I am not one to whitewash history, nor am I one who generally declares any single thing as certain. That said, I believe it is unquestionable that Jimmy Carter is the greatest ex-president in American history. I do not believe anyone nicer has ever held the office, and no offense to any of the candidates, there is no threat for that to change in 2020. I rate him highly as an ethical president, but not highly as an effective president. Still, I would not exchange his lack of effectiveness for his saintly service in retirement.