Kish and I are back in front of the TV, tuned in to C-SPAN — and this time, we’re watching the Democratic National Convention.
The first speaker we saw was former President Jimmy Carter, who gave some brief and heartfelt comments about President Obama, the challenges he has faced, and his accomplishments during his first term. President Carter’s remarks ended with his endorsement of President Obama’s re-election and were warmly received by the convention delegates.
President Carter had not been closely embraced by some prior Democratic candidates, presumably because he was a one-termer and his presidency is largely considered to have been a failure. Even now, more than 30 years after his presidency ended, President Carter still doesn’t get prime time exposure; his televised remarks to this convention were broadcast before the 8 o’clock hour.
I’m not sure how much weight President Carter’s endorsement carries, but I’m glad he had the chance to have his say. It always seemed awkward for a former President to be kept in the background, even by the party that nominated him twice for President.
He is a good human being, living an honorable life.