Although the nation is divided over political views, former Presidents have done incredible things while in office and after.
For example, former President Jimmy Carter worked to combat unemployment. Years later, he and his wife were pictured building homes for Habitat for Humanity. Now, he’s stated that his “dying wish” is to see something controversial that could change history.
Jimmy Carter is currently in hospice care, approaching his 100th birthday. Despite serving as president decades ago, he remains current in politics and has been following several issues that the nation faces. According to reports, Jimmy Carter “has grown weaker by the day.” Regardless, he’s made one final wish. According to his grandson, Jason, Jimmy Carter wanted to make it to the elections to vote for Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States.
Several years ago, President Obama made history as the first person of color in the White House. Now, Kamala has an opportunity to take that one step further, becoming the first woman and person of color to represent the nation.
The 2024 presidential election will take place in November, but early voting in Georgia can begin as early as October 15th. However, Georgia isn’t the only state to offer this convenient alternative to in-person voting. Rather, more than 40 states had laws permitting early voting by 2020. States allowed these new laws with the intent to “reduc[e] the pressures on election officials on Election Day would reduce the likelihood of long lines or polling place problems,” according to Paul Gronke, a professor of political science at Reed College. Gronke also founded the non-partisan Early Voting Information Center.
Jimmy Carter has been in hospice for over a year in his Georgia home. The last time he was publicly seen was for his wife’s funeral. Rosalynn died at age 96 from Dementia related complications. Alongside former president Jimmy Carter were several other well-known names in politics, including the current president, Joe Biden, and his wife, First Lady Jill. The Clintons, Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, and Kamala Harris attended to pay their respects.
Jimmy Carter is no stranger to illness and has a long history of health problems, including metastatic melanoma and several surgeries following a series of falls in 2019. Jimmy Carter maintained a positive attitude and fighting spirit every step of the way but agreed to go into hospice care in 2023 after a series of hospital visits. He has since stepped away from the public and is only accessible to family and friends.
Jimmy Carter has served the American people and people worldwide, since his early days. He devoted himself to creating a more peaceful and inclusive world that provides more and better opportunities for everyone, regardless of their social or economic status. The 39th president will surely be missed by many when he goes, but in the meantime, his dying wish is admirable and provides another example of his aim toward an equal and equitable society.