Jimmy Carter: “I'm very proud to be able to come here on this special day for me.”

The aircraft carrying the 52 American hostages had cleared Iranian airspace on the first -- first leg of a journey home. And at every one of the 52 hostages was alive, was well and free.

All of us owe them our gratitude and respect.

Without immediate action, we are at genuine risk of civil conflict and losing our precious democracy.

Hospitals are just like prisons. They're easy to get in, but hard to get out. You need to help me get out of here so that I can go and serve the people in Tennessee.