Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived of the 45 men to serve as U.S. president, is about to reach the age of 100. Despite being under home hospice care, the 39th president will celebrate in the same town where he was born in 1924, in south Georgia. Throughout his long life, Carter has witnessed significant changes in the world. The U.S. population has nearly tripled since his birth, with the global population more than quadrupling over the years. Although Plains, the town where Carter resides, has not experienced the same level of growth, much of the local economy revolves around its famous residents, Carter and his late wife Rosalynn.
Carter has lived through major technological advancements, including the introduction of television, radio, and presidential maps. The use of red and blue for electoral maps was established in the 1976 election, with blue representing Democratic-won states. Carter has also observed significant changes in the economy, with the absence of modern giants like Amazon Prime and Walmart in 1924. Inflation, which affected Carter’s presidency, continues to be an issue in present-day politics. The ease of ordering a build-it-yourself house from a catalog in the past contrasts with the current reliance on online shopping and retail chains for household goods.
Growing up in a time of important legislative milestones, Carter has witnessed changes in voting rights and representation. The historical ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920 extended voting rights to women, preceding the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which broadened the franchise to Black Americans. Carter’s excitement about the prospect of Vice President Kamala Harris making history reflects his support for progress in equal representation. In the political landscape, themes of immigration, isolationism, and protectionism from Carter’s early years have resurfaced with the rhetoric of former President Donald Trump’s administration, highlighting persistent ideological divides.
A fan of the Atlanta Braves baseball team, Carter’s passion for the sport has remained throughout his life, marking significant moments in baseball history. His ties to the Braves date back to the team’s relocation to Atlanta, coinciding with Carter’s political career in Georgia. The former president’s frugality and personal values are exemplified through his family’s modest approach to alcohol consumption and spending, in contrast to his brother Billy’s entrepreneurial endeavors. Despite the notable debt accrued over the years, Carter’s impact on the national debt during his presidency remains relatively low compared to other administrations, reflecting his cautious approach to financial matters.
Living through a significant portion of U.S. history, Carter has witnessed numerous presidential administrations and historical events. With the upcoming milestone of turning 100 years old, Carter has outlived many of his predecessors and contemporaries, embodying resilience and longevity. As the nation celebrates the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, his experiences offer a unique perspective on the changing times and enduring principles that have shaped America and the world over the course of a century.
