Many are recalling the “killer rabbit” incident involving former President Jimmy Carter after his passing at the age of 100. The bizarre incident occurred in April 1979 when Carter, then 56 years old, was fishing in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. According to White House Press Secretary Jody Powell, a large swamp rabbit swam quickly towards Carter, hissing and gnashing its teeth, and intent on climbing into the presidential boat. Carter used a paddle to splash water at the creature, causing it to change course and swim away.
The story, which is backed by a photograph taken by a White House staffer, was not known to the public until months later when Powell shared it with reporter Brooks Jackson. Sensationalized headlines ran across the country, with the Washington Post reporting “Bunny Goes Bugs. Rabbit Attacks President” and the New York Times publishing “A Tale of Carter and the ‘Killer Rabbit.’”
The incident has been seen as emblematic of the Carter presidency, which many perceived as ineffective and flailing. Carter’s approval ratings had taken a dramatic dip at the time, and he was facing several difficulties at home and abroad.
Carter himself described the incident as a “rabbit was being chased by hounds and he jumped in the water and swam toward my boat. When he got almost there, I splashed some water with a paddle and the rabbit turned and went on and crawled out on the other side.”
Despite the relatively minor nature of the incident, it has become a lasting symbol of Carter’s presidency. White House staffer Jody Powell later regretted sharing the story, as it was used to portray Carter as weak and inept. The incident has also been seen as a metaphor for Carter’s struggling presidency, which was marked by an energy crisis, economic issues, and the Iran hostage crisis.
