Jimmy Carter: Racism Has a Role in Opposition to President Obama

by Karen Hatter | September 16, 2009 at 03:16 am

1912 views | 88 Recommendations | 43 comments

In comments during an interview with Brian Williams for NBC News, former President Jimmy Carter stated, while discussing opposition of President Barack Obama, comparing the President and his policies, for example, to Nazism, "It's deeper than that." From CNN :

.... Carter told NBC News. "I live in the South, and I've seen the South come a long way, and I've seen the rest of the country that shares the South's attitude toward minority groups at that time, particularly African-Americans."

"That racism inclination still exists, and I think it's bubbled up to the surface because of belief among many white people -- not just in the South but around the country -- that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It's an abominable circumstance, and it grieves me and concerns me very deeply," Carter said. Carter made similar remarks at an event at his presidential center in Atlanta, Georgia, The Associated Press reported Tuesday, pointing to some protesters who have compared Obama to a Nazi. "Those kind of things are not just casual outcomes of a sincere debate on whether we should have a national program on health care," the former president said at the Carter Center, according to AP. "It's deeper than that."

Click here to read Carter: Racism Plays Major Role in Opposition to Obama.

3 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend Sign In or Join to post comments

Karen Hatter

at 03:22 on September 16th, 2009

In an effort to prevent the possible preponderance of commenters instinctively professing that the perceived race of President Barack Obama is not a factor in any way to opposition to his adminstration, his policies and his agenda, I state here the issue of race is an additional factor in relation to any honestly articulated, facts specific disagreements with the above mentioned aspects of the Obama presidency.

Uwe Paschen

at 03:51 on September 16th, 2009

I can not believe this Karen! Sorry, I have been following Carter since he was President and I can not see racism coming from him at all.

This sounds more like pulling strings and maybe even paranoia to some degree.

He said that the South has come a long way, wish is true, and that racism still exist wish is true as well, even though it is much less today then it was in the days of JFK.

Karen Hatter

at 05:39 on September 16th, 2009

Uwe, it is a fact that racism is very much alive and well in the United States and the world in general.

Contrary to the beliefs of those who dismiss racism or the mention of race as playing the race card, it is a real phenomena, left over remnants from the history of a country forced, literally at gun point, to include those who were formerly enslaved and their descendants as citizens in a land that first wrote of each of those same individuals in one of the founding documents of this nation, the U.S. Constitution, as 3/5 of a man. The Three Fifths Compromise was written by James Madison, who would become the nation's second president.

The bogus claim of a race card is not any 'card' that settles any discussion. Ultimately, it allows many the opportunity of the denial that race ever is/was an issue, a reality that has existed since those of African descent were first forcibly brought here.

For the record and for whatever reason, 43% of White America, when merging all of the various demographics within the group that voted, voted for Barack Obama for president. 57% voted for someone else, for a variety of reasons.

Looking at it another way, 18 million voted for then Senator Hillary Clinton. The PUMAs (Party Unity My Ass) refused to get with the Democratic program for whatever reason. Who knows how many of them dismissed their Party's call for party unity or their motives, when they voted behind a closed curtain.

57 million voted for Senator John McCain and still others voted for candidates outside of the two major political parties. Of the totals from the major parties, together, 18 million + 57 million = 75 million.

No one can state with any true assurance who among the 75 million voted against Barack Obama for reasons of race.

It would be illogical to claim there were none among the millions with racist views of now President Obama. The question is what percentage of the millions they represented. That is an unknown that may never be quantified.

Uwe Paschen

at 06:58 on September 16th, 2009

Karen, I never said that racism does not exist, nor that it may not be a factor.

I did question the allegation that Carter is a racist him self. Racism has been around for centuries and millennia, and this from all ethnicity's toward all as well. Depending on the era of history and the location since Human history started 70,000 years ago and our written records are some 7,000 years old we can trace it back true out many cultures and ethnicity's around the Globe.

However, even though it is still a serious problem it has improved and education has helped counter it. Today far less people are racist then a century ago or even a generation ago.

Objectivity and truth are very important to be maintained and to strive for as well with a subject such as this one.

Karen Hatter

at 07:03 on September 16th, 2009

Uwe, no one stated President Carter was a racist.

The lead in to the linked article refers to the former president discussing his views on what he sees as a factor in the visceral opposition to President Obama.

Uwe Paschen

at 07:24 on September 16th, 2009

I reread the articles and I agree Karen. It can get confusing though and send the wrong message when read once.

I am not sure though if race is the predominant factor here or if it is merely the fact that Obama is educated, Intelligent and as I would describe him, maybe more of a European flair rather then an North American one.

Meaning more of a cosmopolite to some degree.

Jim Anderson (not verified)

at 19:51 on September 16th, 2009

Most of the bigotry I see now a days is on the left. Calling someone a racist is "code" for "I'm losing the debate", which is a tactic of the left.I know racism still exists and I'm sorry that it does. But using the race card to attack people that Jimmy Carter doesn't agree with is "baring false witness against thy neighbor."The left has said far worse than what Joe Wilson did, but it only seems to be a problem when someone from the right side of the isle says what Joe said. The left thinks they can say any rotten thing to anyone at anytime without having to take responsibility.I'm sorry that the left has to perpetuate racism to stay in the debate. Many many leftist congress persons have been very intolerent and bigoted toward the right wing congress persons without outrage from your crowd.I have NO respect for you as long as you play th race card, especially when your own brothren are still practicing slavery to this day in Africa!

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso

at 07:14 on September 17th, 2009

Actually, James Madison was the fourth president of the USA. John Adams was the second president. Regardless, I believe that some opposition to Mr. Obama is based on racism.

Karen Hatter

at 07:26 on September 17th, 2009

Thank you for your comment and the correction on Madison's place history, Alvarez.

I attempted to correct but, after someone responded to my comment, I was unable to do so and I didn't get back to it.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 04:07 on September 16th, 2009

We need to quit fooling ourselves, racism does exist, even if suppressed. Having said that, I do not think that the frustration directed at Congress and President Obama's policies have anything to do with racism.

A few bigots exist and that will always be the case. There were eight years of insults thrown at President Bush and that could hardly be called racism.

Let's all be honest and admit there are extremists on both sides of the political spectrum.

Racism is a subject that should be addressed both in Canada and the United States.

It is no coincidence that during the last World Cup Soccer Tournament the slogan was "Put an end to Racism".

Just yesterday the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was charged with racism by some of its aboriginal members.

My 2 cents worth (Canadian cents)

Barry ORegan

at 04:28 on September 16th, 2009

Jimmy should go back to building houses! Though Racism is a serious issue. JiMAY showed his mettle by waffling on the Iran hostage issue decades ago, something a President cannot do ever!~

Hugh Askew

at 04:42 on September 16th, 2009

The man suffers from a serious case of oral incontinence, and is a liability to Democratic Party.

He is obviously a genius on every subject - including the terrorist state of Palestine.

or not..............................

Mary Richard

at 05:00 on September 16th, 2009

I thought President Carter's comments were spot on.

I believe racism plays a big part in what's brewing right now, the American people just don't want to acknowledge it - maybe it's so deeply rooted they don't even see it.

Sure it goes on in other countries, but not to this degree.

Karen Hatter

at 05:08 on September 16th, 2009

Blue Crush, having spoken to friends and acquaintances living abroad, many international citizens on the outside looking in are stunned by what they see unfolding here.

They are hearing all of the 'talking points' being offered for opposition and have decided that, topping all of the ticked off points of disagreement, America has a real serious problem with our president's racial make up.

Jody Ray (not verified)

at 07:41 on September 16th, 2009

I also have friends abroad and they say something completely different - that we are being led the wrong direction. I think it just depends on what pond you swim in. It's unfortunate that my political disagreements with our president and his policies will not be heard because anything I say in opposition of him will mean I'm a racist.

Mary Richard

at 07:47 on September 16th, 2009

Yes, the idea of a black President is disgusting to some, and they now find any excuse to strike back. I cannot believe the blatant disrespect shown to one's President, let alone to their fellow citizens.

I have friends that travel back and forth between Canada and the US with their jobs, who have lived in both countries. The difference between the two countries, and the way non whites are treated is mind boggling, and it's only gotten worse in the US since the election of a black President.

Denying there is a problem doesn't make it go away!

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 07:57 on September 16th, 2009

I cannot believe the blatant disrespect shown to one's President, let alone to their fellow citizens.

With all due respect, where was the outrage when insults and disrespect were levied against George W. Bush. I am not a Bush supporter, but I think we need to put things into perspective. This is nothing new in American politics and probably reached its climax during the Bush Jr. era.

As I recall the race card was first drawn during the primaries by the Clinton team.

While I agree that there is a degree of racism by some, disagreeing with polices is part of free speech.

Grace H

at 14:38 on September 16th, 2009

Mind you the majority of Bushes action's over the course of several years led to the insults and outrage. Eight months in he was not hearing anything like what our current President is.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 18:12 on September 16th, 2009

Mind you eight months in 9/11 happened and for once Democrats and Republicans were united.

tikun

at 09:24 on September 16th, 2009

I am afraid Karen that calling anyone a racist because they are worried about where America is heading politically, is a "red-herring". It is a disservice to honest debate. We all know that racism exists. Com-on now let us not be naive. But to stifle debate about where Obama is leading the country by crying wolf all the time only nullifies the issues behind the noisy crowd.

Using the race card in order to discredit opponents will get so over used that Lenny Bruce's comments are most apropos: repeating the F word long enough it becomes demystified and loses its value and effect. The same can be said for where this knee-jerk response is leading us with "racism" the new albatross around the neck of free speech.

Karen Hatter

at 11:05 on September 16th, 2009

Evidently, what I wrote at the start of this thread was missed or not understood by you, Tikun.

I have re-stated this to Queenshart farther down the thread, who also seemed to miss my posted comment.

AGAIN, I stated, at the first comment posted at this thread:

In an effort to prevent the possible preponderance of commenters instinctively professing that the perceived race of President Obama is not a factor in any way to opposition to his administration, his policies and his agenda, I state here the issue of race is an additional factor in relation to any honestly articulated, facts specific disagreements with the above mentioned aspects of the Obama presidency.

Jim Anderson (not verified)

at 19:57 on September 16th, 2009

That's sad that you would support Carter's race baiting attack. I don't care what color my president's skin is, but his policies are vague and misleading. So am I now a racist?The Senate voted against funding for ACORN's home loan division and the Democrats are in the majority. Are they now racists too???There is far more bigotry on the left!

djermano

at 05:04 on September 16th, 2009

that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It's an abominable circumstance, and it grieves me and concerns me very deeply," Carter said.

You people have a reading problem here or what? Jimmy Carter is not a racist... And Karen is playing double jeopady here... shame on you.

Rev. Jermano

Karen Hatter

at 05:11 on September 16th, 2009

I have no idea what your comment means, Djermano but, I quoted what President Carter said and included a link for anyone who cares to read the entire article that includes his additional comments.

djermano

at 06:16 on September 16th, 2009

The meaning is Karen you wrote this article with the intent to suggest Jimmy Carter is a racist.? Do you believe he is a racists? or he is speaking of the overall condition of America?

Besides Obama is not Black as far as I know...he is both black and white. right?

Your title:

Carter: Racism Has a Role in Opposition to President Obama

Rev.

Karen Hatter

at 06:33 on September 16th, 2009

Somehow, Djermano, you misunderstood what was written and what the former president stated in his interview.

The fact that he acknowledges, in his opinion, that racism is a factor in the major opposition that has been seen in relation to President Obama and his administration does not make him a racist.

That was not implied or indicated in anything he said or what I have written.

Noting what one views as racism or racist behavior does not make one a racist.

The title of my article omits the word "Major" , which was used by CNN News, which makes their title more poignant than mine.

djermano

at 07:01 on September 16th, 2009

Thank You Karen for clearing that up... That is all I wanted to see you say...so we are not left wondering what Karen Hatters really talking about.

Rev. Jermano

Mary Richard

at 07:51 on September 16th, 2009

"Besides Obama is not Black as far as I know...he is both black and white. right?"

Jeez, djermano ... we all know that the US still goes by the "one drop" rule. To people outside the United States he's half black, but within, he's BLACK. Another part of the problem, perhaps?

Barry ORegan

at 06:17 on September 16th, 2009

Though I may not agree with Obamarama fanatiscm, or even some of Obamas policies, I do believe Obama is a smart man, a great orator, has his heart in the right place for the US citizenry and is without a doubt the right man for the job versus others historically have basically fucked over your country for their own financial gain! I was also a pro Reaganitte when he was president, so that should tell you I am no fan of democrats, but I will give a man his due regardless of his party politics. Someone calling Obama a Nazi? Geez , I can only imagine what choice succinct words are reserved for Bush and Cheney!

djermano

at 06:22 on September 16th, 2009

Barry....You have a reading problem...because Carter did not say he was a Nazi.

{Carter made similar remarks at an event at his presidential center in Atlanta, Georgia, The Associated Press reported Tuesday, pointing to some protesters who have compared Obama to a Nazi. "Those kind of things are not just casual outcomes of a sincere debate on whether we should have a national program on health care," the former president said at the Carter Center, according to AP. "It's deeper than that."

Rev. Jermano