His Very Best

About the Author

Jonathan Alter is a veteran journalist, historian, and political analyst known for his insightful commentary on American politics and history. He served as a senior editor and columnist for Newsweek and has been a frequent contributor to NBC News and MSNBC. Alter's writing often focuses on U.S. presidents and their legacies, bringing a nuanced understanding of political figures to his readers. His previous works include The Defining Moment: FDR's Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope and The Promise: President Obama, Year One, both of which received critical acclaim for their in-depth analysis and narrative style.

In His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life, published in 2020, Alter offers a comprehensive and balanced biography of Jimmy Carter, one of America’s most misunderstood and, as Alter argues, underrated presidents. The book draws from extensive research, including interviews with Carter, his family, and colleagues, as well as access to the archives at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. Alter presents Carter as a man of deep contradictions—a figure shaped by strong moral convictions, yet often politically naive. Through this lens, Alter seeks to re-evaluate Carter's presidency and his broader impact on American and global affairs.

Main Idea

His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life challenges the conventional narrative that depicts Jimmy Carter as a failed president whose legacy is redeemed only by his post-presidential humanitarian work. Alter argues that Carter’s presidency, while fraught with challenges, was marked by significant achievements, particularly in human rights, energy policy, and foreign diplomacy. The book portrays Carter as a complex figure—a devout Christian with progressive ideals, who struggled to balance his moral compass with the pragmatic demands of political life. Alter invites readers to reconsider Carter’s contributions to American society, both during and after his presidency, and to recognize the long-term impact of his policies and values.

Table of Contents

• Formative Years
• Marriage and Home Life
• Carter on Race
• Carter the Politician
• Carter the Reformer
• Carter the Diplomat
• The Iran Hostage Crisis
• Carter the Humanitarian

Formative Years

Alter begins by exploring Jimmy Carter’s humble beginnings in the rural town of Plains, Georgia, where he was born in 1924. Carter’s early life was marked by the stark realities of the segregated South, where he grew up in close proximity to the African American laborers who worked on his family’s farm. His father, James Earl Carter Sr., was a strict disciplinarian who instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and frugality. His mother, Lillian Carter, a nurse, was more progressive on racial issues, often providing care to the Black community without charge. This upbringing in a household that balanced strict discipline with compassion profoundly shaped Carter's character and worldview.

From a young age, Carter was keenly aware of the racial injustices that permeated Southern society. Despite this awareness, he initially navigated these complexities with caution, reflecting the political and social realities of the time. His education at the U.S. Naval Academy further shaped his character, emphasizing the importance of duty, honor, and country. Carter’s service in the Navy, particularly under Admiral Hyman Rickover, known for his demanding standards, reinforced these values and instilled in him a rigorous approach to problem-solving and leadership. These formative experiences laid the foundation for Carter’s later emphasis on ethical governance and human rights.

Marriage and Home Life

Carter’s personal life, particularly his marriage to Rosalynn Smith, played a crucial role in shaping his approach to leadership and public service. Rosalynn, also a native of Plains, Georgia, became Carter’s steadfast partner in both his personal and political life. Their marriage, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a deep sense of duty, provided Carter with the emotional support and counsel he needed throughout his career.

The couple’s relationship was a partnership in the truest sense, with Rosalynn playing an active role in Carter’s political campaigns and his presidency. She was deeply involved in his decision-making process and took on her own initiatives, particularly in the areas of mental health advocacy and global humanitarian work. Rosalynn’s influence extended beyond the traditional role of First Lady, as she often served as Carter’s most trusted advisor. Their partnership was a testament to their shared commitment to public service and their dedication to each other, a bond that lasted over seventy-five years.

Alter describes how Rosalynn’s pragmatic approach to challenges complemented Carter’s idealism, making them a formidable team. Together, they navigated the complexities of political life, from the rough-and-tumble world of Georgia politics to the national stage of the White House. Rosalynn’s unwavering support and active involvement in Carter’s career were instrumental in shaping his legacy, both as a president and as a global humanitarian.

Carter on Race

Race relations were a central, and often challenging, aspect of Carter’s life and political career. Growing up in the segregated South, Carter was acutely aware of the racial inequalities that defined the region. His early experiences, working alongside African American laborers on his family’s farm, gave him a unique perspective on the systemic racism that plagued the South. However, Carter’s approach to addressing these issues was often cautious, reflecting the political realities of the time and his need to maintain support among white voters.