Gore Leaves Door Ajar for 2008

[cal04]

Will he or won't he?

As the Democratic field for 2008 takes shape, one big remaining question is whether former vice president Al Gore -- winner of the popular vote in 2000, an almost-candidate in 2004 and now the public face of the movement to address global warming -- will be in it.

Over the past six years, Gore has become a heroic figure for the party's liberal left, thanks in large part to his early and steady opposition to the war in Iraq. And it's not just liberals who have taken to Gore. "An Inconvenient Truth," the film detailing Gore's lonely quest to raise awareness of climate change, is one of the most successful documentaries of all time and, as important, has transformed Gore's public image from cold to cool.

That renewed popularity has stoked speculation that Gore just may have another national race up his sleeve. "He's the Rocky Balboa of 2008," said Chris Lehane, a former Gore adviser.

(snip)
And there are small signs here and there that could be read as the stirrings of his renewed interest in a campaign. Early last month, Gore addressed more than three dozen labor leaders in Washington, a wide-ranging talk about the Democratic congressional gains and the media, said one attendee, who demanded anonymity. Asked about 2008, Gore said that he has taken a number of calls from people encouraging him to consider running but he "didn't know whether he was going to or not," the source said. "Everybody felt he left a small door open."

Chris Cillizza And Shailagh Murray
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/05/AR2007010502379.html

[illinoisprogressive]

1. If only he would crack that door open wider...

[muntrv]

2. Run Gore Run!!

[katsy]

3. Can we get a happy dance or fireworks smilie?

In a hurry. I just want to be prepared.



:party: :bounce: :party: :bounce: :party:


Just practicing. I know it's a longshot. If it happens... I'm gonna go nutz.

[FogerRox]

4. I would like it if Gore ran

I would really like to see Russ run

[Jackpine Radical]

6. Russ Who?

[FogerRox]

10. Yup, thats the guy.

LOL.

[katsy]

7. I like Russ also.

He has already declined to run for P. Has he left the door open for a VP position maybe?

[Jackpine Radical]

12. Gore-Feingold works for me.

You know, I feel very different about Gore than I did in 2000. Maybe it was his handlers, maybe it was his recent association with Clinton, but he seemed 'way too DLC-ish back then & I was somewhat unenthusiastic & half-hearted in my support. Now I'm seeing an Al Gore I can really get excited about.

[Phredicles]

9. Or do we have a fingers-crossed one?

I'm too lazy to check. But I sure hope he gives it a try. I believe he's more electable right now than Obama or H. Clinton - I mean, he already won once. And I think the environment is the most pressing of our many concerns.

[katsy]

11. Without a doubt he's more electable!

Maybe the media will grow the fuck up (or grow a brain) and address Mr. Gore's issues instead of his weight. His weight is his business, it's his intelligence and experience America needs. People aren't going to fall for the media smear about his weight or the "fuzzy math" type of superficial shit again.

No more dynasty presidents. Obama would make a great VP as would Clark.

[elocs]

5. Al Gore:

the 800 pound gorilla in the room of potential Democratic presidential candidates.

[Crunchy Frog]

8. I definitely prefer a candidate with very strong national security

and foreign policy credentials, who is solidly on record as having opposed the Iraq invasion. My first choice is Wes Clark, but I would certainly take Al Gore.

The field, as it's shaping up so far, is not very impressive to me.