'A Clarion Call to Service'

Former ambassador to China heralds Jimmy Carter's 'exceptional dedication to humanity and world peace'

- AMBASSADOR MAX BAUCUS

MAX, THIS IS JIMMY. JIMMY Carter.” It was an early Sunday morning. I was about to go out for a morning run when my telephone rang. “Can you join Rosalynn and me for Sunday school and church? We can talk between the services. Be at the White House at 10:30 a.m.? We’ll drive over to the church together.”

It was during the “malaise” period of his presidency, in the late 1970s. Several advisers and friends were suggesting ways to turn around his falling poll numbers. Energy prices and interest rates were soaring. My patriotic blood was flowing. I wanted to help, to give this good man my two cents, but not every president would find the time to listen to a young, second-term congressman.

Jimmy Carter was different. “Absolutely, Mr. President. I’m honored. I’ll be there,” I gushed.

I had time to take my run. Time to reflect on what I might say to the president. When I arrived at the White House, there were Rosalynn and the president, the leader of the free world holding his Bible. I climbed into the limousine and we motorcaded to church.

I’ve forgotten the lesson from the Sunday school teacher, although I remember that he asked good, thoughtful questions. I was sitting next to President Carter. He clearly knew the answers to those questions but didn’t want to show off. He let others answer.