Democratic tribute honors Carter presidency

By Eun-Kyung Kim, Associated Press, 08/14/00

LOS ANGELES -- Jimmy Carter hadn't even planned to attend the Democratic National Convention, even though his presidential status made him an automatic delegate and Al Gore pressed him to make a speech.

But then the vice president came back with a more appealing offer -- a video tribute Monday night to the only surviving former Democratic president.

"That appealed to me, so that's why we came," Carter said Monday on PBS's NewsHour. "I'm looking forward to a very pleasant evening without the chore and obligation of having to make a major speech."

Carter left the White House after losing his re-election bid to Ronald Reagan in 1980.

The 5-minute video made for the convention showcases Carter's accomplishments as president and peacemaker.

As Gore told him, the video would "let the Democrats express their appreciation for your service."

Carter's term was marred by an energy shortage, skyrocketing inflation, and the Iran hostage crisis but also included several highlights, including the successful 1978 Camp David summit when he helped hammer out a Middle East deal between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

Since leaving the White House, Carter's popularity has increased along with his reputation as a globe-trotting diplomat.

Some delegates criticized the Democratic Party for failing to recognize Carter during previous conventions.

"It's long overdue to pay tribute to President Carter," said Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, Carter's home state.

Carter was "treated like a pariah at earlier conventions," said fellow Georgia delegate, former Rep. Buddy Darden. "His greatest sin was losing."

Carter stopped attending national conventions in 1996. He said Gore urged him to "make a major speech" at this year's gathering, but "I really didn't want to do that" because of his work with the nonpartisan Carter Center.

"And then the idea was sent to me by Al Gore, 'Why don't you come to the convention, enjoy yourself, join your family who are already scheduled to be there,"'

Carter said he planned to watch the video with relatives and members of the Georgia delegation.

"I'll be on the floor with my friends," he said.