Jimmy Carter to speak by video at Dem convention

By Catalina Camia, USA TODAY

Updated 1d 5h ago

Former president Jimmy Carter won't be attending the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, but he'll address the gathering by videotape.
"Rosalynn and I regret that we will be unable to be at the Democratic Convention this year in Charlotte. However, we remain steadfast in our support for President Obama and the progress he will make in the next four years," Carter said in a statement released by the Democratic convention.

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Carter, who has spent his post-White House years devoted to humanitarian efforts, will offer "unique insights" on Obama as a global leader on Tuesday, Sept. 4, according to the statement.

Carter joins ex-Republican presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush in not attending their party confabs. Former president Bill Clinton will be on hand in Charlotte on Wednesday, Sept. 5, to formally nominate Obama for a second term.

Earlier this year, Carter created a stir when he said during anMSNBC interview that he would be "comfortable" with Mitt Romney in the White House because of some of his past positions. He had made clear that he was supporting Obama, and went on to say that he believed Romney went too far "in conservative positions to suit the average American."