To AAQ: I like your theory of Jimmy Carter’s longevity. I though it was all the peanuts in his diet.
I remember being sorely disappointed with the failed attempt to rescue the hostages held by Iran in 1979-80, though I was not sure whether the failure was attributable to him or the US commandos and their military superiors. Years later, I heard him give a speech, and it was clear that he was very knowledgeable about national and world affairs.