Jimmy Carter’s memorial service begins today

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Steven Weisman, senior editorial advisor at the Peterson Institute, joined MediaBuzz to discuss the 39th president’s life and legacy after his death.

Weisman, a reporter during Carter’s presidency, recalled working closely with the former president over the years.

“It was a different time. It was much more relaxed. There was no fancy press room in the White House,” he said, adding that he was able to speak on the phone with the then-president a few times.

Weisman was once invited to watch a film with Carter, where they “talked about movies, we talked about substance…The access was a little jarring at times.”

“It was a little unusual” to be invited, he added. “We watched Coal Miners Daughter. That was great fun.”

Weisman described Carter as a “micromanager,” but “he eventually changed.”

“In person, he could be very friendly and easygoing,” he said, recalling a barbecue on the South Lawn of the White House. “It’s pretty interesting. He was friendly, he was affable, he greeted everyone, and then I saw him turn to his wife and say, ‘Let’s go to dinner.'” “He didn’t want to have dinner with members,” the congressman said .

Weisman said it could be seen that Carter was “a man of faith.”