Jimmy Carter was respectively known as St Jimmy - universally revered for his good deeds in the poorest countries in the world and for the impeccable moral probity of his character, writes JONATHAN AITKEN By JONATHAN AITKEN FOR THE DAILY MAIL Published: 23:29 GMT, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 23:35 GMT, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments 'Jimmy Who?' they derisively called him when he started to run for the Presidency of the United States in 1975. By the time Jimmy Carter died yesterday at the age of 100 he was respectively known as St Jimmy – universally revered for his good deeds in the poorest countries in the world and for the impeccable moral probity of his character . The paradox of James Earl Carter was that during his single term of office as the 39th President of the United States he was widely regarded as a failure.
But as an ex-President he was universally acclaimed as a huge success. After his crushing defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980 Carter turned the tables in terms of his historical and personal reputation. Over the next 43 years he grew in stature.
His record was re-evaluated. His reputation and status soared as he won the Nobel Peace Prize and became venerated as an outstanding pioneer in human rights, conflict resolution, and the eradication of severe diseases in Africa. In many marginalised countries and deprived communities Jimmy Carter was hailed as a hero, admired around the world for his natural rapport with the oppressed.
'I am accused of being an o.
