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Jimmy Carter, Rogue Ex-President

Carter's ideas and initiatives, slammed by old guard, resonate with youth

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 21, 2008 12:28 PM CDT

(Newser) – Jimmy Carter does things his own way, pursuing peace initiatives in the Middle East and South America whether Washington likes it or not, and generally redefining what it means to be an ex-president. So it’s no wonder “his mind-set and his policies seem to jibe so well with the attitudes of young people, students, and the blogosphere,” Amy Wilentz writes for New York. “In many ways, Carter seems more relevant than George W. Bush.”

John McCain's attempt to smear Barack Obama by invoking “a second Jimmy Carter term” may not be the insult he seems to think it is. The oft-belittled Carter presidency produced some of the most progressive legislation of the last 40 years, and he’s not stopping. “I’ve got Secret Service protection around the clock for the rest of my life,” Carter says. “So I feel pretty much immune to contrary criticism.”

Carter delivers a speech during a meeting held by the Israeli Council of Foreign Relations in Jerusalem. (AP Photo)

Former President Jimmy Carter yells as he pauses while building a Habitat for Humanity house in Violet, La. (AP Photo)

Carter at the White House in 2001. (AP Photo)

Carter sings "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh inning stretch at an Atlanta Braves game. (AP Photo)

Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter pose for a portrait during the Toronto International Film Festival. (AP Photo)

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Jimmy Carter, Rogue Ex-President

Carter's ideas and initiatives, slammed by old guard, resonate with youth

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Barack Obama • John McCain • Jimmy Carter • Arab Israeli conflict • Election 2008 • Palestinian statehood • conflict resolution • Carter Center

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Jimmy Carter, Rogue Ex-President

Carter's ideas and initiatives, slammed by old guard, resonate with youth

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • John McCain • Jimmy Carter • Arab Israeli conflict • Election 2008 • Palestinian statehood • conflict resolution • Carter Center

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Debates Help Obama Raise Our Comfort Level

Dem, like Reagan, used forums as a public vetting of an unfamiliar candidate

Most Popular National Politician Today Is ...

Hillary Clinton, as 'buyer's remorse' plagues a third of the country

Obama Campaign Becomes ... a German Musical

And yes, there's a Sarah Palin character

South the Big Winner in New Census

Northeast, Midwest would lose seats if today's census was used

McCain Gets His Fight On

Rebounds from 2008 as feisty, fired-up partisan

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?