Jimmy Carter on Joe Biden

Jimmy Carter and Joe Biden maintained a decades-long friendship originating when Biden, as a young senator, became the first sitting senator to endorse Carter's presidential bid in 1976. Carter’s support for Biden remained evident through multiple political cycles, culminating in a virtual endorsement for the 2020 election where he praised Biden for possessing the necessary experience, character, and decency to lead the nation and restore its greatness. This endorsement was part of a consistent pattern of Carter supporting Biden, who he credited with loyalty and friendship since his own time in the White House. The bond between the two men was highlighted by Biden delivering the eulogy at Carter’s state funeral in January 2025.

While Carter’s early endorsement of Biden in 1976 was based on character, their relationship experienced minor friction later, as noted by Biden’s assessment that Carter’s values alone were insufficient for the presidency and his disagreement with Carter's “dangerous penchant for moralizing.” However, the public posture has always been one of mutual respect and support, particularly from Carter’s side regarding Biden's later political endeavors. Carter's 2020 statement emphasized Biden’s ability to bring people together and his commitment to the American people, contrasting with the political climate of that time, and this sentiment of support was shared by Mrs. Carter as well.