Earlier today the Obama campaign announced that Jimmy Carter would address the Democratic National Committee via video feed.

The speech will be in prime time, and marks something of both a step up and a step down for the former president. In 2008, he attended the convention but did not speak.  In 2004, he spoke on the first night, and in 2000, he was likewise honored on the first night as the only living Democratic ex-president. In 1996, Mr. Carter got a late invitation for a speaking slot after a temporary detente was called in his tumultuous relationship with President Bill Clinton.

This year’s appearance however brought considerable jeers from the GOP. Read More