"[336]

Presidential politics
Carter in 1988
Carter was considered a potential candidate in the 1984 presidential election,[337][338] but did not run and instead endorsed Walter Mondale for the Democratic nomination.[339][340] After Mondale secured the nomination, Carter critiqued the Reagan campaign,[341] spoke at the 1984 Democratic National Convention, and advised Mondale.[342] Following the election, in which President Reagan defeated Mondale, Carter stated the loss was predictable because of the latter's platform that included raising taxes.[343]
In the 1988 presidential election, Carter ruled himself out as a candidate once more and predicted Vice President George H. W. Bush as the Republican nominee in the general election.[344] Carter foresaw unity at the 1988 Democratic National Convention,[345] where he delivered an address.[346] Following the election, a failed attempt by the Democrats in regaining the White House, Carter said Bush would have a more difficult presidency than Reagan because he was not as popular.[347]
During the 1992 presidential election, Carter met with Massachusetts Senator Paul Tsongas who sought out his advice.[348] Carter spoke favorably of former Governor of Arkansas Bill Clinton,[349] and criticized Ross Perot, a Texas billionaire who was running as an independent.