The nation mourns the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, a man widely admired for his decency and integrity. Even those who disagreed with his policies recognized his empathy and commitment to public service. Carter's post-presidency work further solidified his reputation as a compassionate leader dedicated to helping those in need. He leaves behind a century-long legacy of service and a powerful example of what it truly means to be a public servant.

Both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump offered heartfelt tributes to Carter. Biden, speaking from St. Croix, emphasized Carter's life of meaning and purpose, driven by principle, faith, and humility. He suggested that emulating Carter's character would benefit everyone. Trump acknowledged the challenges Carter faced during his presidency and expressed gratitude for his efforts to improve American lives.

Following his remarks, Biden fielded questions from reporters, who quickly pivoted to contrasting Carter's character with that of Trump. Biden responded by highlighting Carter's inherent decency, questioning whether Carter would ever ignore someone in need or judge individuals based on their appearance or speech. This stark comparison disrupted the earlier atmosphere of unity.

The article then draws a parallel between allegations against Carter's brother, Billy Carter, regarding financial dealings with Libya, and the controversy surrounding Hunter Biden. It points out that despite investigations, Carter refused to pardon his brother and addressed the nation honestly about the situation. This contrasts with President Biden's actions, who pardoned his son Hunter after initially denying any knowledge of his foreign business dealings. The author questions why reporters, in their eagerness to criticize Trump, failed to explore this comparison with Biden.

The author concludes by suggesting that Carter's perceived embodiment of honesty and character underscores a yearning for such qualities in contemporary leadership, implicitly contrasting him with the current political landscape.