Al Gore will run for president. I am certain of it.

[BuyingThyme]

It's very simple. Al gives a shit. He really does. I'm not exactly sure why he gives a shit, but he does.

And being a shit-giver, he can't help but get involved in the political process. That's the way he's always been. He's always had a taste for it.

But here's the thing: He's not involved in the political process. Not at all.

How can that be? How can it be that Al Gore has not come out and thrown his support behind John Edwards or Barack Obama (or that lady with the laugh)?

He did it last time. He jumped out ahead of the train to try to steer it to the right track. Why not this time? Doesn't he give a shit anymore?

Of course he does. But you can't endorse a candidate for an office if you plan on occupying that office yourself, now can you?

Either that or he's afraid to upstage the lady with the laugh.

[lapfog_1]

1. Al Gore may be our "Gandhi"?

Maybe.

[rusty quoin]

2. Certain is a strong word.

[BuyingThyme]

3. Yeah, but why make an ass of yourself if you don't do it right.

[DefenseLawyer]

4. All signs point to yes

as the Magic Eight Ball used to say.

[JFN1]

5. Gore is our last hope

Without Gore, it will all go on as it has - the Dems certainly aren't strong enough to stand up on their own...

[Not_Giving_Up]

6. I'm currently reading The Assault on Reason

My opinion so far, it's his "Why I'm going to run". Please, please, please Mr. Vice President, please save us!

[frogcycle]

7. I am certain that you are

either right, or not right

I think that yes, he is keeping the door open. But also think he may opt to back the one he thinks is right for America. I don't think it would be either of the novelty candidates. I think he just might want desperately to get someone into the presidency that he is confident in, and may have one or two favorites, but would not want to "squander" his endorsement too soon, lest the person flame out as Dean did.

He could be planning to go for the job, or he could be calculating how to get his person in there if they are not currently a front-runner. I have two in mind - my two favorites, so of course I think they would be Gore's. As long as he doesn't bow out, a lot (like me) stay uncommitted, even if we have favorites. His endorsement would seal the deal for me, and a lot of others. He can be a kingmaker if he times it right.

So you may be right, or you may be wrong. I am sure of it.

[BuyingThyme]

8. I am certain that Frogcycle's favorites are Kucinich and Edwards.

[frogcycle]

9. half right

[BuyingThyme]

12. Dang.

Well if it's not both of them, it's only Edwards. And if it's only Edwards, the other one is Obama. I'm certain of it.

[frogcycle]

14. still half right - keep trying

there are only five more :)

but go watch this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2017537&mesg_id=2018036

[BuyingThyme]

18. I've no video tonight. (Dial-up.)

But I think you're playing me now. You're a Obama/Kucinich guy/gal.

[frogcycle]

24. Joe gives a shit

And John gives a shit

And you are correct - Al gives a shit

Those three inspire me. The rest have varyingly good things to say, and I like and admire most.

If I had the opportunity to wave a wand and just make the election be over and name the winner right now, I'd probably take Joe. I expect Al and John would be very influential in such an administration, and what a dream team. International relations: Joe/Al; domestic policy John; environmental policy Al. Technology, communications: Al. Another round of reinventing government: Al. Getting things done: Joe. Kicking butt: Joe. Breathing fire when necessary: Joe. Let Joe be pres and the other two concentrate on their passions with full support from the WH.

[illinoisprogressive]

10. I hope you are right and I am wrong but, I just don't see it. sorry.

[RiverStone]

11. Well, I admire your optimism!

I'm not so certain.

But Al is the ONLY candidate I'd trade my Kucinich vote for! ...and I greatly admire DK.

Not too mention immediately sending Al's campaign all I could afford (not much, but it's the thought) and I'd look into forming an Al Gore For Pres. Committee in my County, and I'd basically bust my ass phone banking, meet-uping, or booth running.

Shit, for Hillary I'd give her my vote --- but I'd not even put up a sign. For Al, I'd hire the Goodyear blimp and drive it across the country if I could!!!

[SheilaT]

13. I am so tired of the

Gore will Run or Draft Gore threads. What part of his constant reiteration that he's not running do you not get? Why not concentrate on those who are actually running, and working very hard to make sure they understand to what extent 70% of Americans oppose the war in Iraq, and most of us want Universal health care -- which could be paid for quite easily if we funded that instead of some stupid war. Oh, and how about not voting for any candidate, regardless of which party, who doesn't support those positions?

[BuyingThyme]

16. Most people here know how this running-for-president thing works.

Nobody says they're running until they say they're running (or exploring). Well, nobody but Fred Thompson.

[frogcycle]

20. and nobody is not running

until they are dead

:)

[SheilaT]

25. So does that mean

those who keep on pushing for a Gore candidacy are simply part of the lunatic fringe and I can and should ignore them, since they're a tiny minority who clearly don't understand how it works?

I've had some discussions with those of the "draft Gore" ilk, and in my opinion they seriously do not understand how it works, nor do they truly understand history.

What's so distressing to me is the energy and time wasted on all this.

[SlowDownFast]

27. "can and should ignore them..."

That's your perogative. You have free will - unless some "lunatic" is holding you hostage.

"...since they're a tiny minority..."

You've obviously not been hanging out in GD as of late.

"What's so distressing to me is the energy and time wasted on all this."

Again, there is a 'hide thread' feature here at DU.

In case you "seriously do not understand how it works", it's right next to 'Recommend'.

Maybe if you used it, you wouldn't be so "distressed" - not to mention you'd "waste" less "energy and time" complaining...

[SheilaT]

32. I just love it when someone takes the time to parse

every phrase, sometimes every word in a post. It's so thoughtful.

I hang out on DU reasonably often, and I'm quite aware of the Draft Gore threads. I generally don't bother to respond much, in part because I generally see no point in starting a flame war, which I realize this set of exchanges is no where near.

So thank you all for your enlightening comments.

Should I bother to include the sarcasm thingie?

[saracat]

30. I am not one who thinks Gore will run, nor am I sure he should but

inferring that those who do are somehow less aware of the process implies they are naive or "stupid" and I think that is very condescending. It is not a waste of time or energy if they have faith in him as a candidate and want him to run. That is not something we should judge.

[SlowDownFast]

31. What a refreshing and thoughtful post.

:applause:

Thank you.



edited: because it's late and I can't spell when I'm tired.

[superkia]

17. Kucinich was right on the war and is right about NON PROFIT health care.

[SlowDownFast]

26. There is a 'hide thread' feature here on DU. n/t

[Laurab]

29. I think people can multi-task.

And there hasn't been a "constant reiteration" that he's not running - he ALWAYS leaves the door open just a tiny crack - enough for those of us who would like to see him run, be hopeful. BUT, you know I still support one - actually two of the candidates that ARE running - my hoping Gore jumps in really takes up very little of my time or energy.

Perhaps, like your post downthread, I'm part of a "lunatic fringe", but why does it bother you so much? I think you're the one wasting your time, and like others have said, there is a "hide thread" feature, so you don't have to be bothered telling those of us who hope Al jumps in what we should be doing.

If hoping that someone enters the race who is almost assured victory, who has the necessary experience, intelligence and judgement, is considered "lunatic fringe", I'm proud to be a member.

[libodem]

15. I so hope he does

[RevCheesehead]

19. From your lips to the FSM's ears.

:evilgrin:

[BuyingThyme]

21. What's an FSM?

[RevCheesehead]

22. The Flying Spaghetti Monster.

Have you not been touched by his noodly appendage?

[BuyingThyme]

23. Not for like a year or two.

[donheld]

28. It's a nice thought

[BuyingThyme]

33. kcik

[book_worm]

34. And if he doesn't then what does that mean?