As the nation mourns the death of President Jimmy Carter, who died December 29, 2024, Professor Amber Roessner is being called upon by news media to share her perspective on the life and legacy of the longest-lived United States president. A School of Journalism and Media professor, Roessner met the 39th president in 2014 before publishing her book, Jimmy Carter and the Birth of the Marathon Media Campaign, in 2020. She is currently in the process of writing another book chronicling his presidency and post-presidency, on advanced contract with LSU Press.
Roessner’s expertise on Carter and political journalism has made her an ideal guest for various outlets to offer insight into the life of the president, his impact during and after his presidency, and how media has portrayed him throughout the years.
Here are some of the appearances she has made since his death:
- An article in The Conversation written by Roessner highlights the role his faith played in his presidency, How Jimmy Carter integrated his evangelical Christian faith into his political work, despite mockery and misunderstanding.
- The Associated Press quoted Roessner in multiple pieces published in Carter’s final days and shortly after his death, including this sample:
- Another Associated Press article published Jan. 7, Trump’s praise of Carter in death after jeering him in life deepens a contradictory relationship, contrasts Carter with incoming President Donald Trump; Roessner’s quotes in the article highlight the unlikely similarities between the two leaders.
- Roessner’s remembrance of Carter is included along with other East Tennesseans’ in a pre-recorded WBIR Channel 10 News piece East Tennesseans remember life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter.
- Another local station, WVLT Channel 8, featured Roessner in a pre-recorded piece, UT professor who wrote book on Jimmy Carter remembers his legacy.
- WUOT-FM, East Tennessee’s NPR member station housed at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, featured Roessner in a piece by journalism and media senior Pierce Gentry, UT professor recalls 100-year life of Jimmy Carter, president and peacemaker.
- In ABC 20/20’s Jimmy Carter: A Full Life (also available to watch on Hulu), Roessner spoke alongside family members, journalists, and other experts about the president’s life.
- In A Media Looking for Mistakes Portrayed Jimmy Carter as a Failure. It’s Time to Look Deeper, written by Roessner for Time magazine, she recounts the lessons learned from contemporary media coverage of Carter’s presidency and how current journalists can take a more holistic look at his life and achievements.
- Local newspaper the Knoxville News Sentinel highlighted Roessner’s unique expertise on Carter in an article, Knoxville expert on Jimmy Carter: Beloved humanitarian was often misunderstood as president.
- The professor appeared live on several news segments memorializing Carter, including:
- On DW News’ Dec. 30 piece, What was former US President Jimmy Carter lauded and loathed for?, Roessner recounts what it was like to meet Carter, what made him a unique underdog politician, and his political and humanitarian achievements.
- On Fox’s Good Morning Chicago on Dec. 30, Roessner shared her insights into Carter’s presidential legacy.
- Roessner appeared on CNN Jan. 4 to discuss topics from her book about Carter and his presidential run for office.
- She was interviewed on BBC news Jan. 4 and is scheduled to appear again at 3 p.m. Jan. 8.
Roessner has been interviewed several times in the past about Carter, most recently when he turned 100 years old on Oct. 1, 2024. Those interviews include:
- Associated Press the Associate Press – Jimmy Carter at 100: A power-playing loner from the farm to the White House and on the global stage
- DW – Former President Jimmy Carter Celebrates 100
- Time magazine – Jimmy Carter is Famously Humble but His Centennial Celebration is fitting
- PBS – In Their Own Words: Jimmy Carter
For more updates on Roessner’s interview or about her research, follow her on X, @DrRoessner.