30 Dec 2024,Ozi News Desk, (Sumit Joshi) :
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100. A former peanut farmer turned political figure, Carter became the longest-living U.S. president and left a lasting legacy as a humanitarian after his presidency. While his time in office from 1977 to 1981 was marked by significant challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis and a struggling economy, Carter is often regarded as a more effective former president. Here are five surprising facts about his life:
First U.S. President To Have A Hospital Birth
Jimmy Carter made history on October 1, 1924, when he was born in a 60-bed hospital in Plains, Georgia. At the time, most Americans still gave birth at home. This made Carter the first U.S. president to be born in a hospital, a detail that stands out as part of his unique legacy.
Was Exposed To Nuclear Radiation
Before his presidency, Carter served in the U.S. Navy on nuclear-powered submarines. In 1952, he was part of a team sent to assist in dismantling a damaged nuclear reactor in Canada. During the operation, Carter was exposed to significant radiation, which had lasting health effects. He later shared that his urine tested positive for radioactivity for six months after the incident.
First U.S. President To Be Inaugurated By A Nickname
When Jimmy Carter was sworn in as president in 1977, he chose to be inaugurated using his nickname “Jimmy” instead of his full name, James. This made him the first U.S. president to use a nickname for his swearing-in, a trend followed by later presidents such as Bill Clinton and Joe Biden, although they used their full names for the ceremony.
Made Racially And Gender Diverse Appointments
During his presidency, Carter made a groundbreaking impact on diversity in the U.S. federal judiciary. He appointed 57 minority judges and 41 female judges—more than any previous president. He also appointed the first Black woman to a presidential Cabinet position, Patricia Roberts Harris, further solidifying his commitment to inclusivity.
Accused Of Kissing The Queen Mother On The Lips
In 1977, during a visit to Buckingham Palace, rumors circulated that President Carter had kissed the Queen Mother on the lips. The British press deemed it a scandalous breach of royal decorum. However, Carter vehemently denied the accusation in his memoir, claiming that he had only kissed the Queen Mother on the cheek in a light, respectful gesture.
Carter’s life and presidency were filled with both remarkable achievements and moments of controversy, but his post-presidency humanitarian efforts, including his 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, have ensured that his legacy will be remembered for generations.
