Isnt it hypocritical for Gore NOT to run?

[Clintonista2]

I mean c'mon. Of every living Democrat, I dont think anyone has a better chance of winning '08 than Gore, and if he truly cares about the environment so much (which he obviously does), what better way of solving this problem than running for president? I just feel its kind of hypocritical for him not to run, seeing how it ultimatley would benefit the environment, not only through the hearts and minds of Americans (what he is doing now), but also through executive and legislative means. Your thoughts?

[phantom power]

1. Explain to me why he "has the best chance of winning."

[OneBlueSky]

4. well, to start with he already won . . . in 2000 he beat Bush by a half million votes . . .

and since that time his reputation and likeability have soared based on his work on global warming . . . also, I think people are finally starting to realize just how much danger we are in environmentally, and they will gladly elect someone with a demonstrated commitment to the environment . . .

[Bronyraurus]

38. Do you have any evidence that his

popularity has soared? Aren't Clinton and Obama leading the pack by far in the polls?

[Labors of Hercules]

48. Last time I checked, Gore hasn't joined the pack yet.

so how the devil would we know where he would stand in comparison?

[Bronyraurus]

54. Because people poll on it

Here's one from Feb. 14:

http://www.wkrn.com/nashville/news/gallup-poll-shows-growing-support-for-al-gore/77536.htm

It has Clinton at 40% among Dems, Obama at 21%, and Gore at 14%. It's not insignificant, but I don't know if it means that his popularity is soaring. I don't think it could be described that way.

[Labors of Hercules]

57. Without his having become a candidate, the polls are not evidentiary either way,

[Bronyraurus]

58. That's true

I was just questioning the assertion that Gore's popularity had soared.

[Mass]

2. Disagree - If he does not run, he can focus on the environment not only

in this country, but throughout the world.

If he runs, he will be blocked talking about Iraq, Bush, or whatever is in the frontlines for the next two years, and he will be more or less blocked in this country.

If he cares about the environment, he will not run but support a candidate who cares really (I do not see one at this point, but who knows. People may develop something that makes sense or Clark may enter the race) and continue to evangelize.

[SteppingRazor]

3. I really disagree. How is it hypocrisy?

Maybe he thinks he can be a more-effective environmental advocate without all the other responsibilities a president must deal with.

Moreover, I think there are plenty of other Democratic candidates with a great chance of winning — in fact, I'd say there are precious few Republicans who have a chance in '08.

[Joe Fields]

5. Not the least bit hypocritical.

He has given his entire life toward the service of his country, from being a correspondent during the Vietnam War, to serving the state of Tennesseein various capacities, U.S. senator for one, to 8 years as Vice President. He has run for the highest office twice.

I pray to God that Mr. Gore runs for the presidency, but I wouldn't blame him if he chooses not to. It will definitely be our loss, but he has a right to enjoy his life, as he sees fit.

[rock]

6. Well put Joe

You saved me the trouble of writing the exact same thing.

[Uncle Joe]

26. I believe Al's number is 8

Eight years Congressman, eight years Senator, eight years Vice-President, eight years professor/entrepreneur/Global Warming Paul Revere/Benjamin Franklin Hybrid and hopefully beginning in 2008 eight years President; the type that actually occupies the White House.

[Labors of Hercules]

49. And then the rest of his life leading the world toward a sustainable future!

Joe, your logic is flawless! :toast:

[Uncle Joe]

51. Here's to you

Labors of Hercules:toast:

P.S. Live long and prosper

[Labors of Hercules]

56. I knew you were green blooded! I knew it!

:bounce:

[longship]

7. Note: Gore is *not* not running.

He has never said that he's not running in 2008. He's only said that he does not "intend to run". Gore is intelligent enough to know how to choose his words carefully. It very much appears that he is doing just that.

In fact, I read a Gore quote the other day where he specifically said that he has not ruled out a 2008 run. Can't remember who he said that to, but it was one of the major newsies, like Matthews, Russert, Blitzer, etc. Maybe somebody could dig that one up and provide a link.

There's a very good reason why he's left things soft and ambiguous however we're likely not going to know what he's really thinking until he officially announces his intentions. I look for that to happen in early autumn and not one moment before.

[Zavulon]

34. I'll bet you a beer that he won't run.

People who have achieved as much as he has think of their legacies all the time, and his is currently flawless: the guy who got screwed by the courts but kept his chin up enough to do amazing work for the environment, win an Oscar and (soon) a Nobel Prize. If the man is thinking of his legacy at all, and I think he is, he's got to know that the presidency has far more risk to his legacy than potential reward.

First beer's on me if I'm wrong, should we ever run into each other.

[Labors of Hercules]

50. It is really dissappointing that so many people continue to underestimate him...

Don't think I'm being argumentative, because I'm not, it's just that this man is extraordinary: He has consistently lived up to his capabilities, and the presidency is no different... He lost when he should have won, so he knows more than anyone how to overcome pitfalls to regain what was lost. I think to gain the oval office is far less a risk to his legacy than loosing it was, and he has already overcome that risk with admirable dexterity.

[longship]

55. Sounds like a good, and friendly bet.

Do I think Gore will run? I don't know. I hope he does.

Will I take you up on your bet? You bet I will. ;-)

The thing here is that Al is very smart and would not be using such soft language in denying that he will become a candidate unless he was considering entering the fray. I truly think that he wants to run again, but is torn by what the consequences might be. But he wants to run, otherwise he would simply and unequivocally say that he is *not* going to be a candidate in 2008. Instead, he has consistently used soft, non-denial denials. What does that mean?

It means that he very well might have already decided to run, but is biding his time until the time is ripe. We'll know sometime this autumn.

And I like Pilsner Urquell, or Guinness, or something like that. My favorite is Hobgoblin Ale. ;-)

[johnlal]

8. Gore can do as he wishes...

It's a lot to ask a man to run for president. It's a grueling job, and it takes its toll on the candidate and his family. To ask him to do it twice is additionally burdensome. Only one person can make that decision. If he decides (as he apparently has) not to run, it is a valid and honorable decision. I'm sure he has weighed the options and balanced the pros and cons. He's not to be faulted for his decision. If you don't like it, YOU run for office.

As for having the best chance of any Democratic candidate, I would point out that Gore has a loss on his record so far (although I personally count it as a win-- it didn't go down as a win in the record books). Even when he did his best, it still didn't get him into the White House. We need to run a candidate who can close the deal.

[Labors of Hercules]

52. So loosing the white house and winning the popular vote makes him LESS equipped to win this time?

That just doesn't make any sense to me. :shrug:

[johnlal]

65. I wouldn't invest my money in a loser.

Face it. That's his track record. People don't bet on losers. He carries that baggage with him. Now, don't get me wrong. By the time my state's primary comes around, we already know who the candidate will be, and I'm stuck with whoever other people vote for. If he gets the nod, I'll vote for him. But do we really have to reach backwards into history to find a good Democrat to run for president?

[Labors of Hercules]

66. Are you saying that Al Gore has a track record of losing?

That he is yesterday's news? Neither assertion could be further from the truth, and you know it.

:eyes:

[johnlal]

68. Well...

Yesterday's news:
Al Gore ran for the Presidency in 2000 and hasn't held political office since. He has done what most retired politicians do, write books, work on pet projects, give lectures, receive prizes and honors for his life's work, get fat, grow grey hair, etc. Heck, why not pressure Jimmy Carter to run for office?

Losing Track Record: Al Gore conceded the 2000 election to George W. Bush. This officially gives him a losing record in presidential runs.

[Labors of Hercules]

75. Well, your opinion is certainly forthright...

And someone might even find it slightly interesting were it not so... lacking in persuasiveness.
You may respond, but I have better things to do than argue with such biased foolishness.

[johnlal]

79. Sorry for being a "biased fool"

And thanks for putting an end to our disagreement. Your ad hominem attack added to the discussion. At least nobody was called "Hitler".

[Labors of Hercules]

81. it is obvious you're a good man, John.

:toast:

[Uncle Joe]

84. More of yesterday's news:Thomas Jefferson lost to John Adams before he won,

Andrew Jackson lost to John Quincy Adams before he won.

Abraham Lincoln lost more elections than I can remember before he won.

Grover Cleveland was President lost his reelection and then came back and won.

Richard Nixon lost to John Kennedy before he won, coincidently 8 years later.

I personally don't believe in labels such as loser just because for whatever reason someone doesn't make it the first time.

But if you want to be entertained by a loser with a losing track record winning, check out the movie Seabiscuit, sure it's about a race horse, but it's a universal truth.

P.S. Don't forget to thank that loser Al Gore for empowering you to post your wisdom for the world to see when he had the vision to champion the internet, because the mass corporate media trashed and slandered him for it.

[RestoreGore]

9. No

He is doing something good for the world that must be done. Why the obsession here with him running, especially if he really didn't want to? I think it is actually hypocritical of people to say they care about his effort, but then not do a damn thing to talk about that and to ostracize people who do care just because they don't jump on an 08 bandwagon. In case people haven't noticed we are racing against the clock here concerning our relationship to this planet. This is no game, and Mr. Gore sees that. He is a greater man for doing this than anyone in a bs sound bite campaign looking to stroke their own ego, and I for one respect and love him immensely for even caring enough to do this at all especially after what he endured just six and a half short years ago.

[wyldwolf]

10. Good strategy. SHAME Gore into running!

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

11. No Offense

First of all, he's OUR President. Seeing as you're from Ottawa, you won't be voting, so it's not right of you to use terms like "hypocritical" when referring to President Gore.

Oh, and to those who continue to say that he lost the 2000 election, I'm just going to say that's not true. The Supreme Court appointed King george.

[Clintonista2]

23. I love the arrogance

I've heard the "you live in Ottawa so you dont count" line too many times. How do you know I'm not an American citizen? Stop assuming, you only make yourself look foolish.

[ms liberty]

12. NO...

As much as I want him to run, I don't think he would be hypocritical if he didn't, but I would be so very disappointed, although I wouldn't blame him. I agree that he can do more as President - not just toward climate change, but toward solving most of the problems we've been saddled with by this putrid excuse for a President.

[kestrel91316]

13. He may feel it's not the best forum for him to do his life's work.

That's not hypocrisy, it's thoughtful consideration of reality.

I think you knew that. You just wanted to get in another post with "Gore" and "hypocrisy" in it.

Enjoy your stay.

[Clintonista2]

24. Actually I love Gore

Maybe the word "hypocrisy" wasnt the best choice, but I really feel Gore IS the best choice. All I'm trying to say is, in my humble opinion, he could make such a difference if he ran, (again in my opinion) moreso than if he didnt run.

[kestrel91316]

35. I wish he would run. But I will understand completely if he doesn't.

[SledDriver]

14. Maybe he'll run as a third party candidate...

Just to save face? That way he can still run, but probably won't get elected. He can then continue his environmental efforts for another few years without everyone pressuring him to run.

[Apollo11]

64. Gore will support the Democratic ticket

In June 2006, Al Gore told Larry King that he was certain he would support the Democratic nominee in 2008.

This means it is impossible he would run as a third party candidate.

Especially after his experience with Ralph Nader in 2000.

[Apollo11]

15. Gore is the best person for the job

But maybe he doesn't have the personal ambition and appetite to go through the destructive experience of entering the race and defeating the other candidates in the Democratic primaries.

Right now Gore is widely respected and what he says is being taken seriously. He knows that he can achieve more for the environment when Democrats take back the Whitehouse, but that doesn't necessarily mean he has to be President himself.

The President has to deal with a whole wide range of issues. Right now, Gore is free to choose for himself what issues he wants to talk about, who he wants to talk with. He has a lot of freedom, and he is making full use of it!

So while I continue to believe that Gore is the best person for the job, I will respect whatever decision he makes. It's his life and we should let him make his own decisions. But of course there's nothing wrong with letting him know that he would have our full support in the event that he might decide to enter the race.

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

Get ready for Live Earth on 7/7/07: www.liveearth.org

Help Al Gore lobby Congress at www.algore.com

Sign the petition at www.algore.org

Also sign the petition at www.draftgore.com

:kick:

[Grandrose]

16. Good try with reverse psychology?

If we must beg, browbeat, scorn and do whatever
it takes...Mr. Gore should and must run this
race one more time. :yoiks:

[CK_John]

17. Gore doesn't have "it" to be president. "it" cannot be defined but we

know it when we see it.

[Quantess]

18. You don't seriously believe that, do you?

It's a personal choice whether to run for president. It's his life.

[loyalsister]

19. I'm not sure I would want a single issue president

He is in a good position to focus his attention on the environment as a private citizen. He has access to a wide range of media and a great deal of freedom from that position.
As president he would have two options. Appealing to the people (over and over again like a broken record?) and diplomatic dealing with congress. Good luck. He would have to try to broker deals on between Dems and Pubs and business in the mix.
Bottom up requests for bill sponsorship are more effective than those that come from the top. From where he is now, he can harness that and tell whoever is in office that it matters to a significant number of voters.
He knows as well as we do that the voters have to keep the dems in check too.

[Learn2Swim]

20. No, and it's really silly

to look at it that way.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
He is doing something good for the world that must be done. Why the obsession here with him running, especially if he really didn't want to? I think it is actually hypocritical of people to say they care about his effort, but then not do a damn thing to talk about that and to ostracize people who do care just because they don't jump on an 08 bandwagon. In case people haven't noticed we are racing against the clock here concerning our relationship to this planet. This is no game, and Mr. Gore sees that. He is a greater man for doing this than anyone in a bs sound bite campaign looking to stroke their own ego, and I for one respect and love him immensely for even caring enough to do this at all especially after what he endured just six and a half short years ago.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for saying everything I wanted to say, but couldn't find the words. I couldn't possibly agree more. :)

[NYCGirl]

21. Well, then wait until his new book comes out in May — he'll talk about LOTS of

issues then.

http://www.amazon.com/Assault-Reason-Al-Gore/dp/1594201226/sr=8-1/qid=1172772733/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-5171185-7455064?ie=UTF8&s=books

A visionary analysis of how the politics of fear, secrecy, cronyism, and blind faith has combined with the degration of the public sphere to create an environment dangerously hostile to reason

At the time George W. Bush ordered American forces to invade Iraq, 70 percent of Americans believed Saddam Hussein was linked to 9/11. Voters in Ohio, when asked by pollsters to list what stuck in their minds about the campaign, most frequently named two Bush television ads that played to fears of terrorism.

We live in an age when the thirty-second television spot is the most powerful force shaping the electorate's thinking, and America is in the hands of an administration less interested than any previous administration in sharing the truth with the citizenry. Related to this and of even greater concern is this administration's disinterest in the process by which the truth is ascertained, the tenets of fact-based reasoning-first among them an embrace of open inquiry in which unexpected and even inconvenient facts can lead to unexpected conclusions.

How did we get here? How much damage has been done to the functioning of our democracy and its role as steward of our security? Never has there been a worse time for us to lose the capacity to face the reality of our long-term challenges, from national security to the economy, from issues of health and social welfare to the environment. As The Assault on Reason shows us, we have precious little time to waste.

Gore's larger goal in this book is to explain how the public sphere itself has evolved into a place hospitable to reason's enemies, to make us more aware of the forces at work on our own minds, and to lead us to an understanding of what we can do, individually and collectively, to restore the rule of reason and safeguard our future. Drawing on a life's work in politics as well as on the work of experts across a broad range of disciplines, Al Gore has written a farsighted and powerful manifesto for clear thinking.

[Learn2Swim]

22. get over it...

it will be easier to do now than later.

[NYCGirl]

25. Hey, isn't that what freepers say about stolen elections? NT

[loyalsister]

27. I respect his intellect

and am reminded of what Oliver Wendall Holmes said of FDR. Second rate intellect, first rate temperment. Gore is uniquely first rate both.
Gore is in position of unique a professorship and grassroots leadership where he can offer analyses and ideas that will be respected by policy makers and party members. He is recognized by many as the president who should have been.
He has flexibility to reach people on the ground in a variety of ways, at times of his own choosing. He can strike while the iron is hot. He can take time to consolidate and create.
As president his schedule would be set by events and others, largely with crap he would not want to do.
I think his passion is the environment and he currently has a great opportunity to focus as much energy as possible on that. One he would either drown in trying to save as president or have to get over losing.

[NYCGirl]

28. As President, you can certainly delegate to people you trust. And I'm sure

VP Gore would surround himself with brilliant and able people.

Listen, if Bush has hours a day to ride his bike or clear brush and still start and mismanage a war — there are ways to do what you want.

[Learn2Swim]

29. Heh.

^ Good point. :D

[loyalsister]

36. If he were a candidate.....

I would vote for him in a heart beat.
I just think he has opportunities for effectiveness that are not available from the position of the presidency.

[NYCGirl]

37. Everything in the world is available from the Presidency. He or she is the most

powerful person on Earth.

[loyalsister]

39. okay

No use argueing with belief in belief. Don't let government structure or anything like that get in your way.

[NYCGirl]

40. Government structure has little to do with it. What can a private citizen get done

that the POTUS can't (with a Democratic majority)?

[loyalsister]

67. A private citizen isn't limited to partisan ties

Global warming should not be a partisan issue. He knows this. If he runs for president he takes on a partisan role. That takes it further into partisan territory.
At this point there is potential to keep it neutral and get both parties to recognize the facts.
As a private citizen with a high profile he can mobilize large numbers of people to show their numbers in support.

Bush thinks of himself as "the most powerful man in the world" and people have let him get away with being a bully. Is that where you get your ideas? Your "most powerful man in the world" scenario only works if we maintain the assumption of a strengthened executive ushered in by * which only leads us deeper and deeper into fascist territory.
Can you remember how Clinton was blocked from accomplishing a lot of things because the executive branch actually only approves or rejects what congress hands him?
The top down, bully presidency is what I hope to leave behind and return to our traditional design of government.

[NYCGirl]

69. No, I don't get my ideas from Bush. I'm pretty old; I remember a lot of presidents.

ANY president of the United States is leader of a superpower. Clinton was, Kennedy was, Truman was, and even the Republican presidents were. It's the biggest, loudest bully pulpit in the world, too. With a Democratic majority in the congress, a Democratic president can get a lot done. It'd be the BEST time for VP Gore to run.

Edited to add quote:

"His burning issue now is global warming and preventing it. He can do infinitely more to accomplish that goal as in the incumbent in the White House, than he can making even movies that get -- you know, that get Oscars."

Jimmy Carter

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/02/carter_endorses.html

[RestoreGore]

73. I guess you never read about Martin Luther King Jr. ...

Or Alice Paul...Cesar Chavez...The Americans who fought in the American Revolution. NONE of them were ever presidents, and we wouldn't even have half of what we have regarding progress with social issues were it not for citizens taking up the banner to FORCE this system to respond.

[NYCGirl]

76. From what you tell us in other posts, you're pretty good at writing letters.

Perhaps you should write to President Carter and tell him about MLK Jr., Ms. Paul, or Cesar Chavez (who, BTW, I met when I was a college student). And maybe you ought to let him know just what the president can and cannot do. I'm sure he'd be interested.

"His burning issue now is global warming and preventing it. He can do infinitely more to accomplish that goal as in the incumbent in the White House, than he can making even movies that get -- you know, that get Oscars."

Jimmy Carter

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/02/carter_endorses.html

[RestoreGore]

77. Good Idea, Then I can ask him why he never ran again since he believes that now

And since Mr. Gore asked him not to call him anymore harassing him about it, my opinion stands.

[NYCGirl]

78. You do that. I'm sure he'll give your letter all the consideration it deserves. NT

[RestoreGore]

80. Right back atcha n/t

[RestoreGore]

71. Exactly, and what a legacy he will leave n/t

[zulchzulu]

30. Running for president is like putting your hands in a meat grinder

Former Vice President Gore knows what it's like to run for President...and he knows what it's like to have victory stolen in a bloodless coup d'etat.

History will show that this is exactly what happened. And if Gore doesn't want to run again, it is certainly understandable.

He may have decided that the battle he wants to fight deals more with the climate change crisis. We need him there possibly more than we need him in the White House cleaning up Bush's diarrhea piles all over the World.

[ncteechur]

43. is scooter libby in the same meat grinder or a different one?

[AtomicKitten]

31. No, it's not.

It is his life, his prerogative.

Be careful not to let wishing turn to petulance.

[Zavulon]

32. No.

He can do a lot more for the environment out of office. If he were president he might not have the time to make movies, for instance.

[Milo_Bloom]

33. Keep in mind he is already running.

Gore is running right now, just doing it on the sly. He is out there spreading his message, coming out with a book about changing the thinking in politics and Wa. If you listen to him speak, he speaks on all subjects. He SOUNDS like a candidate, without using the words, "when I am president".

Here is the catch... the moment Gore officially announces, his entire message becomes about the campaign and not about the message. The book becomes a campaign tool. The concerts become a "Gore in 08" event. The entire tone of everything changes. The longer he waits to announce, the more these things can be digested for what they are, instead of seen as some campaign tool.

Further, if getting elected isn't a near slam dunk, everything he worked for gets lost in the campaign. Everything becomes a failed tool of a failed campaign. The longer he waits, the more these things can have their impact BEFORE taking that risk.

Gore is smart enough to know that he will have the greatest effect as President. However, he is also smart enough to know that being in the campaign changes the message, makes people tend to tune you out, because it is all seen as self-serving, instead of a message that needs to be heard!

There is no doubt anymore that he is running. The facts have made that clear. However, the longer he waits to officially announce, the better.

[Labors of Hercules]

53. very well put!

:beer:

[Bronyraurus]

41. I don't think anyone really likes Gore

except for a gaggle of election 2000 bitter-enders with more psychic scars than brains.

Compare Gore as a leader to someone like Obama, or Gore's old boss, or anyone else who can deliver a speech without putting the joint into a merciful coma.

[CreekDog]

42. The Gore movie was a 2-hour lecture and people paid to see it

Brony:

If you go into a coma when Gore speaks, well, speak for yourself. A lot of people have been interested in what Gore has to say for years now. And you are wrong to characterize to characterize his supporters (and those who think the 2000 election was stolen) as "bitter-enders".

I am amazed at how much An Inconvient Truth drew people in. People paid to see what was essentially a 2-hour lecture on climatology/global warming. He made the topic a 100 times more interesting and accessible than my atmospheric science class called Physical Climatology did and he covered a lot of the same ground.

Further, Gore drew crowds of over 50k in Chicago, huge numbers in Philadelphia and in Florida, with folks coming in droves to hear him speak during the 2000 campaign. The media said he was boring and stiff, but the his crowds and positive response to his convention speech suggests that he was boring to the media, but not everyone else. After all, his long speech at the convention was the key moment in putting him above Bush after the convention.

That's Gore, he is good.

[Bronyraurus]

45. Okay

He made good box office on his movie, but how many of the people seeing him were seeing him to see Al Gore? Don't you think a lot or most of the people in the audience were there to learn about climate change issues?

As for Gore's crowds in 2000, that does nothing to diminish my argument. That was then. Are those people now clamoring for Gore to run? I don't know, but I don't think so.

[CreekDog]

47. Brony: what are you smoking?

Brony said: "but how many of the people seeing him were seeing him to see Al Gore? Don't you think a lot or most of the people in the audience were there to learn about climate change issues?"

How many people would go to a documentary about global warming, a documentary that is mostly a lecture with some visuals?

Very few people.

It's precisely because Gore was doing it that it garnered all this attention. Documentaries don't get much attention, but when they do, it's the fame of someone associated with them that usually gets them the above normal interest.

I think you just have something against Gore because you are interpreting almost everything against him. Yikes.

from Wikipedia :

"The film opened in New York City and Los Angeles on May 24, 2006. On Memorial Day weekend, it grossed an average of $91,447 per theater, the highest of any movie that weekend and a record for a documentary, though it was only playing on four screens at the time.

The film has grossed over $24 million in the U.S. and over $42 million worldwide as of January 31, 2007, making it the third-highest-grossing documentary in the U.S. to date (after Fahrenheit 9/11 and March of the Penguins)."

[Bronyraurus]

59. Zrrrck!

"How many people would go to a documentary about global warming, a documentary that is mostly a lecture with some visuals?"

Shit, man, I don't know!

"It's precisely because Gore was doing it that it garnered all this attention. Documentaries don't get much attention, but when they do, it's the fame of someone associated with them that usually gets them the above normal interest."

Either that or cute penguins!

"I think you just have something against Gore because you are interpreting almost everything against him. Yikes."

Yeah, I don't like him. I thought he was lame in 2000 and I think he's lame now. The truth is, everyone thought he was lame in 2000, but they voted for him because Bush was so obviously an idiot. No one really got excited about Al Gore until he lost the election. I can understand the sympathy for him, but I don't think that sympathy should translate into the delusion that if he runs again he'll win. We have much better candidates. Look at Obama and Richardson. They've got pinache, brains, and political talent like nobody's business. Gore got a raw deal, but the guy is not a natural.

[zulchzulu]

46. Are you from Florida?

Wow. So it must be something in the water...

"a gaggle of election 2000 bitter-enders with more psychic scars than brains."

So you think the SCOTUS decision was fair and square? If you do, I would submit you may not be the quickest gator in the swamp...

On edit: I forgot to mention that I don't think he's going to run in 2008.

[Bronyraurus]

60. No, I don't

I read it in law school, in an election law class. It looks like the SC basically made up the law.

But the bitter end is the bitter end. And the end ended in 2000. Tell some of these people that, and look at my post directly above for a fuller explanation.

[lesab]

61. wrong

I saw him in OKC today and I can tell you personally that the record setting crowd in Loyd Noble Arena LOVED him. I love him. Me and my group of friends were so excited to see the most brilliant man alive that we feel like groupies. So please don't say nobody likes him. There is much evidence to the contrary..........AND WE ARE IN OKLAHOMA!

[Apollo11]

63. Thanks for sharing!

It's nice to know that Al Gore is loved across all 50 States !! :)

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

Read Al's blog: http://blog.algore.com/2007/02/our_next_step.html

Help Al Gore lobby Congress: www.algore.com/cards.html

Get ready for Live Earth on 7/7/07: www.liveearth.org

Sign the petitions at www.algore.org and www.draftgore.com

:kick:

[Catchawave]

44. Why didn't he run in 2004?

So no, I don't think it's hypcritical if he doesn't run for '08.

[Apollo11]

62. Gore did not want to re-run the 2000 campaign

Gore has said many times that Presidential campaigns should always be about the future.

That's why in 2000 he did not only talk about the achievements of the Clinton-Gore years (and was criticized for this by Carville and others).

That's why in 2002 he promised not to seek the nomination for 2004. Because he knew that the party, and more importantly the country did not have the need or appetite for a re-run of Bu$h v Gore.

If Gore had run again in 2004, the question of "who really won in 2000" would keep coming back and that would prevent a serious discussion about the future direction of the country (and the world).

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

Read Al's blog: http://blog.algore.com/2007/02/our_next_step.html

Help Al Gore lobby Congress: www.algore.com/cards.html

Get ready for Live Earth on 7/7/07: www.liveearth.org

Sign the petitions at www.algore.org and www.draftgore.com

:kick:

[RestoreGore]

70. But people will still continue to do that now...

Instead of honoring his wishes.

[Milo_Bloom]

72. He wishes to run...

Which is why he is.

If he didn't want to run, he would say so, just like he did in 2002.

If he didn't want to run, he would ask the draft Gore movement to stop, just like he did in 2002.

Amazingly, Al Gore is perfectly capable of clearly stating whether he wishes to run or not and he is also smart enough to know that saying things like, "I have no plans..." and "I see no circumstances in which I..." are simply wiggle words that everyone is interpreting of him waiting to announce.

[RestoreGore]

74. Keep waiting...

Because he is neither the liar nor sneak you paint him to be.

[Karenina]

82. You don't deserve him. eom

[MasonJar]

83. Totally absurd! Al Gore is committed to the fight against global warming.

Only he can determine which avenue to follow to be most successful.