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


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.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
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.
-
New tariffs set on 14 trading partners
Speed Read A new slate of tariffs will begin August 1 on imports from Japan, South Korea, Thailand and more
-
New tariffs set on 14 trading partners
Speed Read A new slate of tariffs will begin on August 1, with rates ranging from 25% to 40% on imports from Japan, South Korea, Thailand and more
-
Elon Musk launching 'America Party'
Speed Read The tech mogul promised to form a new political party if Trump's megabill passed Congress
-
Judge blocks Trump's asylum ban at US border
Speed Read The president violated federal law by shutting down the US-Mexico border to asylum seekers, said the ruling
-
Thai court suspends prime minister over leaked call
Speed Read Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended, pending an ethics investigation
-
Senate passes GOP megabill after Alaska side deal
The pivotal yes vote came from Sen. Lisa Murkowski, whose support was secured following negotiated side deals for her home state Alaska
-
Trump sues LA over immigration policies
Speed Read He is suing over the city's sanctuary law, claiming it prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities
-
Obama, Bush and Bono eulogize USAID on final day
Speed Read The US Agency for International Development, a humanitarian organization, has been gutted by the Trump administration