Conservative political strategist Scott Jennings did not sugarcoat his assessment of Jimmy Carter's legacy with comments that drew plenty of blowback on social media Tuesday.
Jennings appeared on CNN News Night with Abby Phillip Monday night and accused former-President Carter of having a "huge ego," "meddling" in U.S foreign policy and "dabbling in antisemitism".
"Let me preface my take by wishing condolences to the Carter family on his death. He was obviously one of the most unique post-presidents we ever had because he lived so long and he did so much," Jennings began.
"That having been said, he was a terrible president — that's why he lost in a landslide. And if it's possible, I think he was an even worse ex-president because of his meddling in foreign policy, because of his sidling up to dictators on the world, because of his vehement views — anti-Israel views, and more than dabbling in antisemitism over the years."
Jennings continued, "I think he was a guy who had a huge ego and thought he was uniquely positioned to do all these things even after the American people had roundly and soundly rejected his leadership. So, I respect people who run for president and get elected president, but in his particular case, I think he time and again proved why he was never suited for the office in the first place."
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On X, Jennings doubled-down Tuesday, posting, "My thoughts on Jimmy Carter’s legacy last night on @cnn: terrible president, soundly rejected by the American people. Even worse ex-president, whose meddling in US foreign policy & virulent anti-Israel/anti-Semitic views must not be forgotten. Undermined US interests repeatedly."
Reaction to Jennings' comments flooded social media Tuesday.
"Wait until his body is cold!" wrote Dawn Young-McDaniel, while X user F. Joseph Merlino wrote, "I think the reaction to Scott Jennings shameful statements about Carter before he is even buried is exactly what the shameful CNN execs want - outrage to attract eyeballs and ratings. Ignore CNN."
Positive tributes have flooded in for former President Carter since his passing on Dec. 29. President Joe Biden declared Jan. 9, 2025, as “a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States" for former President Carter, who will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda before receiving a state funeral. at Washington National Cathedral.
Watch the video and see tweets below or at this link.
