Jimmy Carter ‘killer rabbit attack’ story highlighted his struggles as president

The passing of former President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100 has brought back memories of the infamous “killer rabbit” incident that took place in 1979. The incident, which occurred while Carter was fishing in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, captured the imagination of the American public and came to symbolize his struggling presidency.

According to White House Press Secretary Jody Powell, Carter was fishing near Plains when he noticed a large swamp rabbit swimming quickly towards him. The rabbit, described as a large, wet animal making strange noises, appeared to be intent on climbing into the Presidential boat. Carter used a paddle to splash water at the creature, causing it to change course and swim away.

The story, which was not made public until months later, was sensationalized by the media with headlines like “Bunny Goes Bugs. Rabbit Attacks President” and “A Tale of Carter and the ‘Killer Rabbit.’” A photograph taken by a White House staffer showed Carter splashing water as the rabbit swam away, adding to the drama of the incident.

Carter himself downplayed the event, stating that the rabbit was being chased by hounds and simply swam towards his boat. He splashed water with a paddle, causing the rabbit to turn and swim away. However, the media ran with the story, depicting Carter as weak and inept, even afraid of a bunny.

At the time of the incident, Carter was facing numerous challenges both at home and abroad, including an energy crisis, economic issues, and the Iran hostage crisis. His approval ratings were at an all-time low, and the “killer rabbit” incident only added to the perception of his struggling presidency.

Powell, who initially thought of the incident as a harmless anecdote, later regretted sharing it with the press. In his memoir, he described it as a “nightmare” and admitted that he should have stopped the story from being made public.

Despite the negative portrayal of the “killer rabbit” incident, Carter went on to serve as an outspoken Christian and humanitarian after his presidency. He was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts in promoting peace and human rights around the world.

The passing of Jimmy Carter marks the end of an era in American politics. While the “killer rabbit” incident may have been a small blip in his presidency, it will forever be remembered as a bizarre and unforgettable moment in history.