Could Gore afford politically to make global warming proposals

[Alhena]

which would actually make a difference? Let's be honest- the kind of Kyoto-type restrictions which might make a dent in global warming would be a big loser politically. And yet Gore would almost have to make them in order to not be seen as a hypocrite.

This is one reason why I don't think he will run- he knows that most of the country isn't where he is at yet as far as understanding the gravity of global warming. Not many people I know are really worried about global warming as something that will have a big impact in their lives. I imagine the Republicans could make very effective attack ads warning about the danger to the economy of Kyoto-type restrictions.

[Pirate Smile]

1. I think that getting off Middle East oil can also be framed as a national

security issue.

The billions of $$$'s we send to the Saudis and others in the ME are used to finance Al Queda, insurgents in Iraq, etc.

The ME now controls our economy by controlling the fuel that the entire country runs on.

He could always frame it in that way for the people who aren't convinced of Global Warming.

He could also make a big argument regarding just imagine if those billions of $$$'s we usually send to the ME were instead invested back in the US - if we were paying companies throughout our country for alternative forms of energy.

That would create a huge industry and tons of jobs.

I agree that they would attack him on the issue but I think there are strong arguments to counter it.

It would definitely be a campaign about big issues, not small initiatives.

[ourvoicescount]

3. Good points. It seems that the country is starting to wake up to the problem...

despite whether government is accepting it.

[greenman3610]

2. Gore knows if he runs it may weaken his GW impact

He is working to create the grassroots awareness that
will give politicians room to run on this issue, ie
carbon caps, etc.
that is why I think he will wait til the last minute
to make a judgement on whether the momentum
is such that he can do more in office than out..

word is he's waiting till Fall....

?? Hurricane season?

[hijinx87]

4. I can't imagine a more effective means of making the public aware of GW

than making it the centerpiece of a presidential
campaign, unless it would be making it the centerpiece
of his administration.