A Very Brief Homage to Jimmy Carter

I don't want to let pass the death of President Jimmy Carter without notice. In my lifetime, there have been three presidents I found truly inspirational. In reverse chronological order, they were Obama, Clinton, and Carter.

I continue to think extremely well of Barack Obama, but because I knew (and already very much liked) him personally when we were both law students, he doesn't count for me as a hero exactly.

Bill Clinton revealed himself as a deeply flawed human being whose presidency's most notable legislative accomplishments moved the law and the country to the right, so it is easy to forget the JFK-style passing-of-the-torch excitement that his candidacy engendered. However, one cannot overlook his personal and policy failings, and so whatever glow Clinton once generated has long since faded.

Carter too was an exciting candidate. Although I was a twelve-year-old during his campaign, "Jimmy Who?" was not at all a term of mockery but amazement. Meanwhile, I share the revisionist view that regards Carter's presidency as more successful than most Americans realized at the time, but even if I didn't, I would share the consensus view that Carter's remarkable post-presidency marks him as a great humanitarian. May he rest in peace.

With that, I wish readers a happy new year. I'll post a classic tomorrow, New Year's Day. I'll be back with new content--my Con Law exam, so study up!--on Friday.