I'd like to make a point about the Gore endorsement

[AngryYoungMan]

In making this point, I will try to avoid these DU minefields:

1. Praising one candidate over another
2. Discussing Gore's actions in November/December 2000
3. Discussing "electability"
4. Discussing the "effectiveness" (or lack thereof) of endorsements

Here's what I have to say. It seems to me that the most significant aspect of Gore's endorsement is twofold: the fact that he's doing it as early as he is, and the fact that he's not endorsing his former running mate.

I think these two ideas are connected. I think (and I realize that others on DU have conjectured in this way) that Gore is really addressing the (barely) hidden conflict within the Democratic party, between the DLC and everyone else. He is throwing down the gauntlet against the DLC. He is effectively saying, "the lesson that I learned in 2000 is that we all have to steer clear of Terry McAluffe and everything he stands for. Democrats, don't make the mistake I did. I am willing to turn my back on my own running mate in order to make this point, because the point is more important than any individual candidate."

In other words, Gore's PRINCIPAL message and perhaps his ONLY message is, "As the person most wronged in 2000, I am telling you all that we need to get away from anything tainted by the DLC...even my own former running mate and myself. I am out of this race and Lieberman should be, too."

It's a fairly obvious point and it's certainly been made before. But I feel it has to be emphasised because I've seen so many DU arguments that are governed by discussions of who's the better candidate or who deserves what benefits or what's fair or unfair. And I think that the "real" meaning of Gore's action is almost self-sacrificial. "I'm not running and, really, Joe shouldn't be either, because we're the old failed way. Do something new and you'll win, which means we'll all win."

My $0.02

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. Reasonable.

n/t

[On the Road]

2. Two DLC's Are Emerging

The first includes Lieberman and Al From. They have becom closet Republicans on most of the important issues.

But Dean, Gore, and Bill Clinton are also DLC. They are fiscally responsible and may adopt certain centrist or Republican positions, but are more attuned to the working class and to populist ideals, and are less hawkish on the military and invading other countries.

Sounds the same. But it's becoming a big split. No way Al could have endorsed JL.

[Larkspur]

3. Terry MacAuliffe is DNC, not DLC

DLC is headed by Al From who hates both Al Gore and Howard Dean, so yeah, not endorsing Lieberman, From's pick, and endorsing Howard Dean is a 1-2 punch at Al From.

Based on Gore's op eds, media interviews, and speeches since he re-emerged from the 2000 race, Gore has definitely re-connected with his populist roots. His book "Earth in the Balance" is a moderate's populist viewpoint.

[SEAburb]

4. So Gore endorsed Dean for petty personal reason

That's what I thought, too.

[Cha]

9. Then you'd be wrong.

[MercutioATC]

5. A word about Gore NOT endorsing Lieberman.

I don't know that this should come as such a big surprise. Frequently, candidates choose running mates on the "balance the ticket" factor rather than any great commonality of views. Gore/Lieberman was a great example of this. Gore IS relatively liberal and Lieberman IS relatively conservative. I wouldn't expect them to share many opinions.

[oasis]

6. Gore comes forward to save the Party. Clark comes forward to save America.

That much is clear. Clark has fully explained why he entered the racefor the presidency even though he didn't possess glowing party credentials. Getting Bush out of the White House is just that important.

[AngryYoungMan]

7. Precisely the sort of bromide I specifically avoided in my posting.

I made clear that I was trying to steer clear of that kind of candidate-bashing. Thanks for polluting the discussion in precisely the way I was explicitly trying to discourage.

[oasis]

10. "steer clear of Terry Mc Cauliffe" PRINCIPLE message perhaps ONLY message.

The message I get is "Let's clean up the Democratic Party".

edit: to add caps.

[Baconfoot]

8. What about the following theory? ...

He did it to increase D's electability?

O8)

[Snellius]

11. If true, it's the Clintons more than McAuliffe or DLC to blame

It's probably not personal, but Gore may have been prompted to make a move after hearing Hillary's hawkish comments on the talk shows this Sunday.