|
|
| With the recent publication of former President Jimmy Carter’s “White House Diary” generating considerable attention in the press, publishers are once again interested in the legacy of our nation’s 39th chief executive. Having tasted the spotlight once again, Carter has been widely believed to be pitching a follow-up memoir to major publishers. Now, in a CFIF exclusive, we bring you excerpts from Carter’s “post-White House diary,” a book that chronicles Carter’s life experiences since leaving Washington behind.
January 20, 1981 – My term as President of the United States ended today. Though the consensus in the car on the way to the Capitol was that it was the most productive term since Lincoln’s first, it was still a bittersweet occasion.
The extremists in Iran finally released the hostages. While it was intended as a tribute to the leadership I’ve shown, there was an issue with the synchronization of their watches and the release technically didn’t come until a few minutes into Reagan’s presidency. The history departments at Harvard and Yale have already assured me that they will correct the record on this going forward.
Reagan is a nice fellow, but doesn’t know what he’s getting into. If we cut taxes, there’s no way to get the economy moving again and if we don’t conciliate the Soviets, we’re certain to face nuclear annihilation. I spelled this out in the letter I left in the Oval Office. I think he will take it seriously. He made a point of telling me that he’ll spend some time reading through it next to the fireplace.
March 18, 1984 – Rosalynn had a terrific idea today: getting involved with Habitat for Humanity! I said it was a wonderful opportunity to help out our fellow citizens. She said since the only work I’ve been getting is temp jobs on construction sites I might as well get my face in the paper for it.
November 9, 1989 – The Berlin Wall fell today. It is generally agreed that communism is fading. Pretty sure that proves my point that our fear was inordinate all along.
June 17, 1994 – I have traveled to North Korea at President Clinton’s behest to facilitate a dialogue and stave off conflict. Proud to say that the trip has been a massive success! Don’t expect that we’ll be hearing much about North Korean aggression in the future.
December 1, 2001 – On the road promoting my new holiday book, “Christmas in Plains: Memories.” Book signing tonight at Barnes & Noble in St. Louis. Event went well, though the kids always get restless during the part when Santa retrofits the chimney to reduce emissions of particulate manner.
Walked around the store and had nice interactions with most of the folks, though one employee told me someone had spilled a frappuccino and handed me a mop. I told him there was some confusion, but he rather rudely responded “Look, you’re not greeting at Wal-Mart, anymore. You have actual responsibilities now.”
October 11, 2002 – Word came through from Oslo this morning that I am to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. I can’t believe it! To join the ranks of Yasser Arafat, Woodrow Wilson and Amnesty International! The award recognizes my accomplishments in establishing peace in the Middle East. It’s about time that somebody recognized how tranquil that region has become.
January 5, 2009 – Received an extraordinary call from President Bush, asking me to attend a meeting with all of the other former presidents to welcome President Obama. Glad that he did it. My invitation will allow Bush to get credit for at least one wise act during his time in the Oval Office.
January 7, 2009 – Attended the ex-president’s meeting today. I think it went well, though I was embarrassed to arrive late. The original address that Bush provided for me turned out to be a Waffle House in Manassas. Luckily, I still managed to catch the lunch, and my, were the others happy. You could hear a pin drop when I walked into the room.
Obama was solicitous of my advice. He asked me to lay out exactly how I had made decisions as president and took thorough notes. He then marked through each point in red ink to emphasize how important they were. I feel for him – having to live in my shadow is a tall order, even for a president.
Bush doesn’t seem to be taking the transition well. Every time I spoke, the Secret Service had to keep him for lunging for the steak knife. I was worried to see such a successful man contemplating harming himself. I told him there was no reason to be so depressed. After all, my record shows that you can really make a difference as an ex-president. He then made a reference to throwing himself out the window. So sad. I hope he gets help.
|
