Is Jimmy Carter the Greatest Ex-President ever?

[WI_DEM]

Nixon spent his post presidency trying to salvage his reputation as being a seer in foreign policy.
Ford spent his time on corporate boards and golfing.
Reagan was cashing in big time on the lecture circuit when he was diagnosed with Alzheimers.
Bush I is also big on corporate boards
Clinton does attempt to spend more time on humanitarian causes but hasn't yet had the impact that JC has had and so it's too early to rate his post presidency.

The only rival of Carter's in my mind may be--John Q. Adams who returned to congress and fought slavery.

p.s.

How do you think Bush II will spend his post-presidency?

[bullimiami]

1. in our lifetimes. yes.

[BootinUp]

2. Even though I was a little

young at the time, I always thought Carter really tried to follow his Christian beliefs and whether a policy was popular or not he used that as a guide. Of course Bush is the anti Carter that way.

[Selatius]

3. He's proven a better private citizen than a president.

I respect what he has done since he left office, but I still have issues with him over his administration's soft treatment of our dictator ally Suharto of Indonesia. Back then, he was "our guy," and he remained "our guy" until his overthrow.

[MockSwede]

15. Small issue

Both Mr and Mrs Carter have done a huge humanitarian effort. Folks I know that live down the street that know them personally say they are the way you see them in public; very nice folks, indeed.

[Selatius]

17. Small issue? To whom? The East Timorans Suharto slaughtered? n/t

[Gildor Inglorion]

4. Of course

Most of the rest of them just disappear and play golf. J.C. has MADE A DIFFERENCE!

[Kerrytravelers]

5. I personally love Carter. Got his latest book at Christmas. Great read.

And to answer your post script, what will * do? More terrorism, but from corporate boards instead of the White House. You know, same shit, different day.

[LiberalinNC]

6. In my opinion, Yes! At least in our lifetime, Clinton is a close 2nd.

[Dogmudgeon]

7. Teddy Roosevelt was pretty good

So was Herbert Hoover, if I recall my reading.

Both were Republicans, but they were far, far different from the modern breed of screech-monkeys calling themselves "Republicans."

For the Democrats, Clinton has been quite good as a diplomat-without-portfolio (though as a beloved ex-President, I'd say that counts as quite a good portfolio). But, of course, Carter is truly America's Elder Statesman, and deep will be the mourning when the man passes into history.

--p!

[Faygo Kid]

8. Yes, but John Quincy Adams was a better ex than president, too

He fought passionately against slavery, and was elected to the U.S. House, never feeling that serving the public in a "lesser" position was anything to be ashamed of. He died on the floor of the House, in his 80s. Like Carter, a one-termer, and a greater figure after the presidency than before or during it.

[Burried News]

9. I was thinking John Quincy Adams also. But Carter sets an excellent

moral example for us all. I am very glad he evokes positive feelings in so many.

[Jack Rabbit]

13. I think it's a toss up between Jimmy Carter and John Quincy Adams

My 2¢.

[madrchsod]

10. yes

bush will spend his days clearing brush and drinking himself to sleep every night.

[LuckyLib]

11. Carter has a million little things going on that most folks have no

idea of. His foundation has supported the eradication of Guinea worm in Africa. He learned of it on a visit to the continent, began to ask questions, and thought there might be ways to help local communities stop the worm-flea-water-human cycle. It's happening. Carter is busy doing, whether it is those projects, election reform abroad, or Habitat for Humanity. He's figured out the power of an ex-President and is using it wisely. Kudos, Mr. P.

[connecticut yankee]

12. Bush

will spend his post-presidency finishing his coloring books

[Joey Liberal]

14. Yes, he is. But I admire Clinton too. n.t

[Minnesota Libra]

16. Jimmy Carter is by far the best and most honest Pres/exPres in............

.....recent history. He promised he would never lie to the American people and to this day I don't think he ever has.

As for Bush II :puke: he will be the most money grabbing corporate ex-Pres of all time. He will give new meaning to "corporate ex-Presidents".