Well, President Biden addressed the nation following the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, and while the speech began with heartfelt reflections on Carter’s legacy, it didn’t take long for Biden to veer off course and fire a thinly veiled jab at President-elect Donald Trump. Because, of course, what solemn moment of national remembrance would be complete without a political cheap shot?
Let’s start with the sincere part. Biden rightly described Carter as a man of “honesty and character, faith and humility.” Few would argue with that. Jimmy Carter’s post-presidential life was a masterclass in humility and service—building homes with Habitat for Humanity, combating diseases in impoverished nations, and remaining a steadfast voice for peace and human rights. These are the qualities for which Carter will be most fondly remembered, not necessarily his presidency, which was marred by economic stagnation, energy crises, and international humiliation during the Iran hostage crisis.
President Joe Biden uses Jimmy Carter’s death to attack President-elect Donald Trump, says Trump could learn something from Carter’s “decency”
He repeats it 3 times: “Decency. Decency. Decency.”pic.twitter.com/PENgU7crFq
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) December 30, 2024
Biden’s personal anecdotes about Carter were charming enough. He recalled being asked by then-Governor Carter to support his presidential campaign in the 1970s, painting a picture of a humble yet determined candidate. But when asked what President-elect Trump should learn from Carter’s legacy, Biden’s response was less about honoring Carter and more about scoring political points.
“Decency, decency, decency.”
Oh, come on. Could Biden not get through one question without dragging Trump into this? It’s one thing to reflect on Carter’s character; it’s another to turn his eulogy into a cudgel against your political opponent. Biden went on to say, “Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone who needed something and just keep walking? Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by the way they look or the way they talk?”
Subtle. Real subtle.
For a moment, let’s set aside the fact that Biden’s own record on “decency” isn’t exactly stainless—snapping at reporters, making questionable remarks in public, and let’s not forget the ongoing border catastrophe that’s led to countless humanitarian crises. But Biden seems to have a habit of forgetting his own flaws when given the opportunity to dunk on Trump.
Meanwhile, Trump’s own statement about Carter’s passing was—brace yourselves—respectful. Dare I say, even presidential. Trump acknowledged the unique fraternity of those who’ve occupied the Oval Office, commended Carter’s efforts during a challenging presidency, and praised his post-presidential contributions. Trump wrote, “He truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for. He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that, I give him my highest respect.”
Now, for those keeping score at home, that’s called grace.
Did Trump and Carter agree politically? Not in the slightest. But Trump showed that it’s possible to put political differences aside and honor a man for his service and his humanity. Biden, on the other hand, couldn’t resist turning a moment of national reflection into a partisan quip.
Look, nobody expects Biden and Trump to swap Christmas cards or go on fishing trips together. But there’s a time and a place for political sparring, and a moment dedicated to honoring a former president’s life isn’t it.
If Biden wanted to set an example of “decency,” he could have simply left Trump out of it entirely. Instead, he chose to wade into the mud while standing at a podium meant for national unity and reflection.
