Jimmy Carter: WikiLeaks "Helps No One, But Hurts Diplomatically"

In an exclusive interview with CBS News, former President Jimmy Carter said WikiLeaks' release of secret government documents is not as damaging to the United States as it is to Iraqis and Afghanis helping the United States in the Middle East.

"To have their names revealed as associated with the United States government might put their lives in danger if they are still there, or their families in danger," Mr. Carter told CBS News senior White House correspondent Bill Plante on Monday.

"It's damaging to people who have been revealed as helping the United States, particularly those who are vulnerable," the former president said. "That's a serious negative aspect to it."

The administration and many members of Congress have condemned the release of documents by WikiLeaks.

"When something is finally released -- when I was president and I'm sure it's the same under President Obama -- it's very carefully vetted to make sure that you eliminate all the off-hand remarks and preliminary discussions and you just reveal what the final conclusion was," Mr. Carter said.

"When you take things like that out of context, I think it helps no one, but hurts diplomatically," Mr. Carter said.

Watch the video of Mr. Carter at left. And for more of Plante's interview, watch CBS News' daily politics webcast, "Washington Unplugged," on Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. ET on CBSNews.com. In his first interview since Election Day, Mr. Carter also discussed midterm election results and Republicans' responsibility, his advice for Mr. Obama, and his newest book, "White House Diary."

"Washington Unplugged," CBSNews.com's exclusive daily politics Webshow, appears live on CBSNews.com each weekday at 12:30 p.m. ET. Click here to check out previous episodes.

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Worldwatch: Diplomatic Shockers

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Christine Delargy is an associate producer for CBSNews.com. You can read more of her posts here. For more of Washington Unplugged, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

[Cassarit]

Even jimmy Carter stands against this guy.
That kind of seals the deal IMHO.
Assange is an enemy of the United States.

[strikerF2]

And need we remind Carter of his mouth that leaked the Stealth Bomber we have???? Just another Peanut Farmer.

[stn_sage]

Yeah! This means a lot coming from Jimmy Carter! YAWN!

[WeHappyFew]

Jimmy Cater was not the most inspirational president but he has been a pretty decent diplomat.

[stn_sage]

To WeHappyFew: You raise an interesting point! And, when and who appointed HIM to speak for America?! He's a retired ex-president of the USA, NOT an appointed diplomat! He does NOT represent the position of this government! His views are strictly his own! And, they should remain thus! Too many former presidents 'run their mouths' stating policy as if THEY are still president and represent current official policy! THEY DO NOT! And, they need to shut up and mind their own business!

[nearl451]

Carter is right,as usual.

THe Wikileaks undermines normal working policy of the State Dept, but it could just as well have undermined the State dept of any country in the same way. Whether you like it or not, the US is going to have and prusue policy initiatives....not all of it clean and much of it gossipy.

The leak will be stopped and purloiners prosecuted as the information is classified US property.

[YrWrongAgain]

This from a man who knows what not being any help is all about.

[lilbear925]

Jimmy Carter is the most incompetent man this country ever had for a president. His statements come right out of the media -- which is probably where he gets all his information. Jimmy, you aren't president any more. Shut up!

[MilitaryRetiree]

After all these years, Jimmy Carter FINALLY got something right.

[ffoulkes-2009]

Yeah, I can't believe I actually agree with him on something.

[strikerF2]

After all he gave away the Panama canal.