Jimmy Carter on Barack Obama

Supporter and admirer (strong)

TL;DR

Jimmy Carter strongly supported Barack Obama's historic candidacy and presidency, citing his decency and achievements.

Key Points

He acknowledged in a signed note that he and his family voted for Barack Obama in both the 2008 Georgia primary and the general election.
In 2009, the former president stated that much of the intense animosity toward Obama was based on the fact that he was an African American man.
Following his passing, Barack Obama released a statement honoring Carter for embodying decency, integrity, and a life of service.

Summary

Jimmy Carter expressed strong, public support for Barack Obama, particularly regarding the historical significance of his election as the first African American president. Carter stated that an overwhelming portion of the intense opposition Obama faced was based on the fact that he was a black man, an animosity he observed bubbling up from underlying racism across the country. He viewed Obama’s candidacy as an exciting and challenging opportunity for the Democratic Party, comparing the convention dynamics to his own 1976 primary experience.

Beyond the initial victory, Carter frequently demonstrated admiration for Obama’s post-presidency character and service, embodied by the values he believed in. Despite Carter's senior status, he noted that the sitting president did not typically call him for advice. Following Carter’s passing, Obama issued a statement praising him for embodying integrity, respect, and compassion, and for a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Jimmy Carter say about Barack Obama's election?

Jimmy Carter called Barack Obama's election an exciting and challenging opportunity for the Democratic Party in 2008, according to an interview in August 2008. He also suggested that much of the opposition Obama faced was rooted in racism against him as an African American man.

Did Barack Obama seek advice from Jimmy Carter?

According to a statement from 2015, Jimmy Carter indicated that Barack Obama did not frequently call him for advice, though he was available. He noted that he did not believe the sitting president regularly sought his counsel.

How did Jimmy Carter view Barack Obama's character?

Barack Obama publicly stated that former President Carter embodied the values he believed in, such as decency and integrity, as noted in his tribute after Carter's death in December 2024. Carter himself praised the primary season that led to Obama's nomination as enlightening and inspirational.