In a rare display of bipartisan harmony, President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have both lauded the late President Jimmy Carter as a ‘leader, statesman, and humanitarian.’
This sudden outpouring of admiration for a man whose presidency was often criticized raises an eyebrow or two. Are we witnessing genuine respect, or is this a convenient moment for political theater? President Biden, speaking from the U.S. Virgin Islands, described Carter as ‘a remarkable leader’ and ‘a dear friend.’
He emphasized Carter’s commitment to peace, human rights, and social justice, painting a picture of an almost saintly figure. One might wonder if this glowing tribute is an attempt to align himself with Carter’s post-presidential humanitarian work, perhaps to bolster his own image as a compassionate leader.
Not to be outdone, President-elect Trump offered his own commendation, stating that Carter ‘did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans.’ This is particularly intriguing, given Trump’s previous critiques of Carter’s presidency. During his campaign, Trump often compared Biden unfavorably to Carter, suggesting that Biden’s administration would be even more disastrous.
Yet now, with the cameras rolling, Trump strikes a conciliatory tone. It’s almost as if the script has been flipped overnight. The media, predictably, is reveling in this moment of unity. Headlines are awash with phrases like ‘coming together’ and ‘shared respect.’ But let’s not kid ourselves. Politics is, after all, a game of optics. Both Biden and Trump have something to gain from this display.
For Biden, it’s an opportunity to showcase his ability to reach across the aisle, to be the unifier-in-chief. For Trump, it’s a chance to appear magnanimous, to rise above past criticisms and present himself as a statesman ready to lead all Americans. Meanwhile, the public is left to sift through the platitudes, searching for sincerity in a sea of political calculation.
Carter’s legacy is complex. His presidency was marked by economic struggles and foreign policy challenges, yet his post-presidential years were filled with humanitarian efforts that garnered widespread respect. It’s easy to praise the man now, especially when it serves a political purpose. But where was this bipartisan admiration when Carter was critiquing the very systems both parties uphold? In the end, this episode serves as a reminder of the performative nature of politics.
Today’s adversaries become tomorrow’s allies when the narrative demands it. So, as we watch Biden and Trump extol the virtues of Jimmy Carter, let’s take a moment to appreciate the choreography. After all, in Washington, the show must always go on.
