A former president just endorsed Hillary Clinton. That's never happened to Donald Trump.

Jimmy Carter addresses the Democratic National Convention

(Image credit: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)

last updated 27 July 2016

Former President Jimmy Carter was the first of three Democratic presidents to address the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, congratulating both Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders for having a tough primary in which both candidates "comported themselves with dignity." Speaking to the convention in a short video, Carter said that he hired Clinton, then a young attorney, for the Legal Services Corp., where she became the first female chairman. Since then, "as you know, Hillary has always shown a willingness to take on the most difficult challenges, and to get things done," as a champion for human rights with a "strong heart" and a "steady hand."

Carter urged young voters to "stay engaged, stay involved, and be sure to vote this November," and said he's confident that "a united Democratic Party will prevail in November." Former President Bill Clinton speaks later on Tuesday night, and President Obama speaks at Wednesday night's convention. No former Republican presidents attended last week's Republican National Convention, much less endorsed Donald Trump. Bob Dole was the only living GOP presidential nominee to show up at the Cleveland convention.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.