The man too good to be President

Or, why my first vote was for Walter Mondale

It’s true, I voted for Walter Mondale to be our President.

In 1984, at Eastbrook Middle School’s mock presidential election, I stood against the vast majority of my fellow 6th graders and voted for the seemingly miniscule man that was going up against the incumbent movie star, Ronald Reagan.

Why did I do that?

At the awkward age of 11, my political conscience was just barely starting to develop. I really didn’t know much about Walter Mondale, other than he served as vice-president. to Jimmy Carter. Looking back, my vote for Mondale was obviously influenced by his connection.

Jimmy Carter’s life is unique, even for a President. Born and raised in southern Georgia during the depression, Carter rose to become a naval officer, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. In 1962, he was elected as a Georgia state senator, and then governor in 1971. In 1976, he was elected as the 39th President of the United States.

His stint as President was considered lackluster. He made positive strides on peace in the Middle East and negotiated a nuclear arms treaty with the Soviet Union. However, these successes were overshadowed by high inflation, a fuel crisis, and a poor relationship with Congress. The fate of his presidency was sealed when a series of blunders during the Iran Hostage Crisis destroyed his chances of getting a second term. He was soundly defeated by Ronald Reagan in 1980.

Historically, when a president isn’t elected for a second term, that person’s public life is over. They leave the White House and spend their remaining years in various (usually recreational) pursuits. Not so with Jimmy Carter. Carter used his prominence to bring attention to those who suffered from hunger, disease, and poverty. He made a commitment to address human rights issues, and sought to resolve conflicts in countries around the world. His writings pointed out hypocrisy and corruption in all areas of society, both foreign and domestic.

Carter and his wife Rosalynn founded the Carter Center. The Carter Center is a non-partisan humanitarian and human rights organization. They have played an integral part in the eradication of diseases in several parts of the world, most notably Guinea Worm disease. The Center has also worked to resolve violent conflicts in many developing countries. Each year, the Carter Center dispatches poll monitors to countries around the world to ensure fair and safe elections.

Through the Carter Center, President Carter has worked to help fledgling democracies hold free and fair elections. For this effort, his life has been endangered on a few occasions, and his activism has drawn stern criticism from his adversaries, and sometimes…his friends.

The Carter’s commitment to service goes beyond the Carter Center. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing organization that has built thousands of homes for families in need. The Carters have taken time every year to bring attention to this cause.

His dedication to serve the world earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

When it came to being President, most would say that Jimmy Carter left much to be desired. Little did we know that the White House was just an early stop in the journey of a man who would use his fame to provide peace and health to millions across the globe. It would seem that the job of President was too restrictive for him. His true potential, his dedication to serving all of humanity, would flourish after he left the White House behind.

He is a man too good to be President; an example for all of us (especially former presidents) to follow.