Jimmy Carter: Convention A "Turning Point"

Former President Tells Harry Smith Of Its Importance In History Of U.S. Race Relations

(CBS)  Former President Jimmy Carter says the ongoing Democratic convention is a history-maker. Period.

And, Mr. Carter told Early Show correspondent Harry Smith, it's the nature of the unfolding events that made it particularly important to him to attend this get-together.

"As a son of the South," Smith asked the 39th United States president, "the history that is being made here this week, would you have, in most of your lifetime, every thought it possible?"

"No," Mr. Carter replied. "It was really surprising and gratifying to me when (Barack) Obama carried Georgia (in the Democratic primary) against two very attractive white candidates, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards. ... The speech he (Obama) made in Philadelphia earlier about race -- that brought tears to my eyes, and it was the most eloquent and pertinent expression of the basic problems and their potential solution that I have ever seen.

"I think this is such a historic convention. ... I think this is kind of a turning point in what has been one of the most troubling, I'd say embarrassments and burdens on my heart, and that is the racial discrimination that still exists in a nation that's supposed to be treating all men and women are created equal. I think that's why I wanted to be here."

Mr. Carter says the most important issue come November "will probably be the economy again, as it was when Bill Clinton was elected the first time. Between now and November, I predict the oil companies will hold down oil prices a little bit to try to help the Republican ticket. But I'm afraid that, by the time January comes along, the economy will be the most serious problem in America."

Smith wondered, "Why is it that, so often, the Democrats are so rancorous (at their conventions)?"

Mr. Carter laughed heartily and responded, "Maybe that's the nature of Democrats. I remember most Republican conventions, it's just all orchestrated ahead of time -- which doesn't make very good news coverage. But, I think one reason is that Democrats have a much wider diversity of interests ... and it's hard for them to come together under a single umbrella. And that means the Democratic umbrella has to be about three times as large as the republican umbrella does."

Mr. Carter, who's 83, shows no signs of slowing down, Smith observes.

[realpatriot1]

Romney. A man with at least 147 days experience sending American jobs overseas while profiting off of hedge funds.

[realpatriot1]

peterp111,

Anyone who earns less than $250,000 annually will pay more in taxes under a McCain Presidency than under Obama, if you believe they''ll have their legislation passed by Congress.

When McCain falls back on the old and tired Republican mantra about paying more taxes under the Democrats he''s lieing through his false teeth.

[bald25]

likeitis5050 1227 hours

"Jimmy Carter has no room to talk about anything political....he is a disgrace and Obama would do well to steer clear of anything he has to say"

Carter has a heart of gold. He means well for all, can''t say that about Bush.

[oleander8]

"...I don''t want to be lied to by an unqualified man who has had only 147 days in the senate..." [Posted by peterp111]

...you''ve been lied to by an unqualified man who had zero days in the Senate for 8 years - and I''ll bet you voted for him...twice!

[bretster7]

You''''re right, timothyone. I''''m not American but I''''ve watched the USA fall right into the hands of creedy oil execs and racist hate filled warmongers. It''''s really quite sad. This election almost seems like the USA''''s last chance to turn it around.


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Posted by daffy64




Brilliant. You come up with that on your own? Or was that todays talking point from the dailykook?

[likeitis5050]

The Republicans
are the kind of people who would mock injured veterans with "purple heart band-aids" if it meant keeping their money grubbing oil men in office. They are greed-scum while the Dems are normal human beings who are striving for the future of our children. It''''s really that simple. Posted by timothyone

This is 99% of the problem...generalizing people on any level for the purpose of division. Not all Republicans fit your description any more than your description of the Democrats. Grow up. Speak your mind, by all means, but don''t even try to speak for anyone else. You can''t.

[likeitis5050]

Jimmy Carter has no room to talk about anything political....he is a disgrace and Obama would do well to steer clear of anything he has to say.

[timothyone-2009]

The Dems are "so rancorous" at their conventions because their interests are much broader and deeper than mere greed. We want a better world for all, not just a bigger investment portfolio. The Republicans
are the kind of people who would mock injured veterans with "purple heart band-aids" if it meant keeping their money grubbing oil men in office. They are greed-scum while the Dems are normal human beings who are striving for the future of our children. It''s really that simple.