Jimmy Carter: “We hope and we expect that the conflict between Iran and Iraq will not have any effect on the safety or lives of the…”

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.

Our great nation now teeters on the brink of a widening abyss. Without immediate action, we are at genuine risk of civil conflict and losing our precious democracy.

All of us owe them our gratitude and respect.

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.