At the 30th annual Carter Town Hall on Wednesday, former President Jimmy Carter told his audience he thought the Supreme Court decision to roll back restrictions on corporate spending in federal campaigns was "one of the stupidest rulings ever consummated or perpetrated on the American people."
The Citizens United ruling was decided 5-4 in 2010 and received criticism for allowing a flood of special interest money in politics. President Barack Obama was a major critic, saying the decision was "a major victory for big oil, Wall Street banks, health insurance companies and the other powerful interests that marshal their power every day in Washington to drown out the voices of everyday Americans."
Carter also discussed the 2012 election and the atmosphere in Washington during the talk, noting that he would not be interested in being president today, The Emory Wheel reports.
When asked about the 2012 presidential election, Carter said he has not had "any time to waste" on the Republican debates, but noted it is his belief that Rick Perry is leading the race so far. He added that the Texas governor's doubts on the theory of evolution and position on Social Security would keep him from winning the GOP nomination.
Despite saying he wouldn't side with any particular presidential candidate, Carter did say he would be happy to see Mitt Romney win the primary during an appearance on MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show" on Thursday.
"I'm not taking a position, but I would be very pleased to see him win the Republican nomination," Carter said of Romney, adding that he doesn't "think anybody's going to beat Obama next year."