Heather Cox Richardson does her usual eloquent job of summarizing the words of those who said goodbye to Jimmy Carter yesterday. The striking contrast was, of course, to Donald Trump. Trump has ultimately been "more successful" than Carter by virtue of his re-election. However, it is difficult to imagine the same homilies being delivered at his funeral. I don't think Dubya Bush or Obama will speak on his behalf. It will be closed affair that signal the end of the degraded politics of his era. Carter will instead remain that "road not taken" when it comes to compassionate leadership, especially on matters of energy and peace: two issues that drive the world today.
As Trump tweets out slurs and insults towards California, even as it burns, there can't be a starker reminded that "character is destiny." Carter's character could not overcome his circumstances as president, but it shown afterwards. Trump's character has facilitated his "will to power" but it will also lead the country into an orgy of corruption and self-dealing. When he finally dies, that will be his legacy.
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