Thank You, President Carter

Back in 2000 at my last station in Memphis, my executive producer came zooming over to me in the weather office in a panic as one of our main news anchors was late returning to the station from an assignment and asked me to help fill in on recording a remote satellite interview call. I said yes as she rushed away to get ready and I asked who I was supposed to interview. She shouted back, "President Carter!"

Had about 15 minutes to get ready as the interview was part of a media tour for his new book "Christmas In Plains". Spent 5-10 minutes interviewing him about the book, I even took a chance with a minute or so left to ask him about his White House solar hot water heater that President Reagan removed as my dad was an architect who specialized in renewable energy fixtures incorporated into his building designs.

One of the highlights of my career in news to be able to speak to him for just a few minutes. Never would have thought part of my experiences in life would have been to interview a former President of the United States, even if it was over satellite remotely for a few minutes.

Jimmy Carter, former U.S. president and peace activist, dies at 100December 29, 2024