NY Observer Interview with Albert Gore III: My Father Isn't Running

[RestoreGore]

http://thepoliticker.observer.com/2006/12/albert-gore-dads-doing-well-not-running-in-2008.html#comments
Excerpt:

The political environment right now is incredibly toxic," said Mr. Gore, acknowledging that he was "running the risk of repeating some of what my dad has already said." He wore jeans, a blue polo shirt and a dark blue blazer. He has blond hair and fair skin - a sort of Nordic version of dad. "There's way too much money involved. It's not one person, one vote any more. It's really one dollar one vote or something equivalent to that. The more money you have the more power you have in politics, and the type of populism that my grandfather, I guess, conducted himself with, and the same with my father - I'm not sure there's as much room for that as there was. And, I don't know, I don't plan to go into politics for a lot of the same reasons - well, I don't know all of his reasons - but I know that he has no plans to run in 2008."

In the years since Al Gore has been out of office, Al and Albert have grown tighter than ever. They spend a lot of time talking and it's not all global warming, "though that's definitely his passion," said the son.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am sure someone will find a way to dissect the words of Mr. Gore's own son to their own liking. However, Mr. Gore himself was quoted as stating that he does not foresee any circumstances under which he would run in 2008. So why am I bringing that up? Well, because as his son claims in this interview, this system is toxic and moneyed which is the reason why he also stated in this interview that he is not even going into politics. And to me, that speaks volumes about Mr. Gore's true feelings about politics and lends credence to his words regarding not missing it.

I have wondered myself, if Mr. Gore is still really so gung ho about this system and "one of them" as others seem to intimate with their speculation, why hasn't he done anything to groom his son for a political future? Seems to me he would do that like his father did if he really thought the presidency was the be all end all of policy. But he hasn't done that, and I say, good for him.

I guess some will just refuse to believe that Mr. Gore indeed finds greater satisfaction now in doing all in his power from his position as a statesman, author, businessman, and global environmental ambassador to exact change in policy, which as he rightly claims cannot change without a MORAL conviction on the part of citizens who are informed. They will also see an ulterior motive to his efforts because they only look at them through a political lens... and actually, that does also speak volumes in lending credence to Mr. Gore and his son's view of the political atmosphere in this country now.

[Uncle Joe]

1. He reminds me of Al Gore Jr., after Al Gore Sr. lost

his Senate seat, Al Gore Jr. had no desire for politics then as well. I also noticed the same caveat at the end as no different than what Al Gore Jr. has stated.


"So he's definitely not running?

"Well, I guess I have to add his addendum. I think the way he always says it is, 'I don't see any circumstances under which I would run for president.'"

[RestoreGore]

2. And again the point is missed.

The TOXIC system Mr. Gore speaks of rightfully is the point of this. I wonder why people refuse to get into that discussion regarding his words about this system being toxic. Could it be if they do they will see his point?

And when you look at his own words realistically:

'I don't see any circumstances under which I would run for president.'

Sounds pretty firm to me... but then, I don't think he is a liar.

[Uncle Joe]

8. I don't believe

Al is a liar either, however, I believe the circumstances can change and Al Gore is aware of this, and this is the reason he uses this caveat and has not given a Shermanesque statement of absolute denial to run or serve.

I also don't believe in the Bush mentality of either you're for us or against us, the world is far more gray than black and white.

[Auntie Bush]

3. I don't blame him for not wanting his son to get into politics AKA

Den of inequity. Why should he want his son to suffer the emotional pain he went through. The media lies, political slander and stolen elections. He lived through it...he knows the pain it thrusts upon one. Why the hell should he wish that upon his beloved son? Only a fool would and he isn't a fool. I admire him so much for realizing this fact. I love Al Gore...:loveya: he got screwed!

[RestoreGore]

4. I couldn't agree with you more

Thank you.

[Pirate Smile]

5. His son actually used the exact same language that he uses.

"There's way too much money involved. It's not one person, one vote any more. It's really one dollar one vote or something equivalent to that. The more money you have the more power you have in politics, and the type of populism that my grandfather, I guess, conducted himself with, and the same with my father - I'm not sure there's as much room for that as there was. And, I don't know, I don't plan to go into politics for a lot of the same reasons - well, I don't know all of his reasons - but I know that he has no plans to run in 2008."

The reporter and headline writer made it definitive.

The date of the article is December 14, 2006.

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

6. "No Plans To Run In 2008."

Same line that Al Gore has used. We'll see.

[RestoreGore]

7. I feel like I'm beating my head on a brick wall

No wonder people get frustrated and quit. Again, it is the topic of this system BEING TOXIC that has caused him to state that he is not entering politics, and that his father has no plans to run in 2008. I don't care if they are the same words, I am looking for at least ONE PERSON to look beyond their own desires and read the words and discuss that reason, because it is a valid one for not wanting to go through all of this BS again. I'm also trying to actually understand how people can continue to look over that comment when discussing these articles about him. Al Gore has stated correctly that this system is TOXIC. Do you agree or not, and is that not a valid reason to not want enter into it when you already have the power to exact change in other ways without having to deal with that toxicity?

[David Dunham]

9. The Dem nominee will be Hillary unless Gore runs

[mentalsolstice]

10. Why are you so adamant this?

Why are you spending so much energy nay saying a Gore campaign (it will either happen, or it won't)? Why not spend more energy, positively spreading his global warming message (without being so goddamn patronizing to the rest of us)?

[RestoreGore]

11. Well, you could always ignore me...

Since you fail to understand my point anyway. And it wasn't me that gave the interview. Perhaps you should take your complaints up with his son and those who speak the words I am only reposting. I'm not trying to stop anything, BTW, I am trying to discuss the REALITY of Mr. Gore's own words regarding the toxicity of this political system, that has actually STYMIED positive change on global warming to the point where this planet is precariously close to a tipping point. So you see, it is all related, so please don't tell me what to talk about here. The reality of this is that I believe that what happened in 2000 was also a DIRECT result of that same TOXIC system we still have in place. So you tell me how anyone as good as he can REALISTICALLY break that now without selling his soul? Or is that too heavy for you?

[Pirate Smile]

13. I think most of us here understand your point. You've made it many times.

Yes, I think politics has gotten toxic.

It sucks but it is the system we currently have to elect our government officials.

I'm sorry if you don't like the fact that some of us think Al Gore would be the best person to have as the next President.

It is all up to him. No one is going to make him do anything. Sure, I think his life would be personally easier, more pleasant, if he stayed out of politics but I think that if he got back in, it would benefit the Country and World immensely.

Please, stop banging your poor head up against the brick wall. You just aren't going to change everybody else's mind, just like our posting our POV doesn't change yours.

Gore will do what he thinks is right. No pressure from anyone else is going to change that.


edit to add - If he wanted to put a stop to this type of thing or he thought it was damaging his Climate Crisis work, then he would just issue a Shermanesque statement and it would immediately cease - but, for some reason, he doesn't do that.

[RestoreGore]

16. "It sucks but it is the system we currently have to elect our government officials."

And there you have it. The main reason why Bush is still in power and nothing will ever change. Mr. Gore's book The Assault On Reason couldn't come out fast enough... although, if this is really the prevailing attitude in this country,, it is going to take more than one election to fix it.

[Pirate Smile]

17. Good Lord, you make it clear that it isn't even worth it to try and discuss

things with you politely.

Nevermind.

[RestoreGore]

19. Well, fine

But there was nothing impolite about my response. That is the prevailing attitude in this country, is it not? That we are just stuck with what we have, and that's just the way it is? But as you stated, nevermind.

[Pirate Smile]

21. Oh, no, you just said that my attitude is why Bush is still in power .

I wonder why that would be taken as an insult?

We can work to change the system but we can't just abdicate the political and electoral system of the Country.

[RestoreGore]

32. Bush subverted the electoral system

And it was our duty to hold him accountable for it when it happened, and we did nothing.

[Milo_Bloom]

12. Just more proof that he IS running.

Same equivocation and lack of denial.

"but I know that he has no plans to run in 2008"

It is VERY interesting that the talking points are perfectly in line. For some reason, (unlike in 2002), Gore REFUSES to offer an actual denial of a potential 2008 run.

I worked in the entertainment industry (and in Publicity) long enough to see when people are lining up ducks.

[RestoreGore]

15. That's because it keeps the climatecrisis in the news

How many people would even talk about it if he had stated before the movie came out this socalled "Sherman" statement everyone needs to hear? Honestly.

[Milo_Bloom]

20. Wrong.

The movie stands on its own and its only the intense interest in the movie that has been fueling the "Run Al, Run" talk.

In answer to the question of how many people would talk about it... EXACTLY THE SAME NUMBER OF PEOPLE, because when the movie came out in 2006 and went on to become the 3rd highest grossing documentary in history, it had nothing to do with him running for President.

In fact, the constant, "are you running for president" is DETRACTING from the film and its message, as this seems to be the question everyone wants to ask him. The story becomes about HIM and HIS PLANS, rather than the message. Which makes the fact that he FLATLY REFUSES TO ISSUE A CLEAR DENIAL FURTHER PROOF THAT HE IS PLANNING ON RUNNING.

This one is a no brainer, he is playing his cards perfectly and EXACTLY how just about every good publicity agent I knew would set it up.

[RestoreGore]

27. That's just your opinion

As my opinion is mine. And I'm sticking with mine.

[Milo_Bloom]

41. No, it is actually a fact

It is a fact that Global Warming exists in the media w/o "Al Gore for President"

It is a fact that all this talk about him running DETRACTS from the message of the movie.

It is also a fact that he is treating 2008, very very differently from 2004, where he made a clear and concise statement of denial.

There are fairly obvious conclusions one can draw from the facts... suggesting that he is "not" running is much more of a leap of faith.

[FrenchieCat]

14. Politics is toxic......

is certainly sadly true.

[RestoreGore]

18. As Jefferson wrote:

"I have seen enough of political honors to know that they are but a splendid torment."

So I suppose it may then just be that politics is destined to simply be fraught with corruption and the enslavement of the soul at the expense of the very people it claims to care about. Which then brings forth a dilemma to all good men. Which of course, is the point I am trying to make but having it twisted once again.

[Bucky]

23. Great quote. Now here's a great photo

unrelated, but still a great photo.

[RestoreGore]

31. Can't disagree about that

Thanks for the photo.

[mentalsolstice]

25. Some points of your message are valid

...and they don't get twisted by anyone but yourself. I'm just saying you could present your view with a lot more positivity, instead of patronizing the rest of us like we're small children.

[RestoreGore]

28. After calling me a stalker on another thread and insulting me

And now telling me how to write my posts, please excuse me if I then choose not to engage in conversation here with you again. I may disagree about Mr. Gore running this time out because of valid reasons I have already outlined many times which does nothing to diminish my support for him, and I may have strong opinions otherwise, but I never get personal and I'm not engaging it anymore. If this is what it gets like on this forum near elections when hurting peoples' feelings is not even an afterthought, I can then understand how good people can't take going into this system.

[mentalsolstice]

33. I didn't call you a stalker

Someone else did...I simply pointed out the characteristics of stalkers. If the shoe fits, wear it. Yes, the system is toxic. However, most of the politicians are big boys and girls, including Mr. Gore. As far as what's going on here, you're the one who treats the rest of us like we just fell off the turnip truck. And guess what many, if not most of us, are just as smart, just as informed, and just as conscientious as you are. If you have anything to add, do it positively.

[RestoreGore]

39. That is only in your mind

And I will continue to post as I have always done and I would suggest that certain posters now intent on attacking me for my opinions realize you will be ignored.

[ms liberty]

22. Interesting piece

I see Al the Third has the same mindset that his father did at about the same age. No surprise there. I have never expected Al to raise his son to follow him into politics - it has nothing to do with politics, it has to do with parenting and allowing your child to follow their own interests. Also, I see there's another repitition of the "no plans to run in 08" line. I'm hoping very much that he WILL run. I think he's the only one who might be able to handle the job of righting our nation, fixing our most pressing problems, and regaining the respect of the world.

And Yes - I know that you don't want him to run, you make it clear every time someone posts anything about a potential Gore candidacy.

It is true that the political atmosphere is toxic - it has never been as polite as we'd like to think it was - but staying out of it just to avoid the toxicity is not an answer. You can't change something by standing outside and sneering at it, change will occur by going inside and changing it from there.

The bottom line is that Al Gore could remake the world from the WH, if he so chose. He's got the drive, the intelligence, the abilities, and the experience.

[RestoreGore]

30. Then again it could be contended that 2004 was that time

And I still can't understand why it wasn't then. And again, it can only be done with the people doing it, and they won't have the moral will and outrage to doit if they continue to be distracted and kept ignorant. That is why his next book will be on precisely that, and why his speeches particularly his speech of January 2006 told us what our duty was, and it isn't just wishing for him to save us.

[gulfcoastliberal]

24. I hope they're playing the Nick Saban game, waiting for the right time to announce.

I'll say, I'd go for Obama in the primaries if Gore opts against reelection to the presidency. He just has more charisma than Hillary. And frankly, I think the neoliberal free trade championed by Clinton has harmed this country, our infrastructure, and working folks seriously. And screwed over unions- the biggest supporters of dems -repeatedly,per DLC policy.

[marlakay]

26. I noticed this was written in Dec...why bring up now? nt

[RestoreGore]

29. because I have that choice. n/t

[Name removed]

36. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[DeepModem Mom]

34. What a delightful interview! Sounds like he's turned into a terrific young man. nt

[RestoreGore]

38. Yes

Good to know that he and his father have become closer now that Mr. Gore is out of Washington DC.

[Apollo11]

35. He NEVER said "My father isn't running"

So right there - I have an issue with the subject line of this topic.

According to the report, Albert Gore III said "I know that he has no plans to run in 2008".

So we know that more than 2 months ago, in December 2006, Al Gore's son fed a journalist exactly the same line that his dad has been feeding to the press over the past 12 months.

As as attempt to start a thread - that is pretty lame. The only possible motivation I can see is a deep desire to annoy those of us who still hold out hope that Al Gore will be our next President.

Why would someone who hates speculation about whether or not Al Gore will enter the race for 2008 come here and start new threads (based on old info) about whether or not Al Gore will enter the race for 2008? Is it because you think there aren't enough threads dealing with this question already on DU? :eyes:

I've said it here a hundred times already and I'll say it again:
Unless and until Gore endorses another candidate, we have to assume that he is keeping his options open. So it is too soon for those of us who prefer Gore to switch our allegiance.


Let's all find ways to show our support for Al Gore! :patriot:

Read Rolling Stone magazine: WHY GORE SHOULD RUN -- AND HOW HE CAN WIN
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/13248532/why_gore_should_run__and_how_he_can_win

Get ready for Al Gore's next book - The Assault on Reason - out in May!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/16/AR2006091600877.html

Visit the following websites:
www.algore.com
www.algore.org
www.draftgore.com - Sign the petition! :)

:kick:

[JNelson6563]

37. Facts are inconvenient things

Why would someone who hates speculation about whether or not Al Gore will enter the race for 2008 come here and start new threads (based on old info) about whether or not Al Gore will enter the race for 2008? Is it because you think there aren't enough threads dealing with this question already on DU?

My guess is that there just weren't enough opportunities to take not-likely-to-get-deleted pot shots at Gore supporters.

*yawn*

I give it a 2 out of 10. Lacks imagination, requires misrepresentation and is basically transparent.

Julie

[RestoreGore]

40. This is not speculation

This is an interview with his son, not some BS article about "inside Democratic strategists" with no names who saw the outline of Al Gore in their coffee grinds (yes that's sarcasm,) and then say he is running when the moon is in the seventh house and Jupiter aligns with Mars... Perhaps you need to learn the difference, especially if your new mission here now is to follow me around.

[Milo_Bloom]

42. The BS is contained...

In the title you supplied, 'NY Observer Interview with Albert Gore III: My Father Isn't Running'

That isn't an accurate representation of what is said in the article.

One could just have easily title the article:

'NY Observer Interview with Albert Gore III: My Father Might Consider Running'

In the end, it is just more evidence of a carefully calculated PR stunt to allow him to dramatically enter the race in September 2007.

Mark your calendars, as it will happen.

[RestoreGore]

43. That's the title of the article

"dad's doing well, not running in 2008."

Isn't Mr. Gore his father? Complain to Mr. Gore's son if you have a problem with his own words. Good Lord, the obsession about this on the part of some is getting scary.

[Milo_Bloom]

44. Exactly... and you changed it....

... The article didn't even quote him in the title, but rather than point that out, you took the article title and twisted it even more to fit whatever agenda you are tying to push.

In fact, I have no problem with what Gore's son said; however, the fact that you didn't quote it properly, well, that is a different story.

The amount of denial you are embracing is pretty incredible.

Just mark you calendar for September and watch. It's a done deal.

[RestoreGore]

45. Give it a rest already! n/t