Joe Biden and Jimmy Carter shared an unforgettable friendship, one filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. This long-lasting bond will be highlighted once more when Biden delivers a final tribute to Carter during his state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday.
A political contrast
The two men came from different political worlds. Biden, the classic Washington insider, stood in stark contrast to Carter, the outsider. Despite their differences, their relationship began in 1976 when a young Biden, fresh from Delaware’s Senate, became the first sitting senator to back Carter’s presidential campaign. This pivotal moment marked the start of a deep and enduring friendship.
Challenges in the White House
Both Biden and Carter faced challenges during their presidencies, leading to less-than-ideal exits. Their time in office was not without controversy, and they handed over the reins to Republican successors. Carter’s death on December 29th, 2024, at the age of 100, prompted an outpouring of tributes. Biden expressed his sadness, calling Carter a “remarkable leader” and a “statesman and humanitarian.” He also acknowledged the loss of a “dear friend.”
Biden’s opportunity to influence legacy
Biden’s eulogy will honor Carter’s contributions, not only as president but also after leaving the White House. However, it’s also a chance for Biden to subtly influence how history judges both Carter’s presidency and his own. With Donald Trump preparing for his inauguration on January 20th, Biden may seek to draw contrasts between Carter and Trump’s leadership styles.
Trump’s presence at the funeral
Trump’s presence at the funeral is sure to add an interesting twist. During the 2024 election campaign, Trump repeatedly mocked Biden by comparing him to Carter. He even claimed that Biden was “worse than Jimmy Carter.” Trump’s remarks became a running joke, mocking both men’s handling of the economy and their general leadership.
A stark contrast for Democrats
For many Democrats, the timing of Carter’s funeral so close to Trump’s swearing-in offers a stark contrast between the two political figures. Veteran strategist Donna Brazile put it simply: “Jimmy Carter is a fundamentally decent man, and Joe Biden is a fundamentally decent man.” Biden has often echoed this sentiment. When reflecting on his decision to endorse Carter back in 1976, he pointed to Carter’s character, not just his policies. Biden has praised Carter for his integrity, stressing that decency should be a guiding principle for leaders.
Biden’s early support for Carter
At the time of their first encounter, Biden was still a young senator just beginning his career in Washington. He recalled that Carter personally asked him to help with his presidential campaign, even though Biden was relatively new to politics. “He grabbed me by the arm and said, ‘I need you to help me with my campaign,’” Biden remembered. Their political alliance grew as Biden campaigned for Carter, supporting him over more experienced senators.
The tensions that followed
While Biden and Carter shared similar views on many issues, their relationship was not without tension. One of their earliest disagreements occurred over busing for school desegregation. Despite their differences, Biden remained loyal to Carter, even as the president’s popularity waned. Biden supported Carter throughout the 1980 primary race against Ted Kennedy, a move that cemented their political bond.
Carter’s post-presidency influence
In the years that followed, Carter focused on his humanitarian work, establishing the Carter Center. Meanwhile, Biden’s political career continued to evolve, culminating in his vice presidency under Barack Obama. However, during the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Carter was notably absent from the speakers list, a snub that raised eyebrows. Carter’s own remarks on Biden’s candidacy in 2020 showed that while they were allies, their paths had diverged over time.
Carter’s continued support for Biden
Despite the political differences and the occasional public criticism, Carter always showed support for Biden. When Biden first ran for president, Carter offered candid advice and reminded him of the importance of integrity. As Biden prepared to take office in 2021, he visited Carter in Plains, Georgia, where the former president made a personal request: Biden would deliver his eulogy when the time came.
A closing chapter in political history
Carter’s death in late 2024 marked the end of an era. Biden, who had reached the milestone of 80 years old, was facing his own challenges as president. With Trump’s shadow looming over the political landscape, many wondered whether Biden would seek reelection. But Carter, having entered hospice care a year earlier, refrained from publicly commenting. His grandson, Jason Carter, remarked that his grandfather was “incredibly gratified” by Biden’s decision to pass the torch willingly.
Biden’s final tribute to Carter
As Biden prepares for his eulogy on Thursday, it’s clear that his bond with Carter will be remembered as a powerful political friendship. But Biden, unlike Carter, may not have the luxury of redefining his legacy after leaving office. Carter’s extensive post-presidency career focused on humanitarian efforts and international peace-building, a contrast to the often tumultuous nature of Biden’s time in office.
A moment of reflection
This funeral represents more than just the end of Carter’s life; it marks the closing of a significant chapter in American political history. As Biden speaks, he will not only pay tribute to his old friend but also navigate the complexities of a political landscape that has shifted dramatically since their first days together in Washington. It’s a moment of reflection and a final salute to a partnership that, despite its ups and downs, endured for nearly half a century.
