DNC Live Blogging – Jimmy Carter

Welcome back to the Democratic party Jimmy. Isn’t it fucked up how the party threw you overboard for the last quarter century? Now all those people who pissed all over your presidency are up cheering for you.

Jimmy Carter on missteps in foreign policy? That’s rich…

Here’s the words Carter used about Bush:

In repudiating extremism we need to recommit ourselves to a few common-sense principles that should transcend partisan differences. First, we cannot enhance our own security if we place in jeopardy what is most precious to us, namely, the centrality of human rights in our daily lives and in global affairs. Second, we cannot maintain our historic self-confidence as a people if we generate public panic. Third, we cannot do our duty as citizens and patriots if we pursue an agenda that polarizes and divides our country. Next, we cannot be true to ourselves if we mistreat others. And finally, in the world at large we cannot lead if our leaders mislead.

That’s the “positive” message sans Bush bashing for you… Perhaps that public panic was generated by, oh I don’t know… maybe 19 terrorists flying hijacked jets into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon – killing over 3,000 Americans?

I’m pretty sure I heard Carter say, “What America needs is leadership that won’t piss off the French.”

And the best line – Sen. Bob Graham said of Carter, “those criticisms are appropriate coming from him [Carter], because he lead with wisdom and gained our respect around the world.” That’s now the funniest line of the evening. The Iranians respected us so much they kidnapped Americans and held them for a year, with Carter helpless to get them back. The country had never before (or since) been seen as such a international patsy. There was no pride, just helplessness, punctuated by the failed rescue attempt.

Update: I’ve run out of steam on the live blogging (something about a big announcement from the RNC…). Fortunately Beck at INCITE was just getting started. Go read his last post on the Clinton speech and scroll down through the other 10 Takes.