When Goodness Meets Governance

The definition of a "good president” isn’t fixed. It’s subjective. It can change. And we can be the people who change it.

A troubling thought has lingered since Jimmy Carter's funeral: Was he too good of a person to be an effective president? Can someone of high moral character navigate the complexities and compromises required of the presidency? Does the modern presidency allow for a fuller expression of moral leadership in governance? The discrepancy between the “success” of Carter's presidency and his post-presidential years raises important questions—and whether the answers can change.

In 2025, it's difficult to imagine a man like Carter being elected, but remember, his predecessor was Gerald Ford, who assumed the presidency under extraordinary circumstances: Watergate. He campaigned as a Washington outsider, pledging to restore morality to both domestic and foreign policy after this tumultuous period—and the American people wanted that.

Despite his best efforts, Carter's presidency was overwhelmed by numerous challenges, including an energy crisis, economic struggles, and foreign policy crises. His response was deeply rooted in moral convictions, emphasizing human rights as a cornerstone of U.S. diplomacy. This commitment to ethical governance sometimes clashed with the realpolitik demands of the era, leading to criticism that his approach was impractical. He could appear obstinate, stubborn, unwilling to compromise.

There’s another word for it, too: determined. That quality played a significant role in the Camp David Accords, Carter’s greatest triumph in office: It marked a vital transition from near-constant conflict to peacemaking between Israel and Egypt, and set important precedents for Middle East peace negotiations.

But that was the exception. Carter's tenure otherwise suggests that the very qualities that make someone a good person—truthfulness, rectitude, and unwavering ethical principles—can hinder their effectiveness in the Oval Office. The demands of a "successful" presidency often require political maneuvering and choosing between imperfect options that may conflict with personal virtue.

Carter was the first candidate to defeat an incumbent in 44 years, and the first non-incumbent president representing a Southern state since Zachary Taylor in 1848. This crucial historical context underscores how political climates can shift, making candidates who might seem unlikely in one era electable in another. If we value Carter’s long-term impact on national values and global issues, then his presidency and his extraordinary post-presidential work offer a different model of success.

The definition of a "good president” isn’t fixed. It’s subjective. It can change. And we can be the people who change it.

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REST IN POWER

On January 9, 2024, James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th president of the United States, was laid to rest. The day of his funeral unfolded in a whirlwind of television and radio hits and running commentary I wrote for MSNBC (see below).

Carter was 100-years-old. He wanted to live long enough to vote for Kamala Harris, a testament to his enduring commitment to progress and his belief in the power of democracy. His funeral was a celebration of an exceptional life, a sentiment echoed in the eulogies. The air was thick with stories of Carter’s unwavering integrity, his tireless dedication to human rights, and his profound faith that guided him through decades of public service.

As the days passed, however, a somewhat surprising sense of loss has settled over me like a heavy mantle. For years, I've been a reluctant repository for presidential critiques, and Carter stood as a beacon of hope, a shining example I could point to when asked about the quality of the people who serve in the highest office.

Who will carry forth the torch of Carterness?

Here are some of the topics I covered:

The indelible mark left by Carter’s tenure in public housing.
https://lnkd.in/e7c4w9ef

Both Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, both died on Sundays.
https://lnkd.in/eydHx4XG

Carter’s mother, Lillian Carter, was remarkable in many ways.
https://lnkd.in/eFpUrJ_M

Carter's stunning bait-and-switch on racial politics.
https://lnkd.in/eDJNkSZs

The ex-presidents club isn't always as warm as it appears today.
https://lnkd.in/eCFed3es

Carter’s faith was woven into the fabric of his daily life.
https://lnkd.in/eX4cvc7P

Carter wasn't a big golfer like most presidents. He loved tennis.
https://lnkd.in/eppPii4M

Carter, now 'at peace,' fought to create peace in the world.
https://lnkd.in/eydHx4XG

ON A RELATED NOTE

“It is not enough for Democrats, alone, to follow the rules.”

ICYMI

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