SPOKANE, Wash. – Former President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100. The Georgian peanut farmer visited Spokane for Expo ‘74 and again in 1978 to celebrate the dedication of Riverfront Park.
He worked closely on environmental policy throughout his political career, both while serving as Governor of Georgia and as president.
Carter navigated a time of painful transition for Democrats as both of America’s major parties reckoned with the ascension of the New Right and political personalities like Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan.
In the wake of the resignation of amidst the Watergate scandal and widespread public frustration at his pardoning by , Carter ran for president during a time of public distrust in institutions.
His combination of dedicated Evangelical faith and progressive economic policies offered a winning image to voters in 1976, who swept him into office despite him being a relative unknown.
His major accomplishments included pardoning men who evaded the Vietnam War draft and the expansion of the social safety net.
While he tried to focus his presidency on empowering low-income families and protecting the environment, the president became ensnared in controversy surrounding the Iran hostage crisis, which made him vulnerable to criticism from Republicans. He lost his bid for a second term against California Governor Reagan in 1980.
An outpouring of remembrances honoring Carter were published Sunday. Outgoing Washington Governor Jay Inslee highlighted the former president’s dedication to environmental preservation.
“There are many reasons to reflect on [his] legacy…One is the vision he had for renewable energy that is now being realized. Reagan took down Carter’s White House solar panels, but now they are sprouting up all over the country,” Inslee said.
After leaving office, Carter dedicated his time to advocating for women’s leadership in religious institutions and building low income housing. He celebrated his 100th birthday this year while also casting his final presidential vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.
