THE CASE FOR GORE

[kentuck]

http://www.prospect.org/weblog/archives/2005/07/index.html#007242

<snip>
Marshall Wittmann floats the notion of an Al Gore presidential run in 2008. He's a bit of a skeptic, but I'm pretty enthusiastic. Gore offers, I think, just about what the Democrats need: an opposition to the Iraq War that's based neither on retrospective carping nor a general reluctance to use force, but rather a realistic assessment of the weakness of the case for war. He was a liberal hawk back in the 1980s before it was cool and, even better, made an effort during his congressional days to become a genuine expert on military issues and not just rack up a reflexively "tough" record. He backed the first Gulf War when most of his colleagues opposed it. During the Clinton administration he was, by all accounts, identified with the more aggressive side during the internal foreign-policy debates.

But as the country moved toward the invasion of Iraq he saw -- at the time -- what most liberal hawks now concede at least privately in retrospect: that there was no urgent security threat from Iraq and that the Bush administration wasn't up to the task of accomplishing the more airily idealistic things that one might cite in the war's favor.

Obviously, there's much time to go and many other factors in play, but I think this is both politically and substantively the right ground to stake out for 2008 and there aren't very many prominent politicians who hit the sweet spot back in 2002 and 2003.

--Matthew Yglesias

[ewagner]

1. I don't think I can accept

the case for Gore in '08.

Too much baggage to carry.

[earthboundmisfit]

2. Well, it's a definite thought - and remember, he IS an elected President -

At least for 2000-2004. He just never got to serve...:cry:

[Cha]

9. One of the Greatest Tragedies of

American History and there's been a lot of them.

[earthboundmisfit]

10. Had Gore served as President, thousands of American, Iraqi & Coalition

hearts would still be beating today - thousands of bodies & spirits would not be shattered. It hurts to think about it.

[Cha]

15. Silly me..I believe that New York's

World Trade Center would still be standing.

Gore would not have ignored the August 6 memo or The Hart Rudman Report..Gore is a micro-manager and Worlds smarter than a chimpanzee.

[BlueEyedSon]

17. Right, he has proven he can win the popular vote.

:) :) :)

:cry: :cry: :cry:

[Sparkly]

3. I have great admiration for Gore.

I was behind him all the way in 2000. He'd have been an outstanding president, and I believe history will remember him as the man who rightfully should have become our 43rd president.

BUT, I think we need someone new for 2008.

[Larkspur]

5. The "new" faces for 2008 are all pro-IWR and strumpets for corporations

I like Sen. Feingold, but he was a longshot before his divorce and he's more of a longshot after his divorce.

Americans love comeback stories and Al Gore -- look for his environmental feature film coming this December -- could be the greatest Comeback Kid in American History.

[Clark2008]

34. Nope.

There's a very new, anti-Iraqi War face in Sparly's avatar - and mine, too.

:hi:

[Larkspur]

38. He made blood money by being a consultant to lobbyists to the military

industrial complex.

He's not anti-Iraq war enough for me and he has not shown me that he's made the transition from military to civilian leadership. He needs to run for Gov of Arkansas first, win that election, run the affairs of that office first, win relection at least once and then I'll consider him for Prez. Until he does that, I'm not interested in Clark.

[Clark2008]

46. Oh, that's right. You only like politicians.

I happen to like leaders. He has far too many international skills to waste my time and his being governor of Arkansas. Besides, he's not exactly young, despite his looks. We need a leader, not a politician.

And, he wasn't a lobbyist more than five seconds. Now, of course, he sits on many, many, many boards and consulting groups now that advocate the need for conversation OVER the military industrial complex. He was the ONLY primary candidate in 2004 to even broach the subject.

I think you sell him far too short, given the fact that he has more executive experience than most senators who may consider running for the office of president.

[Larkspur]

50. Clark may lead but I won't follow him

He's a political opportunist.

[FrenchieCat]

62. Oh...yeah....Clark is a greedy one!

Like instead of cashing in on his tri-masters degree from Oxford which he earned as a Rhodes Scholar....Clark was too busy being greedy in the army, earning under the sum of $50,000 until he reached the rank of General. As recently as 1998, as Supreme Allied Commander, a couple of years before his retirement, the man was still earning less than my stepfather earned as an attorney, 5 years out of law school.

It wasn't until after Wes left the Armed Services that he started earning money....mainly from his book sales and his speech fees. After 34 years, I guess that he was allowed to do this, or was he not......Larkspur?

Let's see, considering that he graduated first in his class at West Point, from Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar in 1968, and by the time he had served in Vietnam, he had earned a Bronze Star and purple hearts, and a Silver star....he'd probably still be dirt poor right about now, if it wasn't for his 34 years of service to our country earning all of that "Blood Money" saving Albanian Muslims from Genocide, and being shown the door for it.

Your take is about as cynical and sad as a tale could be. The facts don't back up your assertion, however. That's the only problem you have with your "story".


Sure, Larkspur, what-E-ver you say...Clark's a real Opportunist! :sarcasm: :eyes:

[FrenchieCat]

63. What about

If he just shined your shoes every morning? Would'nt you like that swell? :sarcasm:

Considering the hurdles that he would have to jump through to please you....I think he's way ahead if he just doesn't pay you no mind.

That's what I'm gonna do.

[Sparkly]

36. In my view, "new" is a wide category.

It would exclude Kerry, Gore, Dukakis, and Mondale. Having said that, if any of them ran and made a "comeback" in the primaries, I'd be behind them all the way in the national election.

You don't have to sell me on Al Gore's merits. My fear is a "him again?" response from the electorate as a whole, the pack of mud smeared against him in 2000 (it's incredible how many people still think he said he "invented the internet"), and his position in the party now vs. in 2000.

[kentuck]

19. Someone "new" like Kerry or Clinton ?

:)

[Sparkly]

37. Not exactly. n/t

[Larkspur]

4. David Podvin makes a similar argument for an Al Gore prez '08 run

Resurrection http://makethemaccountable.com/podvin/more/050609_Resurrection.htm

Also environmentalists are amazed at Gore's recent passionate speeches and presentations on the environment. With the help of Hollywood eco-crusader Laurie David, Gore's working on turning his passionate speeches on the environment that he's been giving lately into a feature-length film -- Grist Magazine article Esprit de Gore: Gore is transforming into fiery climate evangelist http://www.grist.org/news/muck/2005/06/09/little-gore/>http://www.grist.org/news/muck/2005/06/09/little-gore/.
<SNIP>

..."If only Gore had been that fired up in 2000!" said Janet O'Connell, a Bay Area attorney, while sampling organic wine and bruschetta. "It wasn't as though there were facts I'd never heard before, but the sum of all the evidence combined with the visuals just bowled me over," said Stephen Neely, a Silicon Valley executive. Former Republican Rep. Pete McCloskey said the performance was "Dynamite! If that isn't the kick in the pants that will galvanize the American public, I don't know what is." Culinary celeb Alice Waters added, "It should be required viewing for every person in this country."

That's precisely what Hollywood producer-cum-eco-activist Laurie David aims to make happen. On Saturday, before the event, she met with Gore and a team of directors to discuss hitherto undisclosed plans to make a feature-length film out of his climate-change presentation. "It's a documentary of this brilliant briefing that he's been crisscrossing the country to deliver, with his own personal story woven through," David told Muckraker. "The idea is to make it as much a wake-up call on the climate crisis as it is a window into Al Gore and his 20-year commitment to this issue." She describes the stylistic approach as "equal parts Fog of War and Bowling for Columbine." If the deal goes forward -- and all the funding has been secured, so it's looking like a go -- David hopes to have the documentary released by December, in time for Academy Awards consideration.

...San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom got up to lead yet another round of applause for the former veep. "I've had literally dozens of people come up to me and ask, 'Where can I get a copy of that presentation?'" he said. At which point Gore, who was seated next to David, leaned over and whispered to her, "Looks like you've got the right idea!"

Don't know if Gore's presentation will be available in DVD format, but this feature film on Gore's presentation and commitment to the environment could rock the political world and could set the stage for an Al Gore comeback in the political field. I can't wait for this presentation to come out.

[longship]

6. I like Gore. Recommended

Especially if he keeps his spine straight (the way he has the last couple of years). If he does that and keeps delivering firebrand speeches like he has, he should be able to demolish the Repugs.

If he places his campaign into the hands of some of those, "let's not make waves", "we need to tone down the rhetoric so we don't piss off anybody" handlers, he'll lose again. He needs to realize that with these neocons, you can't play nice. You've got to take them down right from the start, and keep hitting at them. Give 'em the truth (and they'll all think it's hell) all the way.

With his new found spine and rhetoric, he's a very attractive looking candidate right now.

On edit: BTW, Recommended.

[peacetalksforall]

7. I can accept Gore - I would vote for him based on everything I know

as of today. He is a patriot.

I think his baggage has some wealth. There isn't any rational citizen who doesn't know how he was screwed in 2000. Read Bugliosi.

He has depth and quality work to show for his efforts.

I like leaders who are smart in American ways as opposed to smart-alecks and smart manipulators for death, slavery, and profit.

[BlueIris]

25. That's so how I feel.

If we somehow magically get Gore in '08, it's not like I'm going to be shedding any tears.

[Cha]

8. Never more proud of my vote

for Gore than I am today.

Looks like he's getting back in Fighting Shape..:)



I wish him the Best Of Luck on his new venture..

"We have no illusions about the fact that our product has to be compelling,” said David Neuman, Current's programming director. “We also believe it has to be unique. Who wants to watch the seventh clone of a different network?”

Despite suspicions created by his former profession, Mr. Gore promises the network won't be advancing a political point of view.

“I think the reality of the network will speak for itself,” he told reporters in Los Angeles two weeks ago. “It's not intended to be partisan in any way and not intended to be ideological.”


http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050731.wgoretv0731/BNStory/Entertainment/

[Davis_X_Machina]

11. The nation still has not come to grips...

...with the judicial coup of 12/12/2000, a date which historians blessed with the perspective that comes with distance and time will consider a far greater blow to the Republic than 9/11.

Gore's election would go a long way to do that.

Restitution for theft requires the return of the thing stolen, and not something else, to the person from whom it was stolen, and not another.

[satya]

20. It had never occurred to me, until I read your post, how justice could

still be served. Thank you for a post that restores a bit of my faith.

[kentuck]

31. Yes, that is a thought-provoking proposition...

And nothing would discourage the Republicans more, I am sure. Democrats might should consider this idea?

[bvar22]

12. Somebody better ask Al!

I saw him at a Global Climate Change lecture a couple of weeks ago. He seemed pretty happy. He would be a fool to jump back into American Politics.

[Cha]

16. Gore looks so Damn Good!

I'm glad he's taking care of himself!

Thank you, President Gore! :patriot: Yes!, you are a USA President!

And I wouldn't be shocked if Kerry were one, too!

[BlueEyedSon]

18. Nice sig.

[Proletariatprincess]

13. Always liked Gore

I preferred him to Clinton in 1991. In fact, Clinton was my least favorite of the 5 democrats at that time. But Gore really dropped the ball in 2000. Don't know now if he or his advisors can be trusted again given the worsening corruption from the right. When will he say that the election was stolen? There certainly is no doubt of that now...it happened again in 2004....the republicans just got better at is all.

[Sperk]

14. It's time for Gore to "pull a Madonna", re-invent himself, or more

accurately, come out strongly, consistantly and proudly as himself. Hit them with the truth about the voting machines. And hit them twice as hard with the rest of thier scummy scandals.

The only problem with his speeches last time he ran is that he was way too far ahead of everyone else. He knew what was coming down the pike with this group. Well, the public wont be mocking his "lock box" this time. They had to learn for themselves I guess.

I think the DLC is against Gore because he's not "a player". Any Senator who has been in gov't for 25 years, been attacked by the likes of Starr with no diry laundry found, is too honest for the gang in Washington. HE has NO BAGGAGE!!!!! Clinton's baggage is his own.

This country is in so much trouble. I can think of a lot of Dems who would make a "good President" but we need better, much better than good. We need Gore.


Still...."The number one fan of the man from Tennesseeeeeeee...."
:loveya:

[OzarkDem]

21. Love him

but is this something he wants to do?

[mopinko]

22. put up the bat, al

i'll go get my credit card. i want a smart president again.

[tinrobot]

23. Gore/Dean in 2008

I've always loved Al Gore. Smart, smart man, compassionate, funny, a great public servant.

I like that Al has ditched the consultants and seems to be much more comfortable in his own skin. He has made a lot of great speeches in the past few years. I think he would have much more credibility than most candidates in 2008.

He also supported Dean in the primaries and he has a lot in common with him. I think the two would make an amazing ticket.

[AntiCoup2K4]

27. I'd campaign my ass off for that ticket.

But the Doc took himself out of the running when he went for DNC chair, so I doubt he'd want the #2 slot.

I've made the suggestion of a Gore/Clark ticket because it's the best combination I see of any candidates even theoretically discussed for 2008. And right now, it's all theoretical. Nobody's got this nomination yet. Especially not the wife of the last elected President who was allowed to take office.

[dchill]

24. Already proven electable.

If he'd divorce the DLC and go with his own instinct, he'd win in a landslide.

[bowens43]

55. Huh? He lost, remember?

[dchill]

60. I have no idea what you mean.

[Kolesar]

26. Gore should run on the global warming issue

As should the Democratic Party. I think Americans are gradually accepting that we should not be consuming petroleum at the rate we are for a huge number of reasons. Previous "accepted knowledge" that automobile fuel economy is a loser in Michigan is out of date. Al Gore wrote a book on the subject (broadly). He is a genuine person on this issue in particular.

[chimpymustgo]

28. Gore/Edwards: what SHOULD have been the ticket in 2000.

Power to the PEOPLE.

[Vinca]

29. Gore doesn't do it for me, but I'll keep an open mind.

If he turns up in New Hampshire for the primaries I'll make a point of going to see him and then decide.

[mbee]

30. Well Tim Russert had a couple of so called journalists on last night

bashing Mr. Gore. It looks like they're running scared already!

[KoKo]

43. I guess it was "pre-emptive strike" against his new Cable Network.

Figures they would be against him. Probably they will change the FCC rules with their "hung appointees" to make sure he gets "deep sixed.'

It's the way they operate. Get the "disinformation" out about Gore's Network..infighting folks unhappy with him, yadda, yadda, yadda. After all they were successful in trashing Gore every step of they way...why not just trash his new network..paying off the usual suspects and the "lieberman Faction" of the "so called Liberal Bloggers" and then get FCC to limit his viewership...and Voila! Once again Gore is "Gored" right in front of the American viewers.

It's what they are...they know nothing but the EVIL they DO. :shrug:

[Andrew Smith]

32. Well, he pulled it off the first time,

so let's hope he can do it again.

Only reason he wasn't the 43rd is because Jeb helped out his brother/cabbage.... Whatever he is.
Cannot tell you how ticked off I was when I heard the news of Bush being declared president by the senate. Anyone here ever see Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11?

He explains it pretty darn well.

[bowens43]

56. Thank God,

I had this horrible reoccurring nightmare that Bush became president in 2001.

[poetsdream]

33. I have mixed feelings...

I agree that Gore has been AWESOME since the 2000 campaign. He is smart, incisive and his speeches are moving and dead-on. Whoever his campaign handleres were in 2000 did a horrific job of selling him all his considerable strengths. On everything that truly mattered he was head and shoulders above George Bush.

On the other hand, the fact that he didn't fight harder to stop the 'selection' of Bush; to push for a Dept of Justice investigation of the Florida vote, or that he didn't stand up and speak out on the floor of the senate are the acts that still leave a bitter taste in my mouth for him. I don't know if I could ever forget those images enough to support him in a run for the presidency.

I must say, however, compared to a lightweight like Hillary, he is an impressive politician with smarts, wit and a passion for the environment. It is possible he could make the environment THE issue that crosses all political and ethnic lines and brings the country together.

[newsguyatl]

35. gore would have my vote in a heartbeat

[kentuck]

39. But who would he be running against?? Hillary??

I don't think he would want to open up those old wounds with Bill Clinton..

[confludemocrat]

42. Save Hill &Bills feelings? For what? The nation is in peril-- forget them.

I want him to suck it up and go for it!

[confludemocrat]

40. He is uncompromised by any pro-war stance. Name recog, electable and

much much more. He is tons better than your Kerry's, Bayhs, Bidens or Liebermans. We have no one else, since we are seemingly still in the white guy era, but hopefully at the tail end (and end that should not be marked by some minority Republican getting elected)

[KoKo]

41. Not sure....but he deserves it. I'll wait and see what happens.

:shrug:

[snot]

44. I've been wondering

for some time whether "the people not the powerful" might not resonate a lot more loudly now.

[Guaranteed]

45. I think he's been reading my posts.

He's even using my terms.

[autorank]

47. You're right!. I'm a Clarkie but I'm in agreement with your reationale.

By 2008, anyone who even appeared tosupportthis Iraq adventure will be seeking the "advanced vocations" as an excuse to get out of the publiceye. There is no way to dress this one up. The blow back is ongoing and immediate. It's just begun and it's ad now for war proponents.

I think Gore-Clark would be unbeatable. Same geography we had in 1992 & 1996 and Gore is seasoned. If he runs, I'll be amazed but what the heck. If he doesn't, he neds to endorse Clark and work for him.

Gore will look real good in comparison to the 8 years of crap * put us through (although I think * will be "resigned" soon).

[Freedomfried]

51. Gore-Clark would WIN!

What an unbeatable combination!

[Freedomfried]

52. Gore-Clark would WIN!

What an unbeatable combination!

[tblue37]

48. The media destroyed Gore in 2000, quite deliberately.

They also mocked him relentlessly when he came out against the Iraq invasion, and have continued to mock him every time he has spoken since--even though he has been proven right time and time again.

If he runs again, they will tear him to shreds.

I am a Gore supporter from way back, but I don't think he can win--because the media won't let him. Even though he won in 2000, the media were on his case badgering him to surrender.

I wouldn't mind seeing Clark on the ticket. I would have been thrilled with a Dean./Clark ticket in 2004.

But it won't matter whom we nominate if we don't do something about the rigged elections.

[Muddy Waters Guitar]

49. Gore has been a pleasant surprise since 2000

He's hit all the right chords. In his speeches he's been a rousing presence, bringing people to their feet. He's opposed the Iraq War from the outset, stood up for civil liberties, stood up against the corporate tycoons trying to sell out America. IMHO Gore is now one of the "Big 4"-- along with Clark, Boxer, and Kerry-- to be considered as heavyweights for '08, especially if he continues to thrill audiences like this.

[eridani]

53. Being in favor of Oil War 1 is hardly a recommendation

It was unnecessary. The Russians had talked Saddam into withdrawing from Kuwait without the "linkage" he had previously insisted on. ("I get out of Kuwait if Israel gets out of territories occupied since 1967.") The buildup was necessary in order to present a credible threat, but if threat of force works, force is then rendered unnecessary. The only thing to add to that would have been the condition of permanent weapons inspection, which as we now know, actually worked.

[Guaranteed]

58. Most were in favor of that.

And those that weren't were in favor of the second one.

[bowens43]

54. He had his shot and he blew it.

He should have EASILY defeated the idiot. He didn't. There is no reason to believe he could beat anyone else the repugs will run.

[4_TN_TITANS]

57. Certainly worth considering.....

but we'll have to see how it plays out closer to '08. Remember, Gore couldn't even carry his own state, eventhough he's generally well-liked here.

With black box tampering, I believe we've entered an era of neck and neck races that will seem close, but will always fall to the Repugs. Gore, Kerry, need I say more?

[Hidden Stillness]

59. Gore Learned a Bitter Lesson, and Now Just Gets Better and Better

I have been very impressed with Gore since Gore won the Presidency, 2000, and I don't think any future campaigning, if there will be any, would be anything like that disaster. I think Gore learned a bitter lesson about exactly how evil, and criminal, Republicans are nowadays. Anybody who heard any of the MoveOn speeches (or read the transcripts) knows how great, and even fiery, Gore has gotten--would've been, and may yet be, one of the greatest Presidents ever. I would support Gore with no problems, because it seems the DLC-greed-for-lobbyist-cash spell has been broken. We Democrats have to be able to utter the word "populist" again publicly, and not fear attack.

[eridani]

61. I know what you mean. He keynoted the WA state Dem convention--

--in 2004. Wow! I felt like asking him "Who are you and what did you do to that guy who ran for president a couple of years ago?" If he intends to run again, I really think he needs to be more visible than he is now.