Jimmy Carter: The Unconventional President Comes Home

Former President Jimmy Carter isn't your typical Washington insider, and the feeling is mutual. He's heading back to the nation's capital this Tuesday, not for a celebration of his presidency, but for an official recognition after his life. The grand ceremony is more about following procedures than showing admiration. Let's face it, Carter and Washington never really hit it off. Unlike previous presidents, the peanut farmer from Georgia never felt comfortable in the city's elite circles. He didn't join their clubs, nor did he embrace their traditions. Washington, in return, saw Carter and his team as country bumpkins, unable to navigate the capital's complexities. Other outsiders eventually warmed up to Washington, but not Carter. He stayed true to his roots, and it came at a cost. Washington is all about protocol and who you know, but Carter wasn't interested in playing that game. He did things his way, even if it meant ruffling some feathers. His approach might have lost him some support in the capital, but it also made his presidency unique. In a city that loves to project an image of unity and harmony, Carter was a bit of a rebel. He never fit the mold, and maybe that's what made him stand out. His time in the Oval Office showed that you don't have to be a part of the Washington crowd to make a difference.