Is President Biden trying to show off his youth?
The White House on Tuesday marked former President Jimmy Carter's milestone 100th birthday with a giant “100'' sign on the lawn on the rainy north side of the nation's capital, but the current president, 81, looks young in comparison. appear.
Carter is the oldest living president and the first of his colleagues to be over 100 years old. The White House display also included a “Happy Birthday to President Carter” banner with a three-digit number emblazoned on the north lawn.
“His hopeful vision for our country, his commitment to a better world, and his unwavering belief in the power of human goodness continue to be a guiding light for all of us,” President Biden said in a video praising the 39th president. will continue to be.”
“I have a lot of respect for you.”
A display of 100 tributaries will remain at the White House until the end of the day to honor Carter, who served as commander in chief from 1977 to 1981.
Carter has been in hospice care since February 2023, and made a rare public appearance last November at a memorial service for his late wife Rosalyn. The two were married for 77 years. She was 96 years old.
Biden, 81, noted Rosalyn's absence on her birthday and offered prayers to his predecessor.
“We know this is your first birthday without Rosalynn. It's bittersweet, but we also know she will always be with you. She will be in your heart.” She will never be gone, and she may be gone, but she will always be with you,” Biden said.
The outgoing president also praised Carter as one of the “most influential politicians in the history of our country.”
Carter famously helped broker the Camp David peace agreement, paving the way for formal mutual recognition between Egypt and Israel after years of bitter conflict.
Now, the Middle East is once again in turmoil, with Israel and Hezbollah engaged in a shootout and U.S. officials bracing for possible action by Iran.
Former President Barack Obama also praised Carter's status over the century.
“Happy 100th Birthday, President Carter! Thank you for your friendship, basic decency, and incredible service through @CarterCenter. Michelle and I thank you for all you do for this country. Thank you for everything,” President Obama wrote on X.
In 2019, Carter became the oldest living president, surpassing former commander-in-chief George H.W. Bush, who lived to be 94 years old.
The next closest are former Presidents Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, who both died at age 93.
Biden is the oldest sitting president, but former President Donald Trump, 78, could strip him of that title if he wins the Nov. 5 election and completes his term.
Carter is “excited” to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the Nov. 5 election. According to his eldest son His grandson, Jason Carter, lamented that the former president is no longer as mobile as he once was.
“There's only so much he can do,” Jason told CBS. “He can't talk on the phone.”
