Jimmy Carter's 2016 Democratic National Convention Comments

Jimmy Carter delivered a recorded comment at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on 26 July 2016.

Transcript
Good evening, Democrats.

Forty years ago, in our nation's bicentennial year, I stood before you to accept your nomination as President. Rosalynn and I wish we could be there with you tonight to prepare for what will be an extremely important election, one that will define for a generation who we are as a nation, and as a people.

We Americans have a clear choice before us: I feel proud that the two Democratic candidates who competed throughout a long primary season, Senator Bernie Sanders and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton comported themselves with dignity, talked about issues that matter, and presented a vision for our nation.

And I thank Senator Sanders for energizing and bringing so many young people into the electoral process. To all of you young Americans, I say: stay engaged. Stay involved. And be sure to vote this November. At a moment when it's become more important than ever to lift people up, to have a hope and a road map for a brighter future.

Instead, we see a Republican presidential candidate who seems to violate some of the most important moral and ethical principles on which our nation was founded. We can, and must, do better. And fortunately, the Democratic nominee we'll soon be choosing offers a stark contrast in both substance and style, and also competence, and experience to what the Republicans have chosen.

I've known Hillary Clinton for decades. When she was a young attorney: I appointed her to the Legal Services Corporation, where she became the first woman chair. There, Hillary fought to make sure that, in our courts, those with the least were treated the same as those with the most. And since then, as you know, Hillary has always demonstrated a willingness to take on the most difficult challenges, and to get things done.

Her life has been dedicated to advancing human rights across the globe, especially for women and children. These are perilous times. We need someone with a strong heart; a deep understanding of the issues, challenges, and opportunities; and a steady hand. Hillary Clinton has my support. I know she will also have yours. A united Democratic Party will prevail in November.

Thank you all, and God bless the United States of America.