Jimmy Carter's grandson Jason says Harris 'carries his legacy' in rousing endorsement on his behalf at DNC

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Jason Carter, grandson of the longest-living former US President Jimmy Carter, ignited the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, August 20, with a powerful endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris on behalf of his grandfather.

The 49-year-old, who chairs The Carter Center, delivered a heartfelt speech in Chicago, emphasizing that Harris embodies the very principles that have defined his grandfather's enduring legacy, saying that the former president "wishes he could be here tonight."

Jason Carter says Kamala Harris 'carries my grandfather’s legacy'

"For my grandfather, it was never about fame, recognition, accolades or awards. His legacy is measured by the lives he has touched and the good he has done," Jason Carter passionately declared.

"Kamala Harris carries my grandfather’s legacy."

But Jason didn't stop there. He highlighted Harris's unwavering commitment to doing what's right, a quality that resonated deeply with his grandfather.

"She knows what is right, and she fights for it. She understands that leadership is about service, not about selfishness. That you can show strength and demonstrate decency. And that you can get a whole lot more done with a smile than with a scowl."

But the most stirring moment came when Jason, voice steady but full of conviction, declared that his grandfather "can’t wait to vote for Kamala Harris," reported People.

"She reminds us all that the promise of America remains unchanged. We are one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, and my grandfather knows that with her as our next president, we will keep that promise."

Jason also gave a poignant update on the former president's health, revealing that despite his weakened body, Carter's spirit remains unyielding. "Papa is holding on, he is hopeful, and though his body may be weak tonight, his spirit is as strong as ever."

Jimmy Carter aims to turn 100 only to vote for Kamala Harris

In August, Jason Carter shared that his grandfather confided in Chip, another grandson, expressing a desire to reach his 100th birthday on October 1,  because he's "only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris."

Both he and his wife of 77 years Rosalynn Carter were filled with hope when Biden and Harris won the 2020 election, a sentiment echoed in Jimmy's statement from November of that year: "Rosalynn joins me in congratulating our friends President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. We are proud of their well-run campaign and look forward to seeing the positive change they bring to our nation."

Jimmy Carter faces health challenges yet remains resilient in hospice care

Jimmy Carter, who served as president from 1977 to 1981, became the longest-living US president in 2019 at the age of 94. In February 2023, he entered hospice care. Despite his declining health, Jimmy made a rare public appearance in November to attend the memorial service for his wife Rosalynn, who died at 96 years old.

In a June interview with Southern Living, Jason shared that his grandfather is no longer awake every day while in hospice, explaining, "[He's] experiencing the world as best he can as he continues through this process."