President Joe Biden appeared to take thinly veiled jabs at President-elect Donald Trump while eulogizing former President Jimmy Carter during a speech on Sunday night in St. Croix.
Biden repeatedly emphasized that the 100-year-old Carter, who died on Sunday, represented “decency.”
He posed a rhetorical challenge, asking, “Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone who needs something and just keeps walking?”
“Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by the way they look or the way they talk?” Biden answered his own questions firmly, saying, “I can’t, I can’t.”
Trump is notorious for mocking and nicknaming his political rivals, including Sleepy Joe Biden.
Biden called for Americans to emulate Carter’s compassion and humanity, suggesting that these qualities were often missing in today’s divisive political climate.
Speaking during his New Year’s retreat in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Biden said, “Some look at Jimmy Carter and see a man of a bygone era, with honesty and character, faith and humility… But I don’t think it’s bygone. I see a man not only of our time but for all times.”
He went on to describe Carter as someone who “embodied the most fundamental human values we can never let slip away,” though he acknowledged that such values seem in danger of fading, adding, “Although sometimes it seems like it is.”
Meanwhile, Trump wrote a tribute to Carter on social media, calling him a figure deserving of immense respect.
“The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans,” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform. “For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Trump also conveyed sympathy for the Carter family, writing, “Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.”
Former President Barack Obama also paid homage to Carter’s enduring values in his own statement.
Reflecting on time spent with Carter, he remarked, “Whenever I had a chance to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he didn’t just profess these values. He embodied them. And in doing so, he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service.”
Obama referenced Carter’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, noting that Carter said, “God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace,” indicating that Carter made such choices consistently over his century-long life.
“The world is better for it,” Obama concluded.
Former President Bill Clinton also shared words of praise, highlighting Carter’s faith as a guiding force throughout his life.
Clinton recalled Carter’s contributions, ranging from his dedication to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia to his environmental efforts as President, including protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and making energy conservation a national priority.
“He worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world,” Clinton’s statement read.
Adding to the chorus of condolences, former President George W. Bush acknowledged Carter as a man of deep principles and unwavering loyalty.
Issuing a statement on X, Bush wrote, “James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country.”
Bush credited Carter with dignifying the office of the presidency and remarked that Carter’s post-presidential contributions were equally impactful.
“His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations,” Bush stated, adding, “We join our fellow citizens in giving thanks for Jimmy Carter and in prayer for his family.”
