Well, it’s not as if this is a particularly controversial point. What other President in American history allowed dozens of embassy staff to be held hostage for over a year? What other President kissed a totalitarian on the cheek and pronounced American fears of Soviet Communism overblown? What other President addressed the nation during an economic crisis and told us that we more or less had to get used to it? Oh, wait, there has been a new entry in that last category …

I don’t think Michael Medved expected that response from Senator John McCain (R-AZ), but McCain can be unpredictably blunt in interviews. There may be competition for worst in American history from the 19th century — Franklin Pierce comes to mind — and perhaps from the 21st century, if the rest of the Obama term goes like the first eight months. But I’d agree with McCain that Carter has the 20th century title locked up. (via Greg Hengler)