At 100, Jimmy Carter voted for Kamala Harris but stirring row online

Former US President Jimmy Carter, who recently turned 100, fulfilled his wish to vote for Kamala Harris in early voting for the upcoming presidential election. Carter, who had expressed his hope of living long enough to cast his vote for Harris, was seen waiting in line to vote in Georgia, where early voting began. The US presidential election is set for November 5.
Carter, who served as President from 1977 to 1981, is also the American President to have seen the longest post-presidency period at over 43 years.
Jimmy Carter has been in hospice care at his home since February 2023, facing several medical issues including cancer.
Georgia, a battleground state, set a new record with over 300,000 ballots cast on the first day of early voting for the November 5 election.
Months ago, Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, said that the former president was determined to vote for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, 59.
Jason Carter recalled his grandfather telling his son, Chip, “I’m just trying to hang on so I can vote for Kamala Harris.”
Images of Carter waiting to vote quickly went viral on social media, drawing a wide range of reactions.
Some users expressed admiration and support for the former president, while others criticised the situation.
“The Kamala campaign is planning to harvest Jimmy Carter’s ballot today at the hospice facility where he’s being kept. Someone in Carter’s physical and mental state is unable to vote. He’s non-verbal, can’t move, and isn’t even aware he’s alive. This is criminal and disgusting,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“In a sane society, this would be considered elder abuse. Jimmy Carter’s family just wheeled him out looking like the living dead in a pathetic attempt at scoring political points, saying he has voted for Harris. Imagine pimping out a dying family member for 15 seconds of fame,” another user wrote.
However, others praised Carter’s dedication.
“Dear Jimmy Carter, now that you’ve been able to vote for Kamala, can you please hold on long enough to see her inauguration? Thank you, a grateful nation,” one user posted.
“The beautiful soul, former president Jimmy Carter, cast his vote for Harris today,” another user expressed admiration.