CHICAGO — Former President Jimmy Carter still has an active role in politics as he eyes a milestone birthday.
According to the Carter Center, the former president and beloved Georgian is a superdelegate for the Democratic party. A superdelegate is an automatic delegate who is not required to pledge support to a specific presidential candidate.
Grandson Jason Carter has previously said that his grandfather is looking forward to casting his ballot and voting for Vice President Kamala Harris as president. And although the former president wasn't able to make it all the way to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention this year, Jason Carter took the helm and represented them both.
The former Georgia state senator spoke during the second night of the DNC and immediately mentioned how much his grandfather wished he could be there. Jimmy Carter has been in hospice care for over a year as he spends time with loved ones in his hometown of Plains.
"My grandfather, President Carter, will have his 100th birthday in October. I call him Papa," Jason said after he introduced himself. "And I can tell you that he wishes he could be here tonight."
Jason Carter said that for his grandfather, nothing he's done in his life was ever about fame, recognition, accolades or awards.
"His legacy is measured by the lives he has touched and the good he has done," Jason said. "Kamala Harris carries my grandfather's legacy."
And as time continues to pass, Jimmy Carter is holding on -- not only for his 100th birthday but also to make his vote count come November.
"Papa is holding on. He is hopeful. And though his body may be weak tonight, his spirit is as strong as ever," Jason said at the DNC. "My grandfather cannot wait to vote for Kamala Harris."
For the full speech by Jason Carter, listen below.