The Corner on National Review OnlineIn comparison, he does come across pretty well. But think about it -I've now heard or read bits and pieces of several Carter interviews. I am simply flummoxed by the amount time and space wasted asking him what he thinks the Democratic Party should do. Now, to be fair, I don't think his advice is terrible at least on the religious stuff. But I'm wondering: Where did Jimmy Carter get the reputation of being a savvy political operator?
His Presidency saw home loan interest rates rise to way above 15%. A severe recession hit during his time in office, and he responded by raising taxes - which prolonged the recession. He was very ineffectual as far as it came to international relations. And he was President during the disco era.
He looks good - because the others in the party look so bad....
Don't get me wrong - I've got a fair amount of respect for the man. But only a fair amount - not all that much - and having lived through his time in office I don't see him as a sucessful elder statesman in the Democratic party. He wasn't a complete disaster - though he didn't do all that much for the country - but he's pretty shiny compared to today's possibilities...
J.
J.