Former President Jimmy Carter appeared on Tuesday’s "Early Show" to promote his book, "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid." Co-host Harry Smith gushed over Carter, calling him someone who has "built housing across the United States and across the world as well, and has continued to promote world peace." Smith even proceeded to seek Carter’s foreign policy counsel on the war, inquiring "is there a way out of Iraq?" Yet, Smith failed to mention Carter’s foreign policy failures such as the Iran hostage crisis when soliciting Carter’s advice.
As noted yesterday, President Carter’s book places the blame for the Israel/Palestine conflict, and by extension the conflict with Israel and other Middle Eastern or Persian countries, squarely on Israel. However, Smith didn’t challenge the former President on his conclusion. What about nations, whose stated goal is to eliminate the "Zionist" state, don’t they bear any blame? Or how about terror organizations who send children to blow themselves up in order to murder innocent Israelis in the process? Aren’t they equally responsible for this conflict? Yet, again, these are topics not pursued by Harry Smith. Perhaps Smith chose not to challenge President Carter’s premise because Carter’s publisher, Simon & Schuster is a division of CBS, but, nonetheless, Smith shirked his journalistic responsibility by not asking the tough questions.
The full transcript of Harry Smith’s interview with President Carter follows:
Harry Smith: "Former President Jimmy Carter has done an extraordinary amount of work since leaving the White House 25 years ago. The Nobel Peace Prize winner has monitored elections around the world, built housing across the United States and across the world as well, and has continued to promote world peace. His latest book, 'Palestine: Peace not Apartheid' looks at the Middle East conflict and President Carter is in the studio with us this morning. Good morning."
Jimmy Carter, Former President of the United States: "Harry, it's good to be with you."
Harry Smith: "Let me talk a little bit about the Iraq Study Group, which is meeting in Washington this week. It's far away from making its final recommendations, but some of the things we're hearing them talk about is that somehow Syria and Iran should be involved in this equation of finding some sort of settlement to the situation in Iraq."
Jimmy Carter: "Yes. I really am confident of a sound judgment and wisdom of Lee Hamilton and James Baker and the people on the panel. And one of the most obvious things is that when we have a difference of agreement with a nation or a people, the first thing we should do is to open up communications with them."
Harry Smith: "A difference of opinion."
Jimmy Carter: "A difference of opinion to explain our position and understand theirs. And I think that one of the most obvious recommendations is to reverse the ill-advised policy of this administration and have direct talks that include Iran and Syria, both involving Iraq, and also involving Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East."
Harry Smith: "Is there a way out of Iraq?"
Jimmy Carter: "I think so, yes. I thought it was a horrible mistake to go into Iraq. And I made that clear. I think now the thing that may be forthcoming from the Hamilton/Baker committee, is to advocate letting the Iraqi leaders know that we will withdrawal our troops at a certain time in the future. I think as long as they can depend upon American troops being there indefinitely, they're less likely to take strong action on their own to control the violence."
Harry Smith: "Let's talk about the book. On the outset, just the very title has many people incensed. Why choose those words?"
Jimmy Carter: "It's based on a minority of Israelis occupying, confiscating, and colonizing land that belongs to the Palestinians. And this is in direct violation of United Nations resolutions, it's in direct violation of the permanent policies, official policies, of the United States government. It's contrary to the agreements that were worked out with Menachem Begin and Sadat in 1978 by me and approved by the Israeli government. So when Israel does occupy this territory deep within the West Bank and connects say 200 or so settlements with each other with a road and then prohibits the Palestinians from using that road, or in many cases even crossing the road, this perpetrates even worse instances of apartness, or apartheid than we witnessed even in South Africa. So, I use the word very cautiously to deal with Palestine because of the persecution, which is horrible, of the Palestinian people."
Harry Smith: "You criticize, you say, the White House and Congress have been too submissive--"
Jimmy Carter: "They have, sure."
Harry Smith: "To this Israeli government."
Jimmy Carter: "Absolutely."
Harry Smith: "Now, where will the will come from, then, to move forward?"
Jimmy Carter: "My hope is that my book will at least stimulate a debate, which has not existed in this country. There's never been any debate on this issue of any significance. And the news media are acquiescent, the members of the Congress are acquiescent, where as the rest of the world debates this intensely, including in Israel, particularly."
Harry Smith: "In the end, if peace is not achieved, let's say in the next five years, where does this end?"
Jimmy Carter: "I think it could very well end in a much more intense danger to the existence and peace of Israel than we presently see. Israel has the choice to make, peace approved by all Arabs, by withdrawing from occupied territory, or the retention of those isolated settlements in the West Bank instead of peace."
Harry Smith: "Thank you very, very much for coming by and speaking with us again. We always appreciate our stimulating conversations. There you go. 'Peace not Apartheid'--'Palestine: Peace not Apartheid' is published by Simon& Schuster, a division of CBS."



















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Carter
November 28, 2006 - 13:32 ET by iveseenitallCarter, the worst president in my lifetime. Clinton is #2. Then again, they're both #2.
NEVER,NEVER trust a liberal
Why in God's name would anybo
November 28, 2006 - 13:37 ET by FOXFANWhy in God's name would anybody seek advice from Carter? As president he was a dismal failure. Bad economy, high gas prices, gas lines, hostages in Iran, and you want advice from Carter?
Carter's advice
November 28, 2006 - 13:48 ET by misterbillCarter's advice - if you lust in your heart, do not tell anyone at Playboy about it or they will tell the country. And why did everyone gripe about high interest? Look at all the money they were making on their savings???(too silly)
Response
November 29, 2006 - 20:13 ET by CRDi.e. Example
Well said, Foxfan! He's
November 28, 2006 - 15:28 ET by SunshineWell said, Foxfan! He's a legend in his own mind. Someone needs to say Shut up, Mr. Carter. Just. Shut. Up!
In all things politics, Jimmu
November 28, 2006 - 19:59 ET by dmntd1In all things politics, Jimmuh Cahtah is the first person one should run to for advice. What he says, his best, moist heartfelt advice is the exact opposite of what one should than do.
Foxfan, you're 100% right, this man failed his office, his country, the people that elected him, and most importantly, he failed in his duties to uphold the constitution of the United States.
Please make sure your train of thought carries freight.
.ive Your wrong....Their
November 29, 2006 - 00:00 ET by ww thumper.ive Your wrong....Their BOTH the WORST!! or did you just say that?? :^} ....Political correctness when dealing with Islam will kill america....ww .....
If Carter held sway Saddam wo
November 28, 2006 - 13:44 ET by mattmIf Carter held sway Saddam would not only still be in power, he'd probably have nukes by now. Maybe there'd be fewer U.S. military deaths, but there would probably be alot more than the 3000 U.S. civilian deaths that occurred on 9/11 - the would be Mogadishu's all over the world.
mattm..you hit it dude. If Ca
November 28, 2006 - 14:44 ET by bassndudemattm..you hit it dude. If Carter had had his way, Iraq would still occupy Kuwait, Saddam would have his nukes, and so would Iran, along with N. Korea. China would have ALL of our missile guidance systems, cause we would be buying them from there. Mexico would enjoy duel citizenship with the US but the US would not enjoy the same.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
But at least the rest of the
November 28, 2006 - 14:48 ET by paperheadBut at least the rest of the world would like us! (lol)
Smith Carter
November 28, 2006 - 13:45 ET by misterbillAn idiot interviewing a fool! Jimmuh Cahtuh, Court Jester!
Response
November 29, 2006 - 20:14 ET by CRDAnother example . . .
Carter is so full of himsel
November 28, 2006 - 14:11 ET by MudhenCarter is so full of himself I want to vomit whenever I hear him talk. Easily the most incompetent president of the 20th century. Jimmy Carter's handling of the economy made Herbert Hoover look like an expert. One has to wonder what further damage he would have done to the US if had Reagan not been elected in 1980. The MSM forgets there are plenty of good reasons why the counrty didn't re-elect him.
pass the puke bucket this way
November 28, 2006 - 14:52 ET by terrigI cannot believe the short-term memory of these clowns. I remember the Carter years like they were yesterday. I had relatives in Pittsburgh who had to walk away from their home because they had double digit interest rate and they both lost their rust belt jobs. I am so sick and tired of this clown being given any deference. Does anyone remember the 444 days of the Hostage Crisis? The problems we have today can be directly traced to this clown.
I remember it well. I suffere
November 28, 2006 - 14:55 ET by bassndudeI remember it well. I suffered through the 4 years in the Army. I got out in Sep of 80 cause I was not going to spend another 4 years in with him in office.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Jimboy Crater
November 28, 2006 - 14:56 ET by misterbillThere must be a chemical in peanuts that hangs in the air at peanut farms that messes with your brain. He is a toady. Our enemies send him Chapsticks for Christmas so he can continue to kiss their collective a$$.
He is a pea-nit!
Response
November 29, 2006 - 20:15 ET by CRDYet another . . .
I don't remember it well, but
November 28, 2006 - 15:23 ET by UnsaneI don't remember it well, but I know better than to mention Carter under my parents roof. That, and everything I read about his presidency, and my trip to his presidential library, reinforce the impressions I got from elsewhere.
And his shooting off his mouth, blasting his own country at every opportunity, is NOT helping his cause...
"Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy." -Sir Winston Churchill, British statesman (1874-1965)
Good thing the Democraps took
November 28, 2006 - 14:27 ET by kwGood thing the Democraps took over Congress and can solve the Iraq problem! Jimmy can take a play out of his old playbook from the Iran hostage crisis to solve the Iraq war - do nothing.
Except, for walking around in
November 28, 2006 - 15:20 ET by kathleenirishExcept, for walking around in circles, wringing his hands and whining. We can thank Jimmy Carter and his band of boogers from Georgia for the rise of the terrorist state of Iran and the Islamic nightmare from the Middle East today.
Why do the liberal media fall all over themselves for such a bitter failure such as Carter? In addition to presiding over the stagflation economy of the 70s, he signed off on the fraudulent election of Chavez in Venezuala, too, among other botched disasters. The Carter stamp-of-approval really means trouble for the United States. He and the UN- cut from the same worn-out, empty, moth-eaten cloth.
He takes joy somehow in undermining the U.S. and its president. What a piece of shite, and a traitor, too. But being a traitor is so tres chic to the MSM.
"He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, and he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere" -Ali ibn-Abi-Talib, 4th Islamic Caliph
I for one wouldn't trust JC'
November 28, 2006 - 14:35 ET by DarkCurrentI for one wouldn't trust JC's advice on a brand of toilet paper.
I learned better than than that just reading the front page while delivering the Seattle Times back in '79. Don't have no degrees in journalism yet though, so maybe I'm wrong
Watch Jimmy's legacy-restruct
November 28, 2006 - 15:32 ET by GalvanicWatch Jimmy's legacy-restructuring activities very carefully. He's laying the blueprint for Bill Clinton. Both had unremarkable foreign policies, yet over time, and with the help of friends and books, they can overcome their poor legacies.
As for his advice, I don't think anyone outside of the media listens to Carter. The Third World pretends to pay attention while he's giving them something, but that's about it.
But Jimmy couldn't get the American hostages out of Tehran in 444 days, so why would anyone listen to his advice on foreign crises?
Watch Jimmy's legacy-restruct
November 28, 2006 - 15:32 ET by GalvanicUnless he's buying them off, like he did Israel and Eygpt.
Watch Jimmy's legacy-restruct
November 28, 2006 - 15:32 ET by GalvanicI saw this empty-suit intervi
November 28, 2006 - 15:57 ET by bigtimerI saw this empty-suit interviewing the other empty-suit this a.m.
Disgusting. Despicable, Pathetic.
Carter, I blame you personally for a lot of this mess, you and the other worstest Prez Clintoon for all of this mess...but hey, you have the leftists in this great country, let alone the rest of the world behind you...so you let yourself believe your are worth a rats rear-end...
You ARE NOT!
Where did Carter not fail o
November 28, 2006 - 16:00 ET by JDWWhere did Carter not fail outside of the U.S.?
JDW
Kerry: "You know, education, if you make the most of it ... you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."
Carter was and is a traitor to America and Democracy
November 28, 2006 - 16:23 ET by PlaceboCarter is the president who pushed America into a fathomless malaise. Moreover, it took the likes of President Reagan to heal and restore our faith in America once more.
Jimmy Carter is the darling of the leftist talking-heads, preferring to ignore or feigning his presidency wasn’t disastrous but a second Camelot.
Who, in their right minds, would ask Carter advice of Iraq? After all, this is a man who reveres Castro and others of his perfidious ilk. Carter was and is a traitor to the America, we all know and love. He, as do his media appendages, prefers that we surrender our American values; they are not fighting for… let alone die for.
I believe Carter when he say
November 28, 2006 - 16:24 ET by Mr. KafirI believe Carter when he says he is not "anti-Israel", he just hates JEWS!!!!!!!!!
Carter you ignorant slut. The
November 28, 2006 - 16:32 ET by Mr. KafirCarter you ignorant slut. There are no palistinians, there is no palistine. They are Jordyptians and their hovels are located in the DISPUTED TERRITORIES. Over 500,000 Jews were expelled from Arab countries in 1948, and ALL were absorbed by the State of Israel. No whining, no UNRWA, no millions of dollars wasted, and no claim of victimhood. You shoud really have a hot poker shoved up your arse until to get it right.
"stimulating conversatio
November 28, 2006 - 17:00 ET by buddyc"stimulating conversation". james earle carter's mind died 15 years ago. he is one of the living dead. the guy is brain dead. how do you have a stimulating conversation with a guy who is brain dead?
well it is possible if the at the other end of the conversation is H. Smith. this is classic. i laughed so hard i almost wet my pants. stimulating - carter in the same sentence and the amercian public tunes into cbs? you have to be kidding? who are their viewers? if it is woman loaded they should be ashamed that the intelligence level of what they watch is at this low level.
i can't believe any red blooded american male would watch H. Smith. if he had a wig and skirt he could easily pass for a woman even though it would be an ugly woman. as for "stimulating" H. Smith is NOT capable of being stimulating. he is the most femine boring televsion personality on cbs and there are a lot of boring cbs commentators.
Smith was easy on him because
November 29, 2006 - 01:17 ET by Sua Sponte 75Smith was easy on him because Carter brought his rabbit smackin paddle with him.
"You're either part of the solution or part of the problem"
Lordy Lordy
November 29, 2006 - 20:22 ET by Rackiefree at last... I'm free at last... the dumbass democrats are in charge at last
sua sponte...You raise an int
November 29, 2006 - 20:27 ET by Clear thinkersua sponte...
You raise an interesting point. How could a leader take on a country like Iran when he was scared shitless by a wabbit?
Response
November 29, 2006 - 20:36 ET by CRDAnd clearly you are part of the problem.
response
November 29, 2006 - 20:40 ET by bigtimerresponse
bt...TOUCHE!
November 29, 2006 - 20:42 ET by Clear thinkerbt...
TOUCHE!