Editorial: Vanquished pols no longer invisible

Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2000 | 9:44 a.m.

President Clinton's valedictory speech overshadowed all else Monday at the Democratic National Convention, but a less-noticed tribute that day to former President Jimmy Carter was notable and deserves comment. Ever since Carter was defeated in a landslide in 1980, Democratic politicians have avoided him as if he were carrying a politically communicable disease. But over time the former president's humanitarian work has enhanced his standing among all Americans, so much so that his public approval ratings are far higher today than when he left the White House.

The Democrats weren't alone this year in honoring former living presidents, however, as the Republican National Convention also saluted Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford and George Bush. Reagan, a successful two-term president, obviously would be revered. But Bush was feted despite lingering conservative antipathy for breaking his "no new taxes" pledge (although it would have been more remarkable if he hadn't been saluted since his son is the GOP's standard-bearer). Ford's moderate views, meanwhile, have alienated conservatives, yet he also was honored for healing the nation after the Watergate scandal.

Our political system frequently treats losers of presidential bids as political pariahs, better left unseen. That is too bad. Their knowledge and understanding of the powers -- and limits -- of the presidency are invaluable. It is hoped that both the Republican and Democratic conventions this year signal a change in the way these former presidents are viewed, so that their advice is openly sought on occasion by members of Congress and, yes, even by the current occupants of the White House.