In a recent interview with Andrea Mitchell of NBC, former president Jimmy Carter expressed his disappointment over the fact that Obama does not seek his advice regarding foreign policies, and how to deal with the ongoing issue between Russia and Crimea.
Carter, 89, was on the show Meet the Press to talk about his new book entitled A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power. In the book, Carter discusses women’s varied roles in a “man’s world”. The book also tackles issues on improving the lives of women all over the world.
Mitchell then asked the former president if Obama has ever asked for his advice on how to handle Russia. “Unfortunately the answer is no. President Obama doesn’t, but previous presidents have called on me,” responded Carter.
Former US President Jimmy Carter on Meet The Press
When asked why he thought the President does not contact him, he simply answered that it might have something to do with their opposing opinions on how to solve the problems in the Middle East.
Carter also mentioned that he prefers the old method of snail mail when communicating with a foreign leader privately. This is because he believes that his e-mails are being monitored by the National Security Agency. “I type or write the letter myself, put it in the post office, and mail it, because I believe if I send an e-mail, it will be monitored.”
Carter has already expressed support for Edward Snowden who has leaked information from the NSA regarding surveillance programs. In an interview with CNN last year, Carter mentioned that although Snowden has violated the law, he believes that exposing information to the public is beneficial in the long run, as the invasion of privacy has been too much.
The former president also said that all the spying has compromised the country’s democracy.
Although the President has yet to reach out to him, Carter said that he understands the situation and does not have criticisms for Obama.
Who Is Jimmy Carter?
Image via YouTube