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The dignitaries assembled on the northern side of the National Cathedral may not have been seen as the staunchest allies of former President Jimmy Carter, who received a heartfelt tribute in Washington on Thursday. Just a short while ago, Carter was often regarded as one of the less appreciated members of the elite circle known as The Presidents Club.
Yet, as the world took a moment to say goodbye to Carter in a city that never fully embraced him, those five successors each carried aspects of a presidency that he significantly influenced.
Bill Clinton’s emergence as a pragmatic Southern Governor was greatly shaped by Carter’s down-to-earth approach. George W. Bush’s relatable charm was enhanced by Carter’s roots as a peanut farmer, with both leaders choosing not to highlight their prestigious educational backgrounds. Barack Obama, whose demeanor is often clinical, found a kindred spirit in Carter amidst global crises. Meanwhile, Joe Biden’s moralistic tone resonates more profoundly when we remember that Carter was still teaching Sunday school in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, until recent times.
Then there’s Donald Trump, a nontraditional figure who, like Carter, stands apart from typical Washington insiders. Trump returned to the capital for Carter’s farewell, ready to embark on his second presidential term in just 11 days. In many ways, Trump represents the culmination of the disruption that Carter initiated nearly fifty years ago. Both presidents arrived in Washington with clear visions for their roles and a nonchalant attitude towards conventional norms, leaving their marks—albeit in very different ways—on this quintessentially American institution.
By honoring Carter one final time, the former Presidents unified in an unexpected display of national solidarity, a feeling that typically arises only when one of their own passes away or approaches that threshold. The living former Presidents and their spouses occupied the front pews of the grand cathedral, presenting a rare moment of dignity that is seldom witnessed. The last gathering of this nature occurred in 2018 during the memorial for President George H.W. Bush. (Michelle Obama was the only absent spouse this week due to a scheduling conflict in Hawaii, according to an aide, leaving uncertainty about her attendance at Trump’s inauguration on January 20.)
This display of tradition was merely one of the many striking contradictions interwoven into Carter’s farewell—precisely as he would have anticipated, accompanied by his characteristic playful smile.
Carter, often regarded as one of the most honorable individuals to have held the Oval Office, was frequently dismissed as a simple country gentleman, exiting the presidency as a one-term anomaly. Yet today, he is revered as an unparalleled advocate for democracy and a globe-trotting (if at times unconventional) diplomat.
As noted by Jonathan Alter in his TIME cover article reflecting on Carter’s legacy, it appears the former President utilized his time in the White House as a somewhat clumsy launching pad to become a global conscience over the span of fifty years—culminating in the poignant farewell observed in D.C. on Thursday.
Following Carter’s passing on December 29 at the age of 100, a lineup of political dignitaries and world leaders convened on Thursday. The tributes, meticulously crafted over the years and revised as needed, awaited delivery. The day lacked the immediate sense of loss often associated with such gatherings, largely because Carter had long been preparing the nation for this moment. (Former President Gerald Ford and former Vice President Walter Mondale were among those honored in tributes delivered by their surviving sons.)
Yet, the significance of the day was inescapable, no matter how anticipated it felt.
The expansive National Cathedral in Washington is rarely an easy stage for any speaker. On such monumental occasions, the focus is drawn to the raised platform, and the casket often appears larger than life. Emotions run high, intensifying the tension of an otherwise typical day. The congregation featured a who’s who of dignitaries, each vying for a seat closer to the front. Notably, Obama was seated next to Trump, with Mike and Karen Pence positioned behind them, while Kamala Harris found herself placed in a more isolated spot ahead of the rest.
As Washington—and the world—said goodbye to the 39th President of the United States within that monumental structure built of Indiana limestone, the day felt inevitable. Biden, who prides himself on his eulogizing skills, delivered heartfelt remarks, even as questions lingered about which prominent figure might next receive a similar tribute in that very space.
“Today, many perceive him as belonging to a bygone era,” Biden observed. “However, he truly possessed a remarkable vision for the future.”
The day was perhaps as uncharacteristic as it could be for Carter, who often wandered through the White House in a cardigan and favored the simplicity of paper plates over fine china. Nonetheless, he recognized that this day of remembrance transcended his personal legacy; it was a reflection of the nation and the office he cherished so deeply. Despite his initial resistance to the pomp of “Hail to the Chief,” which he deemed elitist, Carter allowed for one final tribute to the institution: as his casket left the cathedral, military bands played a final homage to that personal anthem of Presidents. While Carter sought to humanize the presidency, he understood its significance; his successors emerged as reflections of his aspiration to make the office more accessible, and the perceptive ones recognized their historical paths were, in part, shaped by the man they honored.
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