Just why Barack Obama felt the need to put former President Jimmy Carter in the spotlight at the Democratic National Convention is beyond me. If it's the usual obligation in these conventions to have former presidents acknowledged, that's fine.
Carter's vicious anti-Israel rantings in recent years (see his book and beyond) that bordered on anti-Semitism, not only hurts Obama with Jews but with many Americans who know the difference between terrorism and democratic values, who know the difference between democracy and dictatorships.
Carter has gone out of his way to meet with Middle East terrorist groups who still want to destroy Israel, America's strongest ally in the Middle East. And if Obama wants to be seen as strong on foreign policy, it doesn't help to have Carter present, even if it was for a few minutes. It was under Carter's watch that we remember the failed mission to free the Iranian hostages in April 1980, the same time our military helicopters literally broke down while our soldiers tried a valiant rescue attempt. The tragedy left eight courageous U.S. military members dead and our hostages were not freed until January 20, 1981 -- the day that President Reagan took office.
I was at West Point when the hostages returned home, covering the event for the College at New Paltz newspaper. I remember thinking that these great American citizens should not have had to endure the pain of captivity -- and I remember thinking that it was largely the Carter Administration's fault.It was one of the worst moments for American might and American pride.
Most importantly, the hostages were forced to endure nearly nine more months of captivity.
As America and its allies face an even more serious threat today from the Iranian government than in 1979-1980, a tribute to Jimmy Carter tonight sends the subconscious message that Obama-Biden won't be tough when necessary in their dealings with terrorists and dictators.
Of course, we know that not to be true, but these conventions are all about symbolism and sending messages.
This is not a message the Democrats should be sending out to millions of Americans in what should be the party's golden opportunity to define themselves against John McCain and the Republicans.
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