Does Carter's praise of Gerald Ford contain thinly veiled criticism of the current administration?

Question

"An outstanding statesman, he wisely chose the path of healing during a deeply divisive time in our nation's history," Carter said. "He frequently rose above politics by emphasizing the need for bipartisanship and seeking common ground on issues critical to our nation."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061227/ap_on_re_us/ford_reaction

Answer 1

I think Carter is simply telling the truth about Ford. If it makes the current Administration look bad, that's not Carter's fault. In so many ways, Ford was quite the opposite of Bush, so when you acknowledge Ford's strengths, they coincide with Bush's weaknesses.

Jimmy Carter won a Nobel prize and has worked very, very hard for peace. I doubt he would resort to using Ford's death as an excuse to get some cheap shots in against Bush.

Answer 2

I guess I'd give Carter the benefit of the doubt here but it could have been a criticism. I don't like Carter one bit. He's a nice man and I'm sure he thinks what he does is right. I guess I feel about him like so many feel about Bush. Still, I'd have to give him the benefit of the doubt in answer to your question.

By the way, I don't see in any way how your question used the death of Ford to criticise Bush.

edit: kissmy??? What are you talking about? Reagan used the hostages? I don't think so, Tim. Carter did all he could to get them out. Reagan even sent Carter over there to meet them when they were set free. If you're trying to say Reagan use the hostages to get votes, you're way off base. The public just lost confidance in Carter's ability to get them out. The public also got tired of the misery index, high interest rates, gas lines, on and on and on. The hostages didn't need to be used. There was enough ammo without them.

Answer 3

The criticizm is questionable, however, he did make great strides in helping America get over Watergate and he did put party line aside to get some things accomplished. He was more private than any President since; all Presidents after him were surrounded by their rich cronies. He was also a lot more humble than Carter or anyone else for that matter, that has held office.

Answer 4

Even though I felt that Carter was a weak President. I don't feel his comments are meant to discredit the current administration, but are his true feelings about President Ford. Both Presidents did great things when they got out of office and both men deserve respect.

Answer 5

I have missed Carter's comments but I hope he did not do that. I persoanlly never forgave Ford for pardoning Nixon even though I understand his reason for doinf that but that doesn't mitigate how I feel about the death of any person. Death is sad. Period! His loved ones are hurting emotionally. I have heard several politicians and pundents use the death of this man as a forum for their paticular viewpoint about history and one current policy or party and the other. Shame on all of them.

Answer 6

I doubt that Carter intended to do anything but acknowledge Ford's Charactor and approach to leadership.

But is there a contrast between that and Bush's approach? Certainly. Ford was a moral man, and it's one of the reasons that I remember him with some fondness.

Answer 7

Carter is an old liberal god whose snide comments do more to divide this nation than any other ''former President'' has ever attempted, all this while pretending to be a good christian. He's come close in the past to committing what 50 years ago would have been considered treason!

Answer 8

Not an even thickly veiled criticism. Carter had no such intent. But if Bush looks bad compared to Ford, that's Bush's fault, not Carter's.

Answer 9

no. he is just being respectful and truthful.

for carter bashers. do you like reagan? the man that used american hostages as a political tool
http://www.aiipowmia.com/other/iranhstgcrss80.html

something to think about

Answer 10

I guess that's a nice pat on the back, since he kicked his butt out of office 30 years ago.