Jimmy Carter, longest-lived US president, dies aged 100
GuardianJAN 12
Former US Pres. Jimmy Carter Dies at 100
Above: Jimmy Carter teaching Sunday School at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. Image copyright: Michael S. Williamson/Contributor/The Washington Post via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Jimmy Carter — a high school basketball star, former US Navy officer, and longtime Sunday school teacher — campaigned for civil rights causes and fiercely advocated for peace. Though he served just one term in office, the longest-lived US president spent his post-presidential life dedicated to the service of ordinary Americans.
Narrative B
Though Jimmy Carter's presidency was marked by economic tumult and the Iran hostage crisis, it brought stability, calm, and integrity after the political turmoil of Nixon, Watergate, and the Vietnam War. He was just what 1970s America needed and carried himself about as admirably as he could have done.