Jimmy Carter made history earlier this week as the first former president to turn 100 years old. Carter has been receiving hospice care since last February and though festivities kicked off all across his hometown of Plains, Georgia, Carter himself appeared unresponsive in footage apparently taken the day of his birthday, raising concerns for his health at this advanced age.
CBS News has shared footage of Carter wheeled outside to view a military flyover in his honor. Carter, the first president who was a Naval Academy Graduate, was honored with Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets conducting a formation flyover, organized by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. Sheltered under the shade of trees, Carter’s appearance has some viewers dismayed and bewildered as to why he would be shown in such a state.
Former President Jimmy Carter attends a flyover in his honor on his historic 100th birthday
Former President Jimmy Carter celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends in his backyard in Plains, Georgia. CBS News was there as he was wheeled outside, beneath the shade of his trees, to witness a military flyover with four fighter jets. pic.twitter.com/FKKd6XrHL6
— CBS News (@CBSNews) October 1, 2024
Late in the afternoon of October 1, CBS News took to social media to share footage from Carter’s 100th birthday. “Former President Jimmy Carter celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends in his backyard in Plains, Georgia,” the caption reads. “CBS News was there as he was wheeled outside, beneath the shade of his trees, to witness a military flyover with four fighter jets.”
“Today, the Navy is proud to commemorate the 100th birthday of a tremendous leader,” said Del Toro on the importance of the event. “As a naval officer, President Carter served aboard submarines and at Naval Reactors to assist in the design and development of nuclear propulsion plants for our warships.
“USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, continues to serve our Navy and nation in his honor. The flyover today demonstrated that President Carter’s selfless service and inspiration live on in our Sailors. His impact will thrive for another 100 years.”
Jimmy Carter appears unresponsive in video footage of him observing the flyover on his 100th birthday
The video has sparked strong reactions from viewers on social media, especially surrounding how unresponsive Carter appears at times.
“As a fan of Jimmy Carter, I think @CBSNews should respect family privacy and not post this,” one viewer suggested, adding, “It seems too intimate of a moment to broadcast.” In a similar vein, another commenter slammed the move, saying, “You should have left him alone. CBS should be ashamed of themselves.”
“Good lord, another implored, “give the man some privacy and dignity while he shares the moment with his loved ones.” Another outright mourned, “Omg that poor man. I DON’T want to live to his age.”
“Jesus, you couldn’t just wish him a happy birthday and show some archive footage of when he looked like he was alive,” a separate comment reads. Another user agreed, “I’m glad he made it to a hundred, but he looks as though he won’t make it another day. That video should not have been posted.”
Speaking from a personal level, another viewer urged, “Dear family: please for the love of God don’t take photos of me if I ever look like this.” Another bid, “If I’m like this at 100 please don’t put me on national television.” Concerned for the former president, another viewer noted how “he straight up looks identical to my grandpa the day he died.”
What do you think of the decision to share this footage?
