Staff Reports
In a spectacle that was as much about political theater as it was about honoring a former president, Joe Biden took center stage at Jimmy Carter’s funeral. With a select audience of family members and past presidents, including Donald Trump—a man Biden has spent years attempting to demonize—the outgoing president delivered a eulogy steeped in nostalgia, character lessons, and a sprinkle of political musings. One could almost hear the collective eye rolls from conservatives as Biden attempted to recast the legacy of Carter in a light more palatable to his administration.
While Biden praised Carter’s modest beginnings, he took the opportunity to reflect on what he sees as the essence of true character. He waxed philosophical about the traits that define a good president, illustrating a rather ambitious attempt to connect Carter’s legacy to his own political struggles. In a world where “character is destiny,” Biden seemed to espouse that the measure of a leader’s worth comes down to their ability to treat everyone with dignity and respect—an ironic claim coming from a president who has often been criticized for his own failure to embody these ideals while in office.
What followed was an unusual pivot to a broad discussion on “hate” and “the abuse of power,” concepts that Biden felt compelled to address in front of the graveside of a president who famously endured many political trials. He recommended that the nation should give hate “no safe harbor,” which might sound remarkable coming from an administration noted for fostering division through identity politics. Instead of addressing his own administration’s policies that many view as divisive, Biden lazily redirected the focus to the perceived failings of those who wield power, inviting listeners to ponder whether they are driven by fear or generosity.
Amid the grand proclamations of love for one’s neighbor and calls for national unity, Biden highlighted Carter’s humble beginnings. Yet, while Biden’s rhetoric soared, it rang somewhat hollow, especially considering Biden’s own record. His comments on equality and the divine image of humanity felt more like a rehearsed script rather than heartfelt reflections. In attempting to position Carter as a man of the people, the current president conveniently overlooked the fact that Carter’s presidency was marred by crises of his own making, suggesting that perhaps even the most well-intentioned leaders can stumble.
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President Joe Biden eulogized Jimmy Carter at his funeral, highlighting Carter's character, modesty, and lifelong commitment to dignity and respect for all. He emphasized that character shapes destiny and urged the audience to combat hate and abuse of…— The America One News (@am1_news) January 9, 2025
As he wrapped up, Biden made sure to hammer home the notion that Carter was a “model citizen.” This may hold some truth—Carter has indeed dedicated his post-presidential years to humanitarian causes. However, one has to wonder if this was really the narrative Biden wanted to lean into, given his own struggles with approval ratings and controversies surrounding his administration’s achievements.
With Biden’s attempt to elevate Carter in the eyes of modern America, the eulogy served more as an illustration of what Democrats wish to project rather than a reflection of Carter’s complex legacy. The irony didn’t go unnoticed; while he spoke of striving for equality and dignity, many conservatives could only shake their heads at the blatant disconnect from reality. As the funeral came to a close, it was clear that Biden’s performance had little to do with honoring Carter and everything to do with crafting his own narrative as he bids farewell to his presidency.
