In the summer of 1987, a fledgling reporter for *The Guardian* found himself in a picturesque Tyne Valley garden, interviewing former President Jimmy Carter. The setting was the home of Tony Coates, a chartered accountant, whose daughters playfully sat on their father’s lap as the interview commenced. The occasion marked the tenth anniversary of Carter’s Friendship Force initiative, a program designed to foster global connections through home exchanges. The interview, unexpectedly assigned to me, a television news refugee, was a testament to the deputy editor’s intuition about my suitability for the task.
My initial nervousness quickly dissipated as Carter’s calm demeanor and genuine earnestness fostered a conversational atmosphere. The former president was devoid of any pretense or the narcissistic tendencies often associated with powerful figures. His humility was palpable, a quality I described in my article as a “characteristically pensive gentleness.” Carter’s approachable nature contrasted sharply with the self-aggrandizing personalities of subsequent presidents. His path to the presidency, I realized, lay in his unwavering commitment to his beliefs—a focus on unity, peace, and social justice, delivered with disarming decency. His convictions, rooted in his religious faith, resonated deeply with his audience.
The day unfolded as a living demonstration of Carter’s values. From a somewhat awkward participation in a Newcastle parade – where he famously swapped places with a footman in the mayoral carriage and chatted with locals on the street – to a spontaneous cricket viewing on a village green, Carter’s actions reflected his down-to-earth nature. Even the evening gala dinner was preceded by a pub visit where, after being coached on the local dialect, he confidently ordered a “broon” (Newcastle Brown Ale).
The backdrop of this idyllic English day was a stark contrast to the political landscape of the time. Ronald Reagan’s America was embroiled in wars that claimed thousands of lives in Central America, while illicit activities, such as the Iran-Contra affair, cast a dark shadow over the administration. In contrast, Carter was already embarking on a global campaign against such injustices, armed with the moral compass he had so clearly articulated during our interview. His post-presidential life, dedicated to humanitarian efforts, stood in stark contrast to the often self-serving pursuits of his successors.
The news of Carter’s passing triggered a poignant reflection on the vast gulf between his presidency and that of subsequent leaders. His campaign promise of “compassion and decency and openness and honesty and brotherhood and love” contrasted sharply with the divisive rhetoric and morally questionable actions of those who followed. The stark difference between Carter’s humble approach and the subsequent rise of figures who embraced antagonism and impunity was stark.
As I write this on New Year’s Day, amidst the challenges and uncertainties facing the world, Carter’s legacy remains a beacon of hope. The principles he championed—the very principles he shared that morning in Northumberland—provide a guiding light for those seeking to resist the forces of division and hatred. His unwavering dedication to peace, justice, and unity continues to resonate, proving more relevant than ever.