It is not considered good etiquette for ex-presidents to blast the policies of governing presidents. Ford, for example, wasn't happy with Carter but he kept his mouth shut. The elder Bush wasn't thrilled with Clinton, but he didn't come out swinging in the media.
But now Jimmy Carter has charged Bush administration with being "the worst in history." And he also excoriated Tony Blair for supporting Bush, describing his loyalty in these words. "Abominable. Blind. Apparently subservient."
Whatever Blair's failings, his main loyalty was not to Bush but to America. He paid a high political price for that. Shouldn't Carter show an ounce of appreciation?
The verdict on Bush is not in yet. He is trying to do something very significant: to change the underlying political structure of the Middle East. If he is successful, he will go down in history as a winner. Not a great president like Reagan, perhaps, but a good one like Truman.
If he fails, then history will judge him harshly. In that case Bush may even fall into the same pit into which history has consigned Carter. And here we find a motive for Carter's accusations. He is the one of the leading contenders for the title of "worst president in history."
He was a failure in domestic policy, as measured by skyrocketing inflation, high interest rates, and a stagnant economy. He said we should not be "inordinately" scared of the Soviets, then professed shock at the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, to which he had no idea how to respond. He yanked American support for the Shah, helping Khomeini to come to power and giving Islamic radicals control of their first major state. He bungled the hostage crisis, humiliating his country in the process. And he demoralized the American people with his "malaise" speeches saying America should be learn to live with decline. In short, a total loser.
Firing back, a Bush spokesman has proclaimed Carter "irrelevant." But he is relevant, a constant reminder to us of bad taste, bad judgment, weakness combined with personal belligerence, petty small mindedness, undignified attention seeking--all qualities America doesn't want in a future president.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 69)
1. Carter did not do well as president...BUT he is right on target with his projects and comments since leaving office.
Elisa at 10:17AM on May 21st 2007
2. CARTER WAS BAD BUT HE WAS LEFT THE DEBT FROM THE VIETNAM WAR TO HANDLE. THIS STUPID FUCK WE HAVE IN NOW WAS LEFT A HUGE SURPLUS THAT HE TOTALLY PISSED AWAY FOR HIS LITTLE WAR IN IRAQ THAT NEVER SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED. SURE CARTER WAS A LOUSY PRESIDENT BUT THIS STUPID BASTARD WE HAVE NOW TAKES THE PRIZE, HANDS DOWN
DAN PAULITSKA at 10:20AM on May 21st 2007
3. Don't forget we lost the Panama Canal during the peanut years. Everyone is entitled to their opinion,but as Ronald Reagan once said "There you go again Jimmy!"
madcow at 10:21AM on May 21st 2007
4. ALHAYS - ALTLEAST CARTER DID NOT HAVE TO CHEAT TO GET ELECTED LIKE YOUR SIMPLE MINDED DRUG ADDICTED DRY DRUNK DID - INFACT HE NEVER WAS REALLY ELECTED IN THE FIRST PLACE SINCE THE SUPREME COURT PLACED THAT SIMPLE BASTARD IN
DAN PAULITSKA at 10:23AM on May 21st 2007
5. I still think that Peanut Farmer has a Brain to match the crop.
Jack Nevin at 10:25AM on May 21st 2007
6. Not only was Carter an idiot; he was spineless. I remember his term only too well. I remember his idiot brother, Billy the beer drinker. Thank God Carter only lasted one term. He was totally ineffectual; much as he is today.
Denis Heurtevant at 10:25AM on May 21st 2007
7. THE POOR PATHETIC CARTER IS SPEAKING AGAIN, GOD HELP US.
PT TEITEL at 10:26AM on May 21st 2007
8. Carter ought to stick to what he does best...pounding nails. Bush is no star but Carter gave birth to the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Carter criticizing Bush is a joke.
Dean at 10:30AM on May 21st 2007
9. WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO RESPECT? I THOUGHT IT WAS PROPER NOT TO ILL SPEAK OF EITHER CURRENT OR PREVIOUS PRESIDENTS AND THEIR POLICIES. THEY SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE DIFFICULTY OF THE OFFICE AND SHOULD TRY TO BRING THE COUNTRY TOGETHER, PERHAPS MR CARTER SHOULD WATCH GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS/TRIBUTE TO OUR SOLDIERS, AND RE-AQQUAINT HIMSELF WITH REALITY
jonathan at 10:31AM on May 21st 2007
10. Carter is absolutely right. Bush has destabilized the world. Check out the new "Harper's"
Ann E. Muir at 10:36AM on May 21st 2007
11. Respect???? I think you have ALL lost it. Anyone that makes these kind of comments - on either side is shallow-minded and doesn't have a clue about what is right or wrong with this country.
M. Leach at 10:38AM on May 21st 2007
12. Bush is a mess. He suffers from the spoiled brat syndrome--he dreams that reality is what he judges it to be, regardless of what happens. Carter was a rather simple man, but he was, and is. in touch with reality. I too find Bush to be one of the worst presidents in history. Our self-estime is down, our respect in the world is gone. I wish Bush had served in the military when he had the chance. It might have given him some idea about war. Mission Accomplished--Oh Boy!
Tom Edgar at 10:41AM on May 21st 2007
13. when he is in league with people like iran's president and the kkk's david duke as a leading anti-semite in the world. it's really hard to have any respect for him. i'm also disgusted by how racist he is against palestinians, that he doesn't believe they are capable of diplomacy.
mf at 10:44AM on May 21st 2007
14. carter is a moron. and worse yet, he is a hate-filled incompetent moron. if people were more cynical during his presidency they would have questioned the rising gas prices too.
raven at 10:46AM on May 21st 2007
15. W MAKES CARTER LOOK LIKE THE GREATEST PRESIDENT IN HISTORY
HARRY at 10:47AM on May 21st 2007