“Compassion.” “Moral leadership. “Devoted.”
Southern California residents as well as its lawmakers and politicos on both sides of the aisle remembered former President Jimmy Carter’s public service — and his humanity — as news of his death reverberated throughout the political world Sunday afternoon, Dec. 29.
Carter, the 39th president, was 100 years old. He was the longest-living American president.
And his impact was greatly felt, even in Southern California.
It was Carter for whom Rep. Lou Correa cast his first presidential ballot after he had turned 18, the Orange County Democrat said Sunday.
And it was Carter’s presidency that inspired Mike Madrid, a long-time political consultant, to get into politics — albeit, he said it was because of what he termed “the failure” of the Carter presidency.
Still, Madrid, a co-founder of the Lincoln Project who lived with “very pro-Carter” parents in Ventura County during Carter’s administration, had praise for the former president: “Jimmy Carter was a genuinely good and decent human being — which are not qualities we’re looking for in leaders anymore.”
Carter, he added, “set a standard” for what presidents can achieve after their terms end.
“He was the last of his type, a Christian who put his faith ahead of his politics,” Madrid said. That mix “served Carter well in his life, but it didn’t work for him as a president.”
Madrid, and many Reagan-era pundits, say Carter’s presidency was marred by everything from the Iran hostage crisis to high inflation to the Soviet Union’s military adventure in Afghanistan.
Carter’s environmental work is a legacy David Dearing said he hopes continues to be protected.
Susan and David Dearing call themselves “very staunch Carter supporters.” The couple lived in upstate New York during Carter’s presidency, but have spent their retirement years, since 2006, in Laguna Woods, where they are involved with the Laguna Woods Democratic Club.
“He had a never-ending care for the environment,” Dearing said. “Before green was fashionable, he was green.”
Both were teachers, and David Dearing, 81, remembers an essay by Carter that was used in an Advanced Placement exam or another test of that nature about the importance of protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
“I shared that with my students as an example of an essay on how to convince people to act in a certain way,” the former English teacher said. “It was a cornerstone of my teaching.”
“I thought he was one of the most decent human beings we’ve ever had as a president,” Susan Dearing said. “He was probably too decent to be president.”
“What a good person he was, was so very evident in his work with Habitat for Humanity and his work with the Carter Foundation and he just really cared about people.”
Carter — who grew up during the Depression and came of age during World War II — tried to apply values from that era during the “me”-oriented 1970s, Madrid said. His solutions for the gas crisis of the era were to lower freeway speeds to 55 mph and ask Americans to turn down their thermostats.
“He wanted us to sacrifice and conserve our way out of the energy crisis,” Madrid, a political consultant in Sacramento, said. “It was not what Americans wanted to do.”
And later, when Carter served as an envoy in the Middle East and in Africa, Carter’s integrity earned respect from leaders who often viewed America with suspicion. And Carter’s later work on humanitarian causes at home — housing, food, health care — are now emulated by nonprofits throughout Southern California.
“President Carter was a man of rare character — whose beliefs ran true and ran deep, whose moral compass never wavered,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “He saw the common humanity in all of us, building bridges between people of different faiths and factions abroad while working to meet the needs of those at home. Despite daunting challenges and trying times, his bright energy and spirit never faltered.”
“President Carter’s candor and compassion, moral leadership and sense of duty set a standard we all should aspire to,” the Democratic governor added. “His enduring example reminds us that we can still find common ground despite our differences.”
Rep. Young Kim, a Republican whose district spans Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, said in a social media post that her “heart is with (Carter’s) loved ones.”
“President Carter devoted his life to serving the American people, whether in public service or through his charity and humanitarian work,” Kim said.
“President Jimmy Carter leaves a legacy unlike any other,” said new U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, who previously represented a Burbank-area district in Congress. “Ceaseless in his service, unbending in his dignity and revered for his commitment to our common humanity. He fought the good fight and kept the faith — and now he has finished his race. May his memory be an inspiration.”
Lacy Wright, who now lives in Foutain Valley with his wife, Jackie, joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1968, retiring after a 30-year career.
An important legacy of Carter that Wright emphasized is the creation of the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor and the Human Rights Reports that are published annually to this day.
“During his presidency, he introduced and enshrined human rights as a pillar of our foreign policy and did more in that direction than probably any president has done,” Wright said.
Wright and his wife met Carter in the mid-1990s when the former president visited Brazil while Wright was the deputy U.S. ambassador. During a dinner, Carter came over and had a long conversation with Jackie Wright, her husband said, and a photo of the visit still hangs on a wall in their home.
“He was such a fine person,” Lacy Wright said. “Such a wonderful exemplar for our country.”
Rep. Nanette D. Barragán, D-Carson: “Former President Jimmy Carter was an honorable man of service throughout his long, incredible life. He was always grounded by his love for his wife Rosalynn, his hometown of Plains, (Georga) & a sense of duty to work tirelessly to improve the lives of the less fortunate. He will forever be in our hearts & minds as a shining example of a life well lived — a life spent committed to peace, kindness, diplomacy & service to the global community.”
Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Thousand Oaks: “President Jimmy Carter was a true patriot and humanitarian whose impact will resonate for generations to come. His humility, compassion and unwavering dedication to the American people and the values we hold dear set a shining example of leadership and service. President Carter’s commitment to advancing peace, human rights and democracy around the world was unmatched. His integrity, selflessness and lifelong dedication to public service will continue to inspire leaders and people alike.”
Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona: “I’m saddened to learn of the passing of President Jimmy Carter, who dedicated his life to public service. His enduring commitment to our country will be remembered long after his passing. My thoughts are with the Carter family during this difficult time.”
Rep. Mike Garcia, R- Santa Clarita: “President Jimmy Carter’s passing is a loss for our nation. From his days as a midshipman at the Naval Academy to his service as our 39th president, he embodied leadership, honor, and compassion. Keeping the Carter family in my prayers tonight.”
Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Los Angeles: “President Carter was a true public servant who dedicated his life to our country, peace and human rights. His legacy of community service is unparalleled and will continue to inspire us all. Mary and I extend our deepest condolences to the Carter family during this time.”
Rep. Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano: “President Carter exemplified what it means to be a public servant and humanitarian: selfless and persistent. I send my condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Rep.-elect Dave Min: “President Jimmy Carter’s tireless commitment to helping those in need represents the best of public service. From trailblazing a path for investing in clean energy to building homes for the most vulnerable, his legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Hesperia: “I join the nation in mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a man who dedicated his life to service, compassion and improving the lives of others. Heather and I are keeping the Carter family in our prayers during this difficult time.”
Rep. Linda Sánchez, D-Whittier: “The passing of President Carter is a tremendous loss for our country. He served with compassion, humility and a quiet dignity that few can emulate. May his life spent in service to others be an inspiration for all of us.”
Rep. Mark Takano, D-Riverside: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of President Carter, and my thoughts are with his family. May we all strive to live up to the extraordinary standard he set as a leader, humanitarian and man of the highest character.”
Rep. Norma Torres, D-Ontario: “Today, we mourn President Jimmy Carter, a leader of faith, compassion and service. His legacy of humanity and hope will endure. My thoughts are with the Carter family.”
Former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: “Jimmy Carter was a man of character and integrity whose lifelong service to the greater good was most evident when he left office. His tireless advocacy on behalf of the unhoused was something I was fortunate enough to witness firsthand and a remarkable feature of a humanitarian who never stopped believing in the dignity of our neighbors. May we continue the legacy of President Carter through acts of selfless service to others to never stop uplifting our community.”
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
