Jimmy Carter: Hillary 'inevitable,' but Bernie is a 'surprising' competitor

Former President Jimmy Carter threw his support behind Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.

Speaking to HuffPost Live host Marc Lamont Hill, Carter called Clinton's nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate "inevitable."

"Of course I'll be glad to support her when she gets the nomination," he said, "against any Republican--any one of the 14 or 15 that already have announced."

Carter admitted that he was surprised by the early success of Vermont senator Bernie Sanders. "[He] has had a remarkable entree into politics in Iowa and New Hampshire," he explained. "I noticed in the newspaper today that he's challenging her in Iowa for instance."

But Clinton's fundraising prowess will boost her candidacy, Carter said.

"I think in the long term, she'd be able to raise the money, and I think Jeb Bush will be able to raise more money in the Republican party. And now as you know, with the Supreme Court's stupid ruling on Citizens United, whoever can raise the most money has the best chance of being elected."

The former President also addressed concerns about Clinton's qualifications.

"She's been the President's wife, and they learn an awful lot about the detailed administration of government, and the tough decisions that have to be made, and the problems that you're going to have to face."

He continued, "And then plus that, she's been highly acquainted with international affairs, being Secretary of State, so I think she's highly qualified from her background and her experience and knowledge."

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