmy Carter#Books by Carter}}
* Carter, Jimmy. ''Why not the best?'' (1977) [https://archive.org/details/whynotbest00cart online].
* Carter, Jimmy. ''Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President'' (1982) [https://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Faith-President-Jimmy-Carter/dp/0553050230/ excerpt] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108053822/http://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Faith-President-Jimmy-Carter/dp/0553050230 |date=January 8, 2016 }} 
* Carter, Jimmy. ''Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Jimmy Carter, 1977'' (1978–1981); annual compilation of all his public documents
* Carter, Jimmy. ''An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood'' (2001) [https://www.amazon.com/Hour-Before-Daylight-Memories-Boyhood/dp/0743211995/ excerpt] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808060049/https://www.amazon.com/Hour-Before-Daylight-Memories-Boyhood/dp/0743211995/ |date=August 8, 2022 }}
* Carter, Jimmy. ''The Nobel Peace Prize lecture : delivered in Oslo on December 10, 2002'' (2002) [https://archive.org/details/nobelpeaceprizel0000cart online]
* Carter, Jimmy. ''Negotiation'' (2003) [https://www.amazon.com/Negotiation-Carl-Vinson-Memorial-Lecture/dp/086554882X/ excerpt] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830060621/https://www.amazon.com/Negotiation-Carl-Vinson-Memorial-Lecture/dp/086554882X |date=August 30, 2022 }}
* Carter, Jimmy. ''Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis'' (2005) [https://www.amazon.com/Our-Endangered-Values-Americas-Crisis/dp/0743284577/ excerpt] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810185448/https://www.amazon.com/Our-Endangered-Values-Americas-Crisis/dp/0743284577 |date=August 10, 2023 }}
* Carter, Jimmy. ''Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid'' (2006) [https://archive.org/details/palestinepeaceno00cart online]
* Carter, Jimmy. ''Beyond the White House : waging peace, fighting disease, building hope'' (2007) [https://archive.org/details/beyondwhitehouse0000cart_c2f5 online]
* Carter, Jimmy. ''White House diary'' (2011) [https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780312577193 online]
* Carter, Jimmy. ''A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety'' (2015) [https://archive.org/details/fulllifereflecti0000cart_c1q5 online]
* {{cite book |last=Califano |first=Joseph A. Jr. |date=2007 |orig-year=1981 |title=Governing America: An Insider's Report from the White House and the Cabinet |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-4165-5211-6}}
* {{cite book |last=Jordan |first=Hamilton |date=1982 |title=Crisis: The Last Year of the Carter Presidency |publisher=Putnam |isbn=978-0-399-12738-0}}
* {{cite book |last=Lance |first=Bert |date=1991 |title=The Truth of the Matter: My Life In and Out of Politics |url=https://archive.org/details/truthofmattermyl0000lanc |url-access=registration |publisher=Summit |isbn=978-0-671-69027-4}}

==External links==
* [https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/ Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917000810/https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/ |date=September 17, 2017 }}
* [https://www.cartercenter.org/ The Carter Center] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902030624/https://www.cartercenter.org/ |date=September 2, 2016 }}
*{{Curlie|Society/History/By_Region/North_America/United_States/Presidents/Carter%2C_James_Earl/}}
* [https://www.nps.gov/jica/index.htm Jimmy Carter National Historic Site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220131242/https://www.nps.gov/jica/index.htm |date=February 20, 2023 }}
* [https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/james-carter/ White House biography] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921060713/https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/james-carter/ |date=September 21, 2018 }}
* {{Nobelprize}}
* {{C-SPAN|2484}}

{{Jimmy Carter|state=expanded}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Offices and distinctions
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{{s-start}}
{{s-par|us-ga-sen}}
{{s-new|constituency}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of the [[Georgia State Senate|Georgia Senate]]<br />from the 14th district|years=1963–1967}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Hugh Carter]]}}

{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Lester Maddox]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] nominee for [[List of governors of Georgia|Governor of Georgia]]|years=[[1970 Georgia gubernatorial election|1970]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[George Busbee]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[George McGovern]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] [[List of United States Democratic Party presidential tickets|nominee]] for President of the United States|years=[[1976 United States presidential election|1976]], [[1980 United States presidential election|1980]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Walter Mondale]]}}

{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Lester Maddox]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of governors of Georgia|Governor of Georgia]]|years=1971–1975}}
{{s-aft|after=[[George Busbee]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Gerald Ford]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[President of the United States]]|years=1977–1981}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Ronald Reagan]]}}

{{s-ach}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Kofi Annan]]|before2=[[United Nations]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Laureate of the [[Nobel Peace Prize]]|years=2002}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Shirin Ebadi]]}}

{{s-prec|usa}}
{{s-bef|before=[[John Roberts]]|as=Chief Justice}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[United States order of precedence|Order of precedence of the United States]]<br>former president|years=}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Bill Clinton]]|as=former president}}
{{s-end}}
}}

{{Navboxes
|title=Articles related to Jimmy Carter
|list1=
{{US Presidents}}
{{Democratic Party (United States)}}
{{Unsuccessful major party pres candidates}}
{{Rosalynn Carter}}
{{Governors of Georgia}}
{{US Order of Precedence}}
{{Cold War}}
{{Nobel Peace Prize laureates}}
{{2002 Nobel Prize winners}}
{{Jefferson Award Winners}}
{{Carter cabinet}}
{{Time Persons of the Year 1976–2000}}
{{1976 United States presidential election}}
{{1980 United States presidential election}}
{{The Elders}}
{{Refusenik movement and 1990s post-Soviet aliyah}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album}}
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{{subject bar|Biography|Georgia (U.S. state)|Politics|United States|d=y|auto=1}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Carter, Jimmy}}
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