WASHINGTON — After leaving the presidency, Jimmy Carter formed a remarkable friendship with Gerald Ford, the man who had previously defeated him in the presidential race. Their bond grew so strong that it could be likened to a buddy film, featuring countless road trips filled with engaging conversations and laughter, as they cherished every moment of camaraderie.
In stark contrast to his relationship with Ford, Carter’s interactions with other living former presidents were not as harmonious. Unlike his predecessors, Carter was often seen as an outlier within the circle of former presidents. However, many of the previous and current holders of the office are expected to gather this week for Carter’s state funeral, which might be the largest assembly of past presidents since George H.W. Bush’s memorial service in December 2018.
As a pivotal figure in the informal presidents’ club, Carter played a vital role in supporting his successors, regardless of their political affiliations. His reputation as a peacemaker and humanitarian allowed him to build significant relationships with various world leaders, opening doors to meaningful diplomatic negotiations.
Yet, Carter’s unpredictability often kept others on their toes. His remarkable self-assurance fostered a sense of superiority, leading him to sometimes consider himself “probably superior” to other former presidents. His stubbornness regarding following orders could be beneficial, irritating, or a mix of both for those in power.
According to authors Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy in their book “The Presidents Club,” the other presidents frequently shared a common sentiment: “what an annoying cuss Carter could be.” They described him as a determined, self-righteous perfectionist who led to the lingering question among his peers: was the trouble of engaging with Carter worth it?
Carter did achieve notable successes during his post-presidential years, particularly in Haiti and Nicaragua. Historian Randall Balmer highlighted how Carter was instrumental in averting violence just before a U.S. invasion of Haiti in 1994, successfully brokering a deal that aided Bill Clinton’s presidency while saving countless lives by restoring democracy in the country.
He also played a crucial role during the turmoil in Nicaragua. In 1990, at the precipice of conflict, he helped persuade leftist leader Daniel Ortega to accept election results that shocked the Sandinistas, setting the stage for peaceful elections. John Danforth, a former Republican senator, recalled an impromptu negotiation between Carter and Ortega in a back yard, further showcasing Carter’s unorthodox approach to diplomacy.
However, Carter was also known for frustrating current leaders. Years post the Gulf War, it became known that he had actively lobbied against former President George H.W. Bush’s request for military action in Iraq. Despite this, Bush assigned him various missions until the Gulf War incident, which strained their relationship.
Carter’s connection with Bill Clinton was complicated, characterized by a reluctance to seek guidance from someone who represented a painful defeat for Democrats, coupled with Carter’s disapproval of Clinton’s personal life choices. After Clinton assumed the presidency, Carter was sent to negotiate with North Korea’s Kim Il Sung, but his actions exceeded what was authorized, creating tension among Clinton’s aides.
Pictures often illustrate Carter’s unique standing among his peers, such as a gathering at the White House in January 2009, where he was notably positioned apart from other presidents. According to Balmer, Carter’s introverted nature meant he didn’t easily fit in, making for an interesting dynamic within the group.
Despite ideological differences, former rivalries often dissolved within the presidents’ club, forming unexpected friendships. However, Carter’s experience with Donald Trump was markedly different; both groups of presidents held Trump in low regard during his initial term, while he showed mutual indifference.
When Carter reached his centenary in October, Trump remarked that due to Biden’s presidency, Carter might be “the happiest man” compared to other historical figures. Nonetheless, following Carter’s passing, Trump offered a more respectful reflection on his presidency, acknowledging the challenges Carter faced during his time in office.
Historical instances show bipartisan cooperation among presidents, such as Lyndon Johnson often consulting with Dwight Eisenhower for advice or Reagan imparting wisdom to Clinton about military salutes. These connections fostered lasting relationships, evidenced by Clinton’s friendship with the elder Bush, which included collaborative efforts in post-disaster fundraising.
The unique friendship between Carter and Ford stands out among presidential bonds. Carter took pride in the acknowledgment from historians that their relationship was the most personal between any two presidents. Their friendship ignited in 1981 during a representational trip for Anwar Sadat’s funeral, where they found solace in one another’s company as they shared the trials of being former presidents.
Together, they initiated various partnerships and maintained communication about which appearances to make or skip. Carter expressed that he often dreaded the end of their travels, cherishing the private moments they enjoyed together. It was in this spirit that Carter promised to eulogize Ford, demonstrating a unique bond amidst a politically charged environment.
