It's not about Howard. Turns out it's about Jimmy:
Former President Carter said Wednesday that he does not plan to endorse Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean when the two meet this weekend.
Carter issued a statement, described as a clarification of news reports about Dean's visit Sunday in Carter's hometown of Plains, Ga.
"This meeting is not an endorsement of his candidacy, but an opportunity for me to learn more about the candidate and his views," Carter said.
And it's not the first time Carter has met with a candidate in this race. Turns out he's been "learning" about another:
Carter said he previously has met with Dean and with retired Gen. Wesley Clark, another Democratic presidential hopeful.
"These meetings were arranged at the request of the candidates. As in the past, I welcome meetings with any Democratic presidential candidate."
I've said before, I love Jimmy Carter. But the Jimmy I love is the man with a vision for peace and justice in the world. The Jimmy I do not love is the political Carter where, all too often, it only is about him and his last defeat (see also Al Gore). This latest development is classic political Carter.
And so, I repeat my earlier question: Exactly what is the purpose of scheduling a meet-and-greet the day before the Iowa vote?
I think it's this: I think Dean gets (a) a chance to be seen in a Southern church with a Hall of Fame-caliber Sunday School teacher; and (b) he says to the nation, perhaps on Canadian TV even, Iowa was so last week.
And that, I think, is very, very smart. Sure beats what he's doing today.