Rare Gathering of Presidents at Jimmy Carter's Funeral

Americans are anticipating a unique occasion of political solidarity as all five living presidents gather to mourn the passing of Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100 last Sunday. The funeral service will take place on Thursday at the Washington National Cathedral, where President Joe Biden is expected to provide the eulogy, having previously mentioned that Carter requested him to do so.

In the backdrop is Biden's own political journey, marked by challenges similar to those faced by Carter, such as public dissatisfaction over inflation and hostage situations in the Middle East that impacted Carter's single term in office. Despite this, Carter is often revered for his humanitarian efforts, earning the title of "the nation’s greatest former president" after his presidency.

Eyes will be on Trump, as he stands just 11 days away from his inauguration period. Although known for often overriding traditional presidential norms and criticizing previous leaders, Trump has expressed admiration for Carter and accepted the invitation to attend his funeral. Historian Sarah Purcell observes that Trump's attendance might indicate a willingness to respect the traditions expected of a president, suggesting that he won't disrupt the solemn occasion.

The dynamics between Trump and fellow presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama will capture significant attention, given their past interactions. At former President George H.W. Bush's funeral, Trump engaged with Obama but was reported to have avoided interaction with Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton. Purcell anticipates the atmosphere may be slightly awkward, although it is noteworthy that Trump is present at the service.

The funeral will feature participation from both Democrats and Republicans, as well as bipartisan eulogies honoring Carter's legacy. Purcell notes that the event might provide a temporary break from the hostile political atmosphere and allow both politicians and the public to express a semblance of unity that has diminished in contemporary politics.

The official state funeral arrangements, which will commence with a motorcade through Carter's hometown of Plains, Georgia, include significant tributes, such as the National Park Service ringing a historically relevant bell 39 times to acknowledge that Carter was the nation's 39th president. Following the public ceremonies in Atlanta and Washington, the final private funeral will be held in Georgia, where Carter will be interred next to his wife, Rosalynn Carter.

Admirers of Carter hope that this occasion provides a renewed appreciation for his achievements as president and his significant contributions during his post-presidency, including receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Notably, Biden's longstanding friendship and respect for Carter, dating back to when he was the first federal official to endorse Carter in 1976, positions him as a fitting figure to deliver the eulogy that aptly honors the late president's legacy.