Why Al Gore should run in 08.

[crispini]

I have participated in several Gore candidacy threads over the last few weeks, and people tend to have a couple of different counterpoints as to why they think Al Gore should NOT run in 08. I've been thinking about them, and I'd like to address them as a summary now.

Counterpoint #1. People say, "I think Al Gore is doing a better job as an advocate for the fighting climate crisis where he is now."

Frankly, I don't understand this one. Yes, Al Gore is doing wonderful work building his own organization and getting publicity for the climate crisis, and yes, if he were President he would have to devote SOME time to other issues. However, when you're President, as we have seen with the current one :eyes: you have a LOT of power to get things done, and you have amazing amounts of control over the current dialog. All you have to do is call a flipping press conference (how easy is that?) and you get covered in the media. Al Gore as President would be like having him at the wheel of the car, (it's a hybrid, OK?) controlling the direction of the way we are fighting the climate crisis, as opposed to being in the passenger's seat saying, "Let's go over there." (Sheesh, so many times I have felt in the passenger's seat with THIS administration, LOL!)

Counterpoint #2: People say, "I am concerned that if he runs, people will say that the climate crisis movie, book, and all of his work was simply political maneuvering to get him publicity for himself as a candidate."

You know, people are going to SAY all kinds of crap about all of our candidates. It doesn't make it true. We can't stop any of the opposition from saying things about any one of our nominees, what MATTERS (as we saw in 04, with John Kerry) is HOW the candidate responds to these attacks. I personally think that the climate crisis problem is MORE important in some respects than a campaign for the presidency, and I think that's why Al should run -- he should use the publicity that comes with a run for the presidency, the media circus -- as a way to get publicity for the cause. That's why Al Sharpton is running, after all -- he doesn't think he's going to WIN, but he wants the opportunity to speak about the causes that are important to him, and I for one welcome his voice into the conversation.

Counterpoint #3: People say, "The campaign will take him away from his main passion, to talk about the climate crisis."

Why should it? He, and we who support him, should use every opportunity to make the campaign about the climate crisis. At meetups, we should talk about resources to go zero carbon, and encourage our Gore supporters to take TWO concrete actions -- one, to gather signatures for petitions or write letters, and two, to pick up some compact fluorescents on the way home and replace a couple of bulbs, or to buy a carbon pass for their upcoming business trip. And I can't imagine that Mr. Gore himself, were he on the campaign trail, would NOT take every opportunity to encourage people to change their habits and go green.

Counterpoint #4: People say, "People who are encouraging Al Gore to run for President just want him to fix all their problems and not do anything themselves about the issue."

Well, I'm trying not to do this. I'm recycling, buying CFs, working from home, and buying carbon offsets for my business travel, as well as encouraging my coworkers to do the same. I'm saving up for a hybrid. I think everyone who wants to encourage Mr. Gore to run should try to walk the walk as well as talk the talk. Will some people only talk the talk? Well, yes, that's true, but you know, that's human nature; some people will ALWAYS only talk the talk. We have a LOT of keyboard warriors on DU, and I don't know quite what to do about that problem, but that's in some ways a different problem. Anyway the more people get involved with the Gore "campaign" and get reminded that, YES, you need to do stuff too, then the more people will DO stuff. :D

And now here are a couple more of MY points:
Point 1: We need more than voluntary action -- people doing recycling on their own, and buying CF bulbs, and so on -- that's great, but if we are going to quickly lower our carbon levels we need BIG regulations, BIG projects. Grassroots is alright, but when it comes to getting things done FAST, there's nothing to match top-down. Folks, our goose is slowly starting to cook, and if we don't get some serious governmental regulation and programs, a sort of Moon Launch for the 21st century, so to speak, we are going to have PROBLEMS. It may already be too late. In a case like this, I want the man who knows the most about the problem to be our leader.

Point 2: Wow, would he not run an amazing race? It seems to me that this man has somehow found his voice, at least when I saw him speak it seemed that way to me. I don't think he would run any kind of half-baked campaign listening to Washington insiders or handlers. I think he would tell it like it is. And I think the American people need that, they want that, and they would respond to that.

Phew. Okay, rant over. Anyone got any more points I haven't addressed that they wanna make? :P

[Apollo11]

1. I strongly agree!

Gore is a visionary and he has been proved right on so many issues. Not just the climate crisis but also the invasion of Iraq and the PATRIOT Act, and the abuses of power by the current (P)Resident of the Whitehouse.

I look forward to reading Al Gore's forthcoming book "The Assault on Reason" (due out in May 2007). :)

The contents of his new book and the public response to it will create the context within which Gore can start making a decision on whether or not he should seek the Democratic nomination in 2008.

The fact that others (like John Edwards) have already declared doesn't mean that they are better qualified to be the nominee. Gore is in a unique position and he doesn't have to make his decision before the fall. Until he publicly endorses another candidate - we have to assume that he is keeping open the option to enter the race himself.

Gore will be 60 years old in 2008. So he is not too old to run again, if he thinks that the American people want him to run again. Certainly he is quite a few years younger than John Kerry, Wesley Clark, John McCain and Rudy Giuliani. He is also a full 5 months younger than Hillary Rodham Clinton!

We can all find ways to show our support for Gore and help to keep his name in the frame for 2008.

In Gore We Trust :)
www.algore.com
www.algore.org
www.draftgore.com
www.draftgore2008.org
www.patriotsforgore.com

[Virginia Dare]

2. If he dosen't and the Dems win the White House in '08...

at the very least, I would like to see him appointed into a Cabinet level position on the global warming crisis. We need some real leadership in this area.

[Double T]

3. Al Gore, the previous winner of the popular vote for President,.........

deserves to fulfill his rightful term in Presidential Office, without being supplanted by a neocon infested SCOTUS and absurd and ridiculous hanging chads. 2008 is Al Gores Year!!!

[Meshuga]

46. And electoral too...

If it weren't for the cheating in Florida!

[NYCGirl]

4. Great post! NT

[crispini]

5. I want to add a note.

I want to be really clear that I don't think Al Gore IS currently running. I think, if we're lucky, he MIGHT be thinking about it. He has always been very careful to leave a tiny door open when I have heard him asked about this. Yes, there is only a 5% chance, but there is a chance.

And I certainly don't think that all of his work on the climate crisis is politically motiviated for him to make a WH run. I think his work on the climate crisis comes from his desire to do the right thing.

[AtomicKitten]

6. Al Gore should run

because he bridges the many factions that currently exist within the Democratic Party. His evolution politically speaks to a brilliant mind that is capable of thinking outside the box.

Plus he so deserves a do-over of 2000 and I really, really, really want him to run.

[RestoreGore]

7. Mr. Gore Should Follow His Heart And Soul

Benjamin Disraeli
"Man is only truly great when he acts from his passions."

And that is exactly what he is doing, and my opinion on that is not going to change. He is now free without the trappings of the BS beltway, and with great resources at his disposal to run an unprecendented environmental grassroots effort. As he has stated many times, this is about the issue not about him. I support him in it 100% and am not about to harass him to do something his whole heart is not in.

The environment and addressing this crisis ARE his passions, and he has been wanting to do this for thirty years and he is making great progress in this BECAUSE he has disassociated himself from the political overtones. The way political campaigns are run in this country is also in my view beneath him, and don't tell me it is going to change, because it isn't. With reports that candidates will be spending more money this cycle than ever, it will be nothing more than an " I am better than you contest". Frankly, the world can't wait for that frivolous exercise to play out again as usual, and if people are truly concerned about this crisis and getting political action, then they should be pounding this Congress and their state and local governments NOW for changes to made. It is literally now or never.

To see him then use his vision, his business contacts, and his political experience to bring about change on all levels from out here as one of us untouched by the corruption of the political system is what is needed now as well as changing the hearts and minds of a people who have been brainwashed and anesthesized on the whole by television and propaganda for decades. His task and OURS now is not an easy one, and it is going to take years to bring about the change of moral conscience that we need to see in this country on the part of CITIZENS to make this world sustainable...Years that at this point we don't have because they have been wasted with idle speculation and catering to the very media talking heads we claim to abhor rather than focusing on the issue.

[crispini]

8. I like your quote.

I agree with it wholeheartedly.

Yes, if Mr. Gore does not want to run, then he of course should not. He wouldn't be a good candidate if he felt like that, for one thing. I can't help thinking, though, the fact that he has not been conclusive in his public statements-- very carefully leaving the door open a crack-- indicates that it is on his mind a little bit.

I also agree with you that this issue of global climate change is not about him. In a way, if he were to run, I think that that would be a golden opportunity for his campaign to NOT be about him, but about the issue.

I disagree that the campaign will inevitably be an "I am better than you contest." I think that the American people are hungering for true leaders. I hate to slam John Kerry but I think in some respects he ran the last campaign with listening to his handlers too much and not listening to his heart enough. I certainly don't think Mr. Gore would do that! I think he would bring a great tone to the campaign. For that matter I think Mr. Edwards and Mr. Obama will do the same.

Anyway, if he doesn't run, I hope he will pick somebody who is of a similar mind of himself, and endorse that person and work closely with them on the issue. I really want to see this issue get even more into the mainstream and I think that the 08 campaign will be an opportunity to do so.

[RestoreGore]

10. It may well be...

But as he has stated, that is just an internal shifting of gears and after over a quarter of a century in it I can understand that, and I believe him when he says it. I also believe he may be leaving that particular door a bit ajar in order to keep the focus on this crisis. I think that had he come forward before An Inconvenient Truth had premiered last May and stated unequivocably that he was definitely, positively not running for anything at any time that this movie would not have made the millions in the amount it did here, and I find that to be sad, but actually true. How many would even have gone to his website to sign cards to Congress without that door being ajar? Honestly.

I also cannot see him playing the games one has to play to be a part of a political campaign now, and as he has stated he has been there, done that. I equate it to being a veteran of war... you have seen it at its worst, the blood, the guts, the immorality and inhumanity of it...and you then don't want to be a part of it anymore, but that doesn't mean you still cannot be a viable force for change. And for me, that is fine, though of course, I will support his choices as long as they are made freely. However, he is actually accomplishing more regarding this crisis now than he did all of those years stuck in the beltway.

He is running a campaign, but it as campaign for our planet, and to me that is more important. I actually hope to see him take his climate training to Africa and other parts of the world that are feeling the affects of this crisis the most, and believe that he will work closely to see political changes across the board now and in the future. He's not going anywhere, and that is a good thing regardless of what he may ultimately decide to do with his life, but again, he cares more for the world, and to me is a great man for it.

Thank you for your civil response, and thank you for not biting my head off regarding my opinion. You are one of the only people who haven't done that here.

[crispini]

11. Haha, yes, that would be very clever of him to do that.

You are quite correct; if he had been definite about it he probably would not have gotten the same amount of media attention. If that is the case, smart man! I hope if and when he becomes definite NO that the "Draft Gore" crowd will continue to focus their energy on the environmental problem, i.e. turn "Draft Gore" meetups into Global Climate Change meetups and so on. (I'll be pushing to do that.) The issue is too important to do otherwise.

As far as the other, sorry that people jump on you. :( I am a realist, myself; if the man says he's 95% not gonna run, then I have to believe he's probably not going to run, and I'm down with that, but I'm still going to encourage that 5%. :D I think some people *are* looking for a hero to save them & that makes them shirty when someone says he's not gonna be our hero. I'm not looking for a hero; I'm looking for a leader.

What are your thoughts on his next book? I have to confess I am very intrigued by the topic, because it's not going to be An Inconvenient Truth part 2. (Quote: As described by editor Scott Moyers, the book is a meditation on how "the public arena has grown more hostile to reason," and how solving problems such as global warming is impeded by a political culture with a pervasive "unwillingness to let facts drive decisions.") So that in and of itself to me says he's interested in continuing this conversation which he is having with the entire country, on a slightly different topic, which I find kind of provocative. :P

Of course, I don't believe I have EVER had one of my early early picks make it all the way to being the official nominee, so my prognostications aren't worth squat. (I started my voting career by supporting Jesse Jackson in the 1986 primary, hahahaha.)

[Admiral Loinpresser]

15. Crispini,

I think the chance we can draft him is much better than 50%. Our actual chance to bring him in is very much related to how much grassroots support we have for drafting him. For example, if we go "viral" as Dean did in the summer of 2003, I am extremely confident that Gore will enter the race.

The smaller our movement, the less likely he will declare his candidacy. Certainly there is a real chance he could enter the race even without a prior groundswell, but I think it is in our power to guarantee that he come in.

If we build it, he will come.

[Apollo11]

18. "If we build it, he will come."

I strongly agree - again! :)

Gore has been absolutely clear in stating several times on the record that he has NOT ruled out running again.

The "shifting of gears" thing is a line he feeds the media to throw them off the question and stop them pushing too hard. I'm not entirely sure what it is supposed to mean. Like "I was a candidate so many times, I am finding it very hard to shift myself out of candidate mode, so don't be surprised if I suddenly enter the race for 2008." What else could it mean?

In Gore We Trust
www.algore.com
www.algore.org
www.draftgore.com
www.draftgore2008.org
www.patriotsforgore.com

[RestoreGore]

19. Then why didn't he accept your draft in 2004?n/t

[orpupilofnature57]

22. Still Pissed ,wouldn't you be ? 2000 should have been a slaughter,,

in a good way,not what we've been dealt.How many Assholes that voted for this Jerk, regret the superficial reasoning behind that mistake?

[RestoreGore]

25. Oh yes, I'm sure he was

And that's why I think more people should have stood up for him then regardless and not given up on him. Keeping Bush out THEN was that important, so I don't understand why any references to 2004 in regards to this are ignored and dismissed. I have always believed that 2004 was his window of opportunity, and I have already talked to some people who wonder why he would even consider running now, but refused then, especially since nothing has changed in regards to the status quo. Of course, now that I realize what this system is all about regarding that status quo, I know he would not have made it in 2004 either, and perhaps he sees more cons than pros to having to go through all of this again, and I sincerely do not blame him. I sure as hell would not want to have to do this again. And if it wasn't that important for people to stand up for him in 2004 regardless of his decision come hell or high water, I can only believe the sudden surge of support for him on some Internet sites is related to it being easier to win in peoples' minds because of his movie, which in my mind is simply dispelling reality... a reality that I am sure he is weighing as well.

[Uncle Joe]

30. Timing is everything, I believe there are several differences

between now and 2004. I believe Al Gore has been weighing the same risk/reward ratio as you, to run and lose could set the issue of global warming back.

I believe time is on our side and against us.

It's for us because as time goes by global warming will only become more self evident to the point of making it impossible for the flat earthers to deny it, more so now than in 2004. The internet is also stronger today and will be more so tomorrow than it was in 2004 acting as a counterweight to the mass corporate media's lies and deception. Time has also allowed the American People to catch up to the real Bush hiding behind the curtain: supplied by the same mass corporate media.

It's against us of course because when we hit the tipping point regarding global warming, there will not be much anyone can do to stop it.

I trust Al Gore's judgment, if he felt 2004 was not realistic and 2008 is, I will support him, if he decides 2008 is not and 2012 is, I will still support him.

[Apollo11]

34. That was 2004. This is 2007.

RestoreGore - I like your website and I appreciate your efforts to support Al Gore in all his good works. But it seems to me that you are still bitter about Gore not accepting the call (which at that time did not really take off in a big way) to seek the Democratic nomination in 2004. This is not me flaming you, but there is a bitter taste to some of your posts.

I guess like me you have seen and read Gore's statements since 2000. What he has said about 2004 is that he sensed that there was not an appetite - not in the Democratic Party and not in America as a whole - for a GORE-TEX re-match in 2004. Presidential elections should be about the future. But a BUSH-GORE re-match in 2004 would inevitably have been all about 2000 - going over what happened, and the fact that Gore strongly disagreed with the Supreme Court's decision to stop the recounts in Florida. This is one of the main reasons why he did not seek the nomination in 2004. It seems to me that you don't accept this as a good reason. So at least on this one issue - you don't see things the same way as Al Gore does.

Al Gore waited until the end of fall 2003 before making his final decision about 2004. Then on December 9th he came out in support of Howard Dean. One of the reasons he gave for supporting Dean was because he knew that the biggest issue in the 2004 campaign would be the decision to invade Iraq, and Gore said that he shared Dean's position on this issue.

"He was the only major candidate who made the correct judgment about the Iraq war," Gore said. "And he had the insight and the courage to say and do the right thing. And that's important because those judgments -- that basic common sense -- is what you want in a president."
http://edition.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/12/09/elec04.prez.gore.dean/

Unless and until Gore decides to publicly endorse another candidate for 2008, we should assume that he is keeping open the option of seeking the nomination himself.

I still say that Al Gore is the most experienced and best qualified potential candidate for President of the US. He is a visionary and has been proved right so many times. Not just on the climate crisis but also on other issues like the invasion of Iraq, the PATRIOT Act and the ongoing abuses of executive power by the current Resident of the Whitehouse.

Gore will be 60 in 2008. He is several years younger than McCain, Giuliani, Kerry and Clark. He is also 5 whole months younger than Hillary!

I look forward to reading his forthcoming book "The Assault on Reason" (due in May 2007).

Let's all find ways to help keep Gore's name in the frame for 2008!

In Gore We Trust :)
www.algore.com
www.algore.org
www.draftgore.com
www.draftgore2008.org
www.patriotsforgore.com

[RestoreGore]

38. Flame me?

Believe me, you couldn't flame me anymore than I have already been flamed by algore.org which banned me from their site simply because I posted support for Mr. Gore (which they dared to call "spam") because they saw my PAC as trying to steal their thunder when I thought we were one "community", and then tried to stop people from taking it seriously along with the Gore Support Center, which both called me crazy and a crackpot "that would fade into oblivion" because I dared to seek a constitutional remedy to the election theft of 2000 by seeking to "restore Gore" by asking for their help. And also because my PAC endorsed Al Gore for President because sticking to our convictions was more important than being party players.

I wanted to DO something THEN, and all I got was the pariah treatment. I then learned from that experience very quickly how fast those of us who are sincere about what we hope to do for THIS COUNTRY are crushed under foot by those who think they somehow have first claim to being "Gore supporters" on the Internet. It is no different than what is done to good men like Al Gore in this political system by those who think they have more power and right, so in that vein I can understand COMPLETELY why he would never want to get involved in that BS again. I sure as hell know I don't, especially with those same people again.

And why are you putting words in my mouth? I never stated that I was angry at him (although, yes, I thought at that time that he should have just told the DNC, DLC, and everyone else to F**** themselves and run as his own free man, but that was more out of anger at THEM and LOVE FOR MY COUNTRY and for him. But then as I stated, that was before I too learned how the candidate is "picked" in this system.) I realize now from my experience as Mr. Gore learned from 2000 that he was right not to run under the circumstances of this toxic status quo system because living your conscience is more important, and I still see that NOTHING has changed this time regarding it. If anything has, please enlighten me.

I also stated that I was angry at people for not coming out in droves then for him regardless to make sure that Bush didn't get in again...but again, that was before I realized that this isn't about principle, but " political timing." To me 2004 was a giveaway and no, I won't forgive that. Look around you. How can you say it made no difference? 2004 WAS the window of opportunity lost that has led us to 2007. And it is more importantly about our CONSTITUTION to me, so yes, you can bet I am damned bitter about seeing it disentegrate right before my eyes. I am bitter about what we have allowed to take place in this country since 2000, including 2004, and I have every right to be. I have every right to have expected it to be different.

And please, you KNOW that ANYTIME he may decide to run it is going to be about 2000, and he knows that too. Matter of fact, I am sure he knows more about how that deck is stacked than you or I ever will. And since you really don't know what he was feeling deep in his heart and soul then as opposed to what he felt he had to say, you don't know whether my opinion really disagrees with his or not. And what if it does? Are you saying that makes me less worthy to support him? What is your point? He knows full well about the efforts I tried to undertake, and thanked me personally for them. So I don't have worries that disagreeing with him is anything he would hold against me.

And yes, this isn't 2004, this is 2007... and look where the hell we are because people were too busy playing political games rather than seeing the URGENCY of what needed to be done THEN to prevent what we have NOW. And in all honesty, I am not not keeping Mr. Gore's name in any frame for 2008 unless HE puts it there. I respect and understand his position now too much to continue to HARASS him about something that only HE can decide. Again, I have learned great lessons from the past.

Until that time if it ever comes, I am supporting his endeavors as a statesman, an environmentalist, a teacher, an author, a businessman, and a private citizen, because they are GREAT, and because it is Mr. Gore who has made me see that he doesn't have to run in this bloated, corrosive, media comglomerate propaganda spewing, poll driven, sound bite system to be GREAT. So you support him in your way by continuing to push him into that system, and I will support him my way by helping him out here. As he stated about the political end of it, "been there, done that."

[Apollo11]

41. Let's see what Gore says in May

He will be bringing out his new book and we can be sure there will be a whole series of interviews on various network and cable TV shows. I look forward to reading and hearing what Al Gore has to say, and then seeing what kind of a response he gets from the media and from the public.

Then we will see how the situation evolves over the summer and into the fall.

Gore has said that he hasn't ruled out running again. So until he has made his final decision, all of us have the right to let him know if we think he should seek the nomination.

There's nothing in the past that would prevent Gore winning in 2008.

[crispini]

49. "And please, you KNOW that ANYTIME he may decide to run it is going to be about 2000"

Well, yes and no. I mean, that will always be there, but will it be a major theme? I think at this point enough time has passed that 2000 will be only a subtext for the average voter.

As far as 2004.... that early grassroots / netroots energy coalesced around Howard Dean, for whatever reason. For me, 2004 primaries was mostly a narrative of how old school politics and organization can beat newness, grassroots, and enthusiasm. As a matter of fact I learned that again in 06 in a different context, but that's another story. For me the lesson is that you have to have both. I think Mr. Gore has probably learned this as well.

And, yes, the system stinks, but it's the only one we have. :shrug:

[RestoreGore]

53. "And, yes, the system stinks, but it's the only one we have."

But it isn't the only one WE could have if WE REALLY wanted to change it and it isn't the one our forefathers wrote about in the Constitution. But since I don't see that happening on a grand scale and all I see are the same people pining for Al Gore to do it for them while this world deteriorates around us NOW, I don't think it is then hard to figure out why we are where we are, and frankly, Al Gore doesn't deserve that. He is givng the people the tools to use to help bring about major changes in the way we conduct business and relate to this planet NOW. If we don't take those tools and use them, we have no one to blame but OURSELVES for the fallout.

[crispini]

54. Ah, see I do see that happening, at least on some scale.

Hello :hi: from a freaking red county that elected 42 Democratic judges in 2006, along with a WHOLE bunch of other local Dem elected officials. Every time I go to a county party executive committee meeting I see a TON of people who are walking the walk and talking the talk and doing their best. Yes, there are a lot of people looking for heroes -- especially online -- but I think there are also a lot of people out there in the real world working for change. Honestly, I would say that of the excellent Dem activists I know, who are out there knocking on doors and working hard, only 1/5 of them are online. The rest are out there trying to hook it up themselves. I guess you can call me a cockeyed optimist if you want, but every dang time I get out there to a county party meeting or a city council meeting, I see people who are doing their best to change the world, and it does make me feel better, like we really can do it if we try. I'm not saying online mind you. For me, online is sort of fun but not all that fulfilling in terms of really making a difference -- it's hard to accomplish things online, people are ruder to each other online, and it just doesn't stack up like putting together a city councilor candidate forum or a casserole supper for the Dem women in the neighborhood, at least that's kind of what I think. Yeah, things suck wang and people are still too prone to the boring consumerist crap, but by and large people are still good and they are still working hard to make a difference.

But it'll make even MORE of a difference if we have a really cool dude up at the top pointing the way. Howard Dean was and is that for a lot of people, (me!) and I think Al Gore is and could be even more so.

[Admiral Loinpresser]

33. Very simple.

In 2002 he said he wouldn't run. No significant draft movement arose to make him reconsider.

He was not even remotely as popular in 2003 as he is now. Then it was fashionable to say bad things about him. Now most progressives love Gore. We have a much better environment for drafting him in this cycle. That is an objective fact.

[RestoreGore]

39. No "draft" will change his mind ever

He is his own man, and a very intelligent one at that who I believe knows full well what his plans are now just as he did in 2004. And this time I intend to respect that.

[Admiral Loinpresser]

42. We will have to agree to disagree. n/t

[Uncle Joe]

9. I agree with your analysis crispini

However, I believe when you hear a talking head in the mass corporate media say or columnist write Al Gore found his voice or why didn't Al have this passion in 2000 it's basically just a fig leaf for their own guilt from slandering him and enabling Bush to power to begin with. I will not believe the mass corporate media has changed until they address their own behavior, today the meme is Al Gore has changed, I contend he has always been true to him self, the media just didn't report it.

Thanks for the post

Kicked and recommended

[cascadiance]

12. For me global warming is one big reason but not THE reason I want him running!

THE reason I want him to run is that he's probably the one candidate that can keep the DLC influence at a distance and yet have the name recognition and popularity to win the election. You have Dennis Kucinich who still has to prove he can win, even if he has honorable stances. You have Russell Feingold, who I think has good stances and maybe a better chance at getting the popular vote than Kucinich, but who's decided not to run. And then you have Al Gore, if he decides to enter I think can make that big difference and perhaps even be that FDR style president that can make major changes to right the ship after it's been almost sunk from it's morphing into a corporatocracy.

And if he grabs Russell Feingold as his VP selection, I think they would complement each other well on the things that they could do well in leading this country. Al Gore on technology and environmental issues. Russell Feingold on civil liberties, campaign finance reform, and fixing the legal system again. And in effect through a lot of rule changes that this administration has made to give Cheney more executive decision making power, we could utilize those changes to have someone like a Russell Feingold make a big difference in helping divide up the workload to allow Al Gore to put in plenty of good and POWERFUL time in taking on the global warming challenge effectively.

[Patchuli]

13. I totally agree

except that with this malAdministration, I have felt more like I was riding in the trunk! LOL!

[bajamary]

14. re-elect Gore

Amen, Al Gore is the best person for the job, no question about this.

Re-elect Gore in 2008

[Subdivisions]

16. I used to think Al Gore was a tool. Now, he is my hope... n/t

[Faryn Balyncd]

17. Re-elect Al Gore..............

[JNelson6563]

20. Al Gore knows the strength of the bully pulpit

Gore knows whatever he wants to promote (especially something world-wide like the environment) is going to get the attention it deserves if he's speaking as President. I've heard him say there is no more effective place from which to work for something so big.

Figure in the fact that he's brilliant enough to work on many things at a time and do them well and Voila! A most excellent President indeed!

Would dearly love to cast another vote for President Gore!

Julie

[orpupilofnature57]

21. We need to Sue democrats with reason,Continuity costs!

Al is a concrete solution.

[durrrty libby]

23. Gore IS the one!

[bklyncowgirl]

24. This country needs someone with experience and vision to clean up the mess.

Edwards and Obama have vision but little experience.

Clinton and Biden have experience but little vision.

Clark and Richardson have experience but no chance (at least at this time--things could change)

Kuchinch has vision but no chance.

Kerry, sadly, has both vision and experience but shows now sign of having learned from his loss.

Gore is the only potential candidate I can think of who both knows where he wants to go and how to get there.

[Duer 157099]

26. Completely agree. Gore is the only real choice imho

Nobody else comes even close to inspiring me in any way, although some have done so marginally in the past.

Gore. The only choice. (Hey, good slogan)

[joeprogressive]

27. Anybody had a Gore sighting lately?

Is he losing weight? That will be a key indicator if he is running (no pun). The Al Gore campaign slogan: Al Gore: What should have been

[RestoreGore]

28. If I see this weight thing one more time...

How insulting to him.

[crispini]

29. I think he looks more like a statesman now than he ever did.

And agree w/ RestoreGore that the weight thing's kinda shallow, but then we talk about WOMEN like that all the time on DU so I guess it's expected.

[orpupilofnature57]

31. Non Hollywood actors are always the best ,art rather than show biz!!

[joeprogressive]

40. You know, the one thing I hate about fellow Liberals

is that no matter how much something is rooted in reality, being PC is always the most important thing to some. Whether you like it or not, this has been mentioned in publications before. I am not the first to say it. Plus, whether it is shallow or not, it might be the best indication of whether he is going to run. Nobody said it was right just like it isn't right that tall and handsome candidates poll better than short and fat ones. The PC police need to relax.

[SCDem]

35. Jan 2-4th

I was selected to participate in The Climate Project in Nashville, TN which was created and led by Al Gore. I was expecting him to just come in and give some inspiring speeches and rah rah the troops but he literally taught us all day from 8 to 5:20pm on Wednesday and then on Thursday because he didn't finish going through the slides (after giving his presentation straight through he and a leading scientist went through slide by slide - all 265 of them - and went through the science behind each slide to the nuances or to even style tips about when to click to the next slide and what a transition sentence to be). So Thursday morning we started at 7:30am instead of 8am with Mr Gore because he needed to finish the slides. I was so impressed and I want him to run even more than before I went to the training. He and Tipper look so happy and healthy though, so part of me said maybe this is what being out of politics does to you. I've started a Draft Gore Meetup in my area but I'm really skeptical if he is going to run. The Climate Project is all him and his staff - how can they be thinking of running if they're doing the best job yet of training the trainers to go out and save the world. Of course he is Al Gore and I'm sure he can do anything he puts his mind to and I am still holding out hope that he will run.

[Apollo11]

36. Good for you SCDem!

Good luck with your Draft Gore Meetup!

I know Gore is still working hard on his climate crisis initiative.

But we also know that he is planning to bring himself back into the public eye this coming May, when he brings out a book that is NOT about the climate crisis. It will be a critique of the Bush-Cheney administration during the past 6 years. You can be sure that Gore will then be interviewed on all the networks and news shows, and more people will start asking him if he would be interested in seeking the nomination for 2008.

I can see that it would be difficult to actually draft Gore when you will have a number of declared candidates running their campaigns and getting all the media attention. But unless and until Gore endorses another candidate - we have to assume he is keeping open the option of seeking the nomination. Right now - anything we can do to show our support for Gore makes it more likely that he will decide to enter the race.

According to sportsbook.com - it would appear that nobody except Hillary has a better chance of securing the Democratic nomination than Al Gore. :)

[SCDem]

37. Most all the people I talk to want Gore to run

Both apoliticals and super-politicals - they keep asking me (why? I have know idea) when is Gore going to run - we want him to run.

I think he is the best Democratic candidate and the best Presidential candidate. He was really funny during the training session - but at the same time he gave stirring speeches - he is a great Statesman whether he decides to run or not.

[crispini]

47. Wow. That sounds like a fantastic experience!

I'm thinking that the meetups are a win/win ... a chance to talk about Al Gore AND a chance to talk about the climate crisis. After all, people DO need to be encouraged to do the right thing, i.e. work on lightening their carbon footprint, etc. I would like to see BIG citizen's groups in each city and state to not only encourage each other to do the right thing environmentally but also pressure their cities and states. I think we can talk about a Gore candidacy AND talk about global warming: like Reese's peanut butter cups, two great tastes that taste great together, hahaha.

[ChiciB1]

32. Even I... A Big Time Edwards Supporter Won't Be Able To Resist

going with Gore. But I've said it before! I STILL remember my wonderful moment the night they called Florida FOR Gore and then my BUBBLE BURST just a short time later!

And we've paid for it ever since!

[ellisonz]

43. Gore/Obama in 08.

Let's see the GOP counter that.

[Meshuga]

45. Gore/Warner '08

Now, that's a ticket that would be stronger and give us the 13 electoral votes in VA. :-)

[ellisonz]

48. Eh...why pander to the conservatives? They've had their pResident.

I like the idea of a Black VP because it would dramatically increase Black turnout offsetting any loss in the white male demographic. Plus, Barack Obama is awesome and they're going to slander us and call us liberals anyways. So why bother?

[crispini]

50. That would be my dream ticket.

Hell, I get chills just thinking about it.

[ellisonz]

56. "The Dream Team"

Slam dunk;-)

[Meshuga]

44. If he runs I will support him!

It's normal for people who support other candidates to try to counterpoint. I don't have my full support for anybody specific (not because I don't like them but because I like more than one candidate or possible cadidates) but I would stick with Gore if he did run.

While he is not running I am going to stay undecided as far as who I am going to give my support but I do like most of the candidates this time around.

[crispini]

51. I like most of them too.

I hope it will be a more civil primary this time 'round because IMO we have so damn many good candidates! I have decided to encourage Gore early but IMO there are a plethora of wonderful choices and possibilities including Mr. Edwards, Mr. Obama, etctera.

[jcrew2001]

52. Gore/Bayh

Why didn't Gore pick Bayh to run with him last time? It would have been a great ticket. Does anyone know why not?

[Telly Savalas]

55. It'd be irrational for him not to run.

At bare minimum he could declare his candidacy and do pretty much no campaigning. This would be sufficient to give him free TV time in the primary debates to raise awareness to climate change (as well as other issues). In such a scenario, he'd be investing very little and have nothing to lose.

Of course we'd all be better off if he was fully committed to a legitimate bid for the presidency, but I wouldn't hold it against him if he didn't want to subject himself to that.

[Apollo11]

57. Gore would be hard to beat

Gore has been an outspoken critic of the Bu$h-Cheney regime from the start (starting with the Supreme Court's decision to stop the recounts in Florida), including the invasion of Iraq. If Gore announced his intention to seek the Democratic nomination, I am confident that he would lead the field into the primaries.

Just one example - Gore is doing a speech at the University in Boise, Idaho next week. They had to move it to the Taco Bell Arena - 12800 seats - and all the tickets sold out (at $5 each) in just 5 hours!

The only question is how much does he want the job?

My guess is that deep down - he still wants it.

In Gore We Trust :)
www.algore.com
www.algore.org
www.draftgore.com
www.draftgore2008.org
www.patriotsforgore.com