WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden, a seasoned Washington insider, and Jimmy Carter, a political outsider, developed a close friendship that spanned decades, starting in 1976 when Biden, a young Delaware lawmaker, became the first sitting senator to endorse Carter’s presidential bid. Their enduring bond will be showcased as Biden delivers a eulogy for Carter at his state funeral at Washington National Cathedral.
The relationship between the 46th and 39th U.S. presidents serves as a remarkable bookend, highlighting their significant transformations as the Democratic Party and the nation evolved during their lengthy public careers. Both leaders faced tumultuous presidencies before ceding power to influential Republican figures.
Following Carter’s passing at 100 years old, Biden paid tribute to his friend, describing him as a remarkable statesman and humanitarian. As Biden prepares to transition power to President-elect Donald Trump, the funeral presents an opportunity to celebrate Carter’s post-presidential legacy and possibly reshape perceptions of his presidency, reflecting Biden’s own aspirations.
Trump’s attendance at Carter’s funeral adds complexity to the occasion. Throughout the 2024 campaign, Trump and Biden frequently criticized Carter, portraying him as an ineffective president, with Trump labeling Biden as worse than Carter. Despite this, some Democrats view the timing of Carter’s funeral as a chance to contrast Carter’s decency with Trump’s combative approach.
Biden and Carter shared similar values as moderates on fiscal and social issues, as well as a strong commitment to their religious beliefs. Biden’s early support for Carter’s presidential campaign, despite his limited experience in Washington, underscores their enduring friendship and mutual respect. The funeral serves as a poignant moment to honor Carter’s legacy and reflect on the virtues of decency exemplified by both leaders.
The evangelical Baptist couple’s relationship hit some bumps once Carter was elected. Both had opposed federally mandated busing to integrate public schools, but in 1977, Carter went against a Senate bill by Biden that aimed to limit court authority on the issue, citing it as a violation of the separation of powers. The young senator remarked humorously about being on Carter’s “friends list,” drawing a comparison to Nixon’s infamous enemies list. Despite warnings from Democratic allies, Biden stood by Carter even as challenges from liberal rivals loomed.
When Biden made his own presidential runs in 1988 and later, he critiqued Carter’s leadership in a candid manner, expressing concerns about the former president’s moralizing and lack of experience. Carter’s comments on age limits for presidency raised eyebrows, particularly as Biden and Bernie Sanders neared 80 during their campaigns. Despite setbacks in his own bids for the presidency, Biden eventually found success as Obama’s running mate in 2008.
In a show of loyalty, Carter endorsed Biden’s qualities of integrity, honesty, and experience during the 2020 election cycle. The Bidens visited the Carters in Plains, Georgia, with Carter expressing his wish for Biden to speak at his state funeral. As Biden’s presidency progressed, concerns over his age led to the decision not to seek reelection. Carter’s quiet support during this period was noted by his family, acknowledging the rarity of a sitting president choosing not to run for a second term.
“Power in any context.” “Whatever Biden says Thursday, former Obama campaign architect David Axelrod noted that the outgoing president will not enjoy the same opportunities as Carter to recast his legacy. ‘Jimmy Carter spent four years in Washington out of 100 years of his life,’ Axelrod said. ‘Jimmy Carter is looked at differently (now) because he spent 44 years after losing the presidency doing extraordinary things all over the world. … Biden won’t have that luxury.'”
Associated Press writer Chris Megerian in Washington contributed to this report.
