Biden cites Carter’s character as spur for early endorsement for White House Joe Biden has given a short public address paying tribute to Jimmy Carter, with both official praise and personal anecdote.
The US president said that Carter told him in the past that he was the first official figure to endorse Carter for the presidency, back in 1976 when Biden was the Democratic US senator for Delaware. Carter was a one-term Democratic president, 1977 to 1981, before he lost to Ronald Reagan and had to leave the White House at the age of just 56.
Biden said of Carter’s passing yesterday: “It’s a sad day but it brings back an incredible amount of good memories. Today, America – and the world, in my view – lost a remarkable leader. He was a statesman and a humanitarian and Jill [first lady Jill Biden] and I have lost a dear friend.”
Biden said it “dawned on him” that he and Carter “have been hanging out for 50 years” and he recalled that the former president used to tease him affectionately.
Biden said he came out to endorse Carter for president so early because of the Georgia politician’s character.
Here’s the video of Biden’s address.
Joe Biden pays tribute to Jimmy Carter: ‘America and the world lost a remarkable leader’ – video Key events
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Closing summary Tributes continue to pour in after the death of America’s longest-lived president, Jimmy Carter, on Sunday. Here’s a recap of the latest developments:
The White House ordered a state funeral for 9 January – already declared a national day of mourning – and that American flags will fly at half-staff for 30 days. US stock exchanges will close on Thursday 9 January in observation of a national day of mourning.
The Carter family has accepted an invitation by Congress for him to lie in state in the US Capitol in Washington DC. He will be laid to rest in his home town of Plains, Georgia, next to his wife, Rosalynn, who passed away in 2023.
Joe Biden said Donald Trump should learn “decency” from Carter’s legacy in remarks to reporters during which he described Carter as a humanitarian, a personal friend and a “remarkable leader”.
Leaders from around the world remembered Carter, who as president brokered peace between Israel and Egypt and later received the Nobel peace prize for his humanitarian work. The UN security council held a minute’s silence on Monday.
Pope Francis praised Carter’s “firm commitment, motivated by deep Christian faith, to the cause of reconciliation and peace between peoples, the defense of human rights and the welfare of the poor and those in need”.
The UN secretary general, António Guterres, said Carter “played a key role in conflict mediation, election monitoring, the promotion of democracy, and disease prevention and eradication”.
The Egyptian president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, said Carter’s “significant role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel will remain etched in the annals of history, and his humanitarian work exemplifies a lofty standard of love, peace, and brotherhood”.
Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said Carter will be remembered for his role in “forging the first Arab-Israeli peace treaty … a peace treaty that has held for nearly half a century and offers hope for future generations”.
The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, said Carter “redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad”, and that he would be remembered for “decades of selfless public service”.
King Charles III said Carter was “a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights”.
The Secret Service has offered its condolences on the death of Carter, saying it was “an honor to protect him and his family”.
A statement posted to X reads:
His commitment to peace, human rights and service touched countless lives, leaving a legacy of integrity and grace.
The UN security council held a minute’s silence on Monday in honor of Jimmy Carter.
Before rising to observe the silence, the deputy US ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Camille Shea, read a statement on behalf of the council.