WSJ What’s News

Episode: Jimmy Carter Built His Biggest Legacy Post-Presidency
Host: Lou Fargas
Release Date: December 29, 2024

Introduction: Remembering Jimmy Carter

In this special edition of What’s News, Lou Fargas commemorates the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, who passed away at the age of 100. Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, remains the longest-lived former U.S. president. The episode delves into his time in the White House, his post-presidential accomplishments, and reflections from Jerry Seib, a Wall Street Journal veteran.

Domestic Challenges During Carter’s Presidency

Inflation and the Energy Crisis One of Carter's most significant domestic challenges was combating inflation and high energy prices. In a memorable 1977 television address, Carter addressed Americans amidst economic hardship:

Jimmy Carter (01:36): "We'll ask private companies to sacrifice, just as private citizens must do. All of us must learn to waste less energy simply by keeping our thermostats, for instance, at 65 degrees in the daytime and 55 degrees at night. We could save half the current shortage of natural gas."

Transitioning the Economy Jerry Seib provides context to Carter's economic policies, highlighting the end of the era of plentiful, cheap oil and the necessary transition toward a service and technology-driven economy:

Jerry Seib (02:04): "The country had become addicted to cheap oil and increasingly, over time, cheap imported oil from overseas. ... he actually introduced free market elements into the economy as a way to try to cope with these changes that were underway."

Crisis of Confidence Beyond economic woes, Carter identified a deeper societal issue—a "crisis of confidence." In one of his most renowned 1979 speeches, Carter addressed the national malaise:

Jimmy Carter (03:36): "It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will. We can see this crisis in the growing doubt about the meaning of our own lives and in the loss of a unity of purpose for our nation."

Seib elaborates on the significance of this speech, noting its initial positive reception and subsequent misinterpretation:

Jerry Seib (03:52): "The crisis of confidence speech evolved... he emerged to give a national speech that, yes, talked about energy, but talked about how the country needed to get out ahead of its problems and be more confident as it did so... it came back to haunt him to some extent."

Foreign Policy Achievements

Camp David Accords Carter's tenure is perhaps best remembered for the Camp David Accords, a landmark peace agreement between Israel and Egypt in 1979. Reflecting on this achievement in a 2016 interview, Carter expressed both pride and ongoing concerns:

Jimmy Carter (06:05): "The peace treaty between Israel and Egypt has been completely successful. ... But the promises that Israel made about the Palestinians have not been fulfilled."

Seib underscores the long-term impact of the accords:

Jerry Seib (06:27): "The implications of that were being felt as recently as the Trump administration... it opened the way to an era of prosperity in Israel that just wouldn't have been possible otherwise."

Iran Hostage Crisis A pivotal and challenging moment of Carter's presidency was the Iran Hostage Crisis, where 52 Americans were held captive for over a year. Seib discusses Carter's struggles and the failed rescue mission:

Jerry Seib (07:26): "The Iran Hostage Crisis... marked the beginning of the end of the Carter presidency... the rescue mission was a disaster... it was a black eye for President Carter."

Despite the failed mission, Carter negotiated the hostages' release, which he later described as a profoundly joyous moment:

Jimmy Carter (08:55): "I would guess that's probably the single happiest moment of my whole life. I went out of office, but my hostages were free and safe."

Seib reflects on the broader political ramifications:

Jerry Seib (09:04): "It marked an end to four decades of Democratic dominance in politics and opened the way for Ronald Reagan... you don't think he could have had the Reagan revolution without Jimmy Carter preceding it."

Legacy and Post-Presidency Contributions

Humanitarian Efforts and the Carter Center After leaving the White House, Carter dedicated himself to humanitarian work through the Carter Center, advancing human rights and global health initiatives. His efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. In his acceptance speech, Carter highlighted economic inequality:

Jimmy Carter (09:59): "The most serious and universal problem is a growing chasm between the richest and poorest people on earth."

Jerry Seib on Carter’s Legacy Seib praises Carter's post-presidential endeavors, positioning him as a model for former presidents:

Jerry Seib (10:08): "Jimmy Carter is the most successful and respected former president of modern times. ... he showed that you could be a former president who didn't in any way try to cash in on fame... he lived a modest life while trying to contribute in many ways."

Seib contends that Carter's legacy is arguably greater in his post-presidency efforts than his time in office:

Jerry Seib (10:08): "He was in some ways, I don't think he could have had the Reagan revolution without Jimmy Carter preceding it."

Conclusion

Lou Fargas wraps up the episode by acknowledging the extensive production team behind this tribute to Jimmy Carter. Carter’s enduring legacy as a president and a humanitarian continues to inspire, demonstrating the profound impact one individual can have through dedicated public service.

Lou Fargas (11:06): "And that does it for this special episode of what's News. It was produced by Pierre Biennime with supervising producer Michael Cosmides and deputy editor Chris Sinsley. I'm Luke Vargas with the Wall Street Journal."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jimmy Carter (01:36): On energy conservation efforts.
• Jimmy Carter (03:36): On the national crisis of confidence.
• Jerry Seib (02:04): Discussing economic transitions during Carter’s presidency.
• Jimmy Carter (06:05): Reflecting on the Camp David Accords.
• Jimmy Carter (08:55): Expressing joy over the hostages' release.
• Jimmy Carter (09:59): Addressing global economic inequality.
• Jerry Seib (10:08): Praising Carter’s post-presidential legacy.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode, providing a full understanding for those who haven't listened to it.