Jimmy Carter nears the top of America’s ‘Most Admired Man’ list, according to Gallup
Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, leaves behind a lasting legacy in public health and humanitarian efforts. Carter, the nation’s 39th president, is ranked third on Gallup’s “Most Admired Man list,” behind only Rev. Billy Graham and Ronald Reagan. From 1946 to 2020, Carter made the list 29 times, showcasing his enduring impact on the American public.
In a retrospective evaluation of Carter’s presidency in June 2023, 57% of Americans approved of the job he did, while 36% disapproved. This approval rating places him in the bottom half of presidents, better than Nixon and Trump, but similar to George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Carter’s most notable achievement was winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, advance democracy and human rights, and promote economic and social development. The Plains, Georgia native undertook peace negotiations and campaigned for human rights, even while President George W. Bush was planning for war in Iraq in 2002.
The Carter Center, founded by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in 1982, has been at the forefront of election observation, monitoring over 113 elections in Africa, Latin America, and Asia since 1989. One of their most successful public health campaigns has been the drastic reduction of Guinea worm disease cases in Africa.
Craig Shirley, a Reagan biographer and historian, praised Carter as “one of the best ex-presidents of the 20th century,” highlighting his charitable works, book writing, and initiatives with the Carter Center. Carter’s legacy as a humanitarian and advocate for public health will be remembered for years to come.
In conclusion, Jimmy Carter’s impact on public health and humanitarian efforts has left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. His dedication to peace, democracy, and social welfare has earned him a place in history as a remarkable former president and humanitarian.
