Jimmy Carter indicates that Barack Obama is his choice

Jimmy Carter didn't show all of his cards, but in an interview with a Nigerian newspaper, he left little doubt that Barack Obama is his betting choice in the Democratic presidential race.

And Carter's support would provide Obama with more than just words; since he's a former president, he's also a superdelegate to the party's national convention.

Ben Smith of Politico.com reported Carter's comments today (read his blog here).

In tipping his hand toward Obama, Carter -- the first of only two Democrats to win the White House in the last 40 years -- became part of a new trend. He noted the support the senator from Illinois has within his family, saying: "My children and their spouses are pro-Obama. My grandchildren are also pro-Obama."

-- Don Frederick

Photo: John Bazemore / Associated Press

Comments

[SaneInTheMembrane]

I'm glad Carter is above the Clinton machine.

[farnk]

Carter's backing should be a kiss of death, or at least a sure sign all others should back Clinton.

[Ann]

Another reason for me to back Sen. Clinton. Although I used to admire Pres. Carter, before his anti-Israel book was released, I always knew he was a generally weak, ineffective President. It's so funny how I remember many months ago that he said Sen. Obama was not experienced enough to be President and he supported Gore. What changed? Maybe he liked the anti-Israel views of Sen. Obama's mentor, Rev. Wright (just kidding sort of)? Who knows. The point is, this endorsement as with most, will have little effect on the electorate. I will add, that I am still more inclined to trust the judgement of Bill Clinton, a successful two term Democratic President than the feelings of Democrats who lost to Republicans on what it takes to win---e.g., Kerry, Carter, Dukakis, etc.

[Matt]

It's time for Hillary to endorse Barack Obama for the sake of the party and her family legacy. Why is that such a crazy idea? Maybe because she redefines crazy. If Hillary steals the nomination she should consider Joe Lieberman for VP.

[the problemwithcaring]

ugh. First Jane Fonda and now Carter

Get out Hillary. Before Barack has to suffer through any more of these god-awful endorsements...

[dave]

this probably means more support for ron paul, as carter's endorsement of obama might effectively sway some more democratic votes to clinton's losing campaign.

[joann mundth]

I have enormous respect for Jimmy Carter and believe his endorsement would benefit either democratic candidate. In my opinion, he has proved himself an exceptional leader and humanitarian, especially after his term as president. I view great humanitarians like him as very strong. Moreover, I do not jump to the conclusion that with these comments he has endorsed Obama.

[eric]

Wow, President Carter is now backing Obama? What truly is wrong with the Clintons?

What gives?

[terribleTommy]

Mister Peanut is backing Obama? Wow do you think Obama will be as effective a president as mister peanut. I remember Carters campaign slogan " I don't know all the answers" Well we found out he didn't know any of the answers. He was the worst 1 term president this country ever had.

[Daly]

Worst first term? I guess you are not including Bush? Worst 1 and 2 term bar none.

[John Helmer]

Thank God For President Carter,
one of the few politicians who have any truth left in their soul.

posted by John

[East Side Love]

Are we Democrats a bunch of wimps? Can't we handle the primary debate to play on? This is the kind of weakness Republicans love about us Dems.

Obama says we should fight the politics of fear - but why are we Dems so afraid our party's process?

Let us exercise democracy until the fat lady sings - we have nothing to be afraid about.

[avraamjack]

-----CLINTON SLEEZE FATIGUE WILL INVIGORATE GOP, DISPIRIT DEMOCRATS AND SINK DEMOCRATIC TICKET-----

-----OBAMA/EDWARDS TO WIN-----

It is possible that Senator Clinton is the best candidate. However, even though many may like the policies that Senator Clinton proposes, they should also consider her record, just as Senator Clinton insists.
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The last Clinton Administration, when faced with the fact that protection rackets where assaulting, torturing and murdering people with poison and radiation, chose to avoid its responsibilities to incarcerate the criminals and to protect the citizenry.
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Instead, they made a deal with the criminal gang stalker protection rackets to leave them alone and to consequently abandon the citizenry.
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Do we want a President who sells out the citizenry for votes?
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Do we want a President who sends a "crime does pay" message to society?
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Would you vote for a President who signed nonaggression deals with the KKKlan or the Nazi party? Gangs that torture with poison and radiation are much like the KKKlan and Nazi Party.
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We do not need a sellout President. We need a principled leader President.
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If you are one of the few who do not know what the above refers to, do a web search for “gang stalking” to see the tip of the dirtberg. Please do it before you decide to reply to my post. Here let me make it easy for you: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22gang+stalking%22.
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[alee21]

Carter was a weak president who deserved the one term he had. He is more useful out of the office than in. Why doesn't he just come out and say what he means instead of hinting?
All that wishy washiness resulted in the Iranian hostage crisis go from bad to worse.

[anny]

obama is the next president. hillary needs to get a life , stay home and keep her eyes on her cheating husband .

[Chitra Bhatt]

OBAMA 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also, let us be respectful of Senator Clinton. Without her, children would barely have rights. She is my inspiration, an inspiration to all of us girls.