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On Thursday, dignitaries convened on the northern side of the National Cathedral to pay tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, a leader whose legacy has often been mixed. Not long ago, Carter might have been viewed as the least favored member of the distinguished group known as The Presidents Club.
Yet, as the world gathered to honor Carter in a city that never felt entirely like home to him, each of the five living presidents carried with them a legacy influenced by Carter’s presidency.
Bill Clinton’s emergence as a practical Southern governor was significantly shaped by Carter’s down-to-earth leadership. George W. Bush, often perceived as a relatable figure, benefitted from the fact that both he and Carter shared humble beginnings, with neither prioritizing their prestigious educational credentials. Barack Obama, who navigated a tumultuous global landscape, found a kindred spirit in Carter. And Joe Biden’s moral-centric rhetoric resonates all the more when we remember that Carter continued to teach Sunday school in Plains, Georgia, until recently.
Then there’s Donald Trump, the unconventional figure who, like Carter, stands apart from the typical Washington elite. Trump returned to the capital for Carter’s memorial just days before embarking on his second presidential term. In many ways, Trump represents the peak of the disruption that Carter began nearly fifty years ago. Both presidents entered the White House with unique visions and a willingness to challenge established norms, leaving distinct yet profound impacts on the American political landscape.
During Carter’s final tribute, the former presidents united in an unexpected display of national solidarity, a rare phenomenon that occurs only when one of their own is no longer with them. The living presidents and their partners occupied the front pews of the majestic cathedral, creating a seldom-seen moment of dignity. The last similar gathering took place in 2018, honoring President George H.W. Bush. (Michelle Obama was the only spouse absent this time due to a scheduling conflict in Hawaii, and it remains uncertain if she will attend Trump’s inauguration on January 20.)
This moment of tradition was just one of many contradictions that defined Carter’s farewell—something he likely would have appreciated with his trademark grin.
Often viewed as one of the most honorable individuals to occupy the Oval Office, Carter was frequently dismissed as a simple country gentleman, concluding his tenure as a one-term president. Yet today, he is revered as an extraordinary advocate for democracy and a globe-trotting diplomat, albeit one who sometimes took unconventional routes.
As noted by Jonathan Alter in his TIME cover story reflecting on Carter’s impact, the former president appeared to use his time in the White House as a stepping stone towards becoming a global moral compass over the past fifty years—culminating in the poignant farewell held in D.C. on Thursday.
Following Carter’s passing on December 29 at the age of 100, a host of political dignitaries and world leaders gathered on Thursday to pay their respects. Tributes, which had been meticulously prepared and updated over time, were ready to be expressed. The day lacked the urgency often associated with grief, largely due to Carter’s long-standing preparation of the nation for this moment. (Former President Gerald Ford and former Vice President Walter Mondale were also honored with tributes delivered by their surviving sons.)
Still, the weight of the occasion was undeniable, even if it felt somewhat expected.
The National Cathedral in Washington, a vast and imposing venue, is seldom an easy platform for speakers. On such significant occasions, attention is drawn to the raised platform, and the casket often appears monumental. Feelings run high, intensifying the atmosphere of an otherwise ordinary day. The audience comprised a who’s who of political figures, all vying for prime seating. Notably, Obama sat beside Trump, while Mike and Karen Pence occupied the space behind them, with Kamala Harris situated somewhat apart from the others.
As Washington—and the world—said goodbye to the 39th President of the United States in that monumental Indiana limestone structure, the day felt both inevitable and significant. Biden, known for his eloquence during eulogies, shared his reflections, even as thoughts lingered about which influential figure might next receive a similar farewell in that grand venue.
“Today, many believe he belonged to a past era,” Biden remarked. “But in truth, he had a remarkable vision for the future.”
The day was perhaps as out of character as it could be for Carter, who often wandered the White House in a cardigan and preferred the simplicity of paper plates to fine china. However, he recognized that this day of remembrance transcended his own legacy; it was about the nation and the office he so passionately advocated for. Despite his initial discomfort with the pomp associated with “Hail to the Chief,” which he regarded as elitist, Carter permitted one last homage to the institution: as his casket was carried from the cathedral, military bands played a final tribute to that personal anthem of Presidents. While Carter sought to make the office more relatable, he understood its significance; his successors emerged as reflections of his vision to humanize the presidency, with the perceptive ones acknowledging that their historical paths were, in part, influenced by the man they honored.
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