why the Gore obsession at DU?

[cleveramerican]

Al Gore has stated plainly he is not running. I take him at his word.

why do so many here expect him to reverse this decision?
is it just wishful thinking or is there some basis for this expectation?

from this vantage point it looks like the grass is always greener syndrome.

[lligrd]

1. Some Of Us Would Just Like To Get The Best Person For The

Job. Perhaps that is wishful thinking.

[annabanana]

2. A lot of it is a Karmic desire.

It was the theft of the election of 2000 that sent the US down this disastrous road. We have lost the light of Lady Liberty's torch. We are reviled where we were once looked to with yearning. The Ship of State has been foundering since the B*sh/NeoCon cabal seized control of everything.

It would just "feel right" for Al Gore to bring us back to where we should be.

[indie_voter]

11. Yep. That is how I feel

He should have been President, IS the President in fact. I want him in the oval office because he is qualified, because he has a vision and because we as a nation deserve his leadership. We voted for it, but instead we got the sociopath village idiot.

[w4rma]

3. Except he hasn't "plainly" stated that. His statements are carefully phrased to allow him to run. nt

[saltpoint]

4. Several reasons Gore would attract Democrats.

1. Bush cheated him. There's a natural and understandable impulse to side with the victim, and that was a very high-profile burglary. Gore's in the right; it's a question of loyalty.

2. Gore's greatly improved on the stump since 2000. He's grown immensely in 6 years and is even MORE qualified for the presidency.

3. Environmentalists know they have a friend in Al Gore. He'd be true and blue with them, unlike the incumbent, who has betrayed them at every turn.

4. The competence factor. He's experienced, has been in the White House, knows what he's talking about, and surrounds himself with gifted people. Bush represents the opposite of those values. Gore is a natural leader to just that kind of voter, of which there are many.

5. Many party chairpeople across the country want him to run. There are rumors of phone calls and contacts through third parties between these chairpeople and Gore. The door to a Gore candidacy is not wide open but neither is it shut tight.

and so forth. The list is long, actually. I was a Bradley voter in 2000, and I have nothing but praise for Al Gore.

[peacetalksforall]

19. The plantet path he is taking is brave when you consider that the

corporations are not ready to stop polluting.

But, don't they say that even the NRA folks are very concerned about the environment? That says plenty.

Why vote for another Republican or Repub Lite if it means losing the plaent.

[saltpoint]

20. I cast no aspersions onto other Democrats, only would say that if Gore

is our nominee, he has my proud and enthusiastic vote.

Certainly the NRA should reconsider its relationship to the environment, and thus its relationship with the Republican Party on an ongoing basis. If they like to hunt in the woods, they're far worse off with the Republicans. My uncle was a hunter in his day and a hardcore Democrat, too. He "got it" in his teenage years and never looked back.

[madmunchie]

5. He is the best choice and we can only keep hoping for the best

especially since the problems that will be taken on are so dire and complicated. Only a really experienced and brilliant leader can deal with the friggin mess that Bush has created and Gore is one of the couple that are really truly QUALIFIED, a term not respected by many Democrats.

[kimmerspixelated]

6. Mr. Albert Gore

is THE man for the job. The former posters hit the nail on the head. The 2000 election was STOLEN from him! He knows most Americans voted for him. He can save our planet and greatly impact our environment which is under a much bigger threat than anything the party of fear could imagine.
And he said, "I have no plans"...meaning, we think, right this moment....If he said, "I am absolutely not going to run at all." One would have to concede. We are very hopeful at the DU!!!! Gore is waiting for the exact right time! He's got a lot going on right now...And timing is everything. Most are already sick to death of Hillary and that will certainly increase as the months roll on!! And I have also heard he has the feelers out as well.

[mtnsnake]

7. People are obsessed with finding a way to stop Hillary. They think Gore fits the bill.

It doesn't matter if Gore can win the general election or not. As long as he beats out Hillary in the primaries, that's all that matters to so many of them.

Others simply think Gore is the best, although I'd wager that on DU it's more about stopping Hillary.

[Forkboy]

10. Wow...I'd take that wager if I could.

I need the cash.

[Cha]

15. Don't flatter that

hawk.

[mtnsnake]

22. She isn't a hawk

She's a cougar. :smoke:

[Cha]

26. hillary's a hawk..

Snip~
"For example, she opposes the international treaty to ban land mines. She voted against the Feinstein-Leahy amendment last September restricting U.S. exports of cluster bombs to countries that use them against civilian-populated areas. She opposes restrictions on U.S. arms transfers and police training to governments that engage in gross and systematic human rights abuses, such as Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Israel, Pakistan, Cameroon and Chad, to name only a few. She insists upon continuing unconditional funding for the Iraq war and has called for dramatic increases in Bush’s already bloated military budget. She has challenged the credibility of Amnesty International and other human rights groups that criticize policies of the United States and its allies."


http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0309-23.htm

[SharonRB]

27. That's where you're wrong

This has nothing to do with Hillary. Gore is the best person for the job, period. And if he decides to run, he will win the nomination and the election. Remember, he won in 2000 -- the votes were counted after the "selection," and he got the most votes in Florida in spite of the butterfly ballot.

[saltpoint]

8. Among the many things he's said these last 6 years that I love is this

quotation. Gore was campaigning for the Kerry-Edwards ticket, urging voters to turn out in large, indisputable numbers to support the Democratic ticket in 2004.

"Don't let this Supreme Court choose the next president," Gore admonished. "And don't let this president choose the next Supreme Court."

I think that's a terrific line, a terrific line for a stump speech. And a subject Gore would know a thing or two about, too.

[iamjoy]

9. He's Got The Best Of The Rest

Some progressives can't forgive support of the IWR. Bye-bye Clinton and Edwards.

Some are concerned about how an untested, inexperienced candidate will fair. Sayonora Obama.

We want some one well known, with good name recognition. Fond farewells to Biden, Dodd and Gavel.

Kucinich, Richardson - not well known and seem to have charisma defincies for all the passion (K) and impressive resume (R).

But Gore opposed the Iraq War, is experienced, well known and in the past 6 years seems to have gotten some charisma.

I'm supporting Edwards for now, but it will be really tough if Gore gets in the race.

[Forkboy]

12. He's the face on an increasingly scary issue that people are starting to realize

And they can easily contrast his actions over the last six years to those of Bush Inc.

[Imagevision]

13. What makes Gore even come close to being better then Obama??!!

[SharonRB]

29. Surely you jest n/t

[karynnj]

33. Experience

I am leaning to Obama if forced to pick one of the top 3, but I do worry that he has not been tested in even a stiff STATE-WIDE election - not his fault, but true.

Yesterday, Bill Bradley - on one of the talk shows (MTP?) spoke of the problem with going just for "charisma". The question is whether Obama's substance will match his hype. I hope it does and am impressed with the strong support he got from Durbin.

[Apollo11]

34. Gore has more experience, wisdom, calmness

But I'm not against Obama. Not at all.

If Gore runs for the Presidency, it's hard to think of a better running mate than Barack Obama.

So my first choice would be a Gore-Obama ticket for 2008 and 2012.

Let's have 8 years of President Gore and Vice-President Obama! B-)

Then Obama can step up in 2016 and 2020 - serve two full terms as President.

So I hope you can see that being pro-Gore does not make us anti-Obama!

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

Read Al's blog: http://blog.algore.com

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

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

:kick:

[davidwparker]

14. it has something to do with his qualifications.

I like him Edwards and Clark.

[ms liberty]

16. He hasn't ruled it out definitively yet...

Heres why I want him to run, from a thread earlier:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=496524&mesg_id=497085

"Most of the people who want to be candidates for the Democratic nomination could win, and any of them would do a better job than The Decider. But I want Al Gore to run in '08 for far different reasons. It's not that he is our only hope to capture the POTUS at all, but we shouldn't want just anyone anyway, we should be looking for someone who's extraordinary - especially right now. I want him to run because he's the best qualified by experience and intelligence, temperament, abilities and skills, and dedication to the core principles of our country. He's got a vision of what America (and the world) needs to do to change, and how we can succeed and thrive while doing it. He's open-minded and curious. He thinks. And he's a statesman, he's acheived that status now - he's not a politician.

When your country is in need of a true leader, and you live in a time that cries out for a person of vision who can heal and inspire your nation to reach for the stars, you look for the best, the brightest, the most qualified. I think that person is Al Gore, that he would perform the job of President better than anyone else.

I know some people disagree and have other preferences, and that's okay with me. I don't know if Al Gore's going to be a choice for us at this point. If he becomes one, I'll be working my tail off for him. If he doesn't, I will be disappointed because the person I believe would be the best President for our country isn't in the race."

[peacetalksforall]

17. We don't have to study him. We already know plenty. The garbage

he carries was designed and created by Chris Matthews and all the other superficial pimpies for GE and the rest of the corporate world, plus rabid talk show 'conservatives' - who concocted lies and tenaciously repeat them - really stupid stuff because there are no serious claims of wrongdoing. And because he's smart and experienced. I love the way he thinks for himself based on studying. He's not a marionette or evil driver Dick. We like his ideology. (And he enjoys better jokes - his quips are not stupid.)

[Milo_Bloom]

18. Because his actions are 100% different

In 2002 he announced in no uncertain terms that he was not seeking office. No qualifiers, no hesitation. He also contacted the draft Gore movement and asked them to stop their efforts.

This time, he is being exceptionally coy about it, using qualifying words, such as, "no intention" to run and "no plans" to run. If he really wasn't interested in 2008, he has proven he is perfectly capable of making that statement. If he wants to keep his options open for 2012 and beyond, he could always says, "I am not running in 2008, but I cannot predict the future beyond this cycle, etc.."

Further, the draft Gore movement is running strong, drawing valuable resources, time and money AWAY from the other campaigns, yet, Gore is making no effort to stop it. In fact, he keeps fueling it by allowing small rumors to sneak out unchallenged, about his diet and exercise plan, making coy jokes at the Oscars. He has the power to end all speculation, with a few simple words, words he has used before, but he chooses not to do so.

There is really only 1 conclusions that can be drawn from this and that is that he IS running by not running.

He can do everything a candidate can do, without having to get dirty. A brilliant move by Gore!

[Labors of Hercules]

21. Another slam dunk for Milo!

Skablam! Nails it! :applause:

[annabanana]

25. Thank you for this post...

How encouraging!

[SharonRB]

30. I guess you covered a lot of what I posted below

Good post.

[philosophie_en_rose]

23. The Law of Attraction

It is possible to hope that someone runs, without giving up on the process altogether.

It is early in the election season, we'll see if Gore will run or not.

With that said, I certainly wouldn't put all of effort behind Gore. We have to deal with who is actually running.

Nevertheless, I hope Gore does enter the race. and soon.

[Trajan]

24. You say 'Gore Obsession', as if an appreciation of Mr. Gore is a bad thing ...

To strongly favor someone like Vice President Gore isnt an 'obsession' ....

It is personal choice for a good man, whom many see as the best possibility ....

[SharonRB]

28. He has not stated it plainly

He has coyly come up with answers that have not shut the door completely. In 2004, there was a draft Gore movement and he asked them to stop. This time, there is a huge draft Gore movement working all around the country and he knows this is going on. Yet, he has not asked anyone to stop.

He's playing his cards well. He is getting lots of publicity without spending a dime. He can afford to wait until the fall to jump in. He has a new book, "Assault on Reason," coming out in May and has his worldwide concerts taking place in July, not to mention the Nobel Peace Price announcement in October. You can't buy the publicity he's getting.

When Gore was in Australia last month, he took time out to call Tom Harkins, the head of the Iowa caucus, to wish him a happy birthday. He had not spoken to him for five years. There have been a lot of small hints like this that have led those of us in the draft movement to believe he will jump in.

Gore can do so much more for global warming as president than he can as a private citizen. We need him in a position of power.

For anyone interested in joining a Draft Gore meetup group in their area, or to start one, go to http://www.algore.org and http://www.draftalgore.meetup.com and sign up.

[Apollo11]

31. Al Gore is keeping his options open

Al Gore is the best qualified person for the job, in terms of his experience, knowledge, intelligence and judgement.

I am not convinced that Gore will run, but I do hope he will be the Democratic nominee for President.

I am dreaming of a Gore-Obama ticket in 2008. But there is no hurry for Gore to enter the race.

I think Al Gore is keeping his options open right now, watching how the "pre-season" goes. I don't think he yet knows what he will do. My guess is that the chance of him entering the race is somewhere between 20% and 35%.

Gore's current line - "I have no plans to be a candidate" - tells us that right now (today) he has no plans to run. But it doesn't prevent him from changing his plans and making new plans during the coming months.

Gore is doing a great job raising public awareness about the climate crisis. Winning an Oscar means that even more people will hopefully see An Inconvenient Truth. He was awesome at the Congressional Hearing on March 21st!

Gore is also getting ready to bring out his next book The Assault on Reason - to be published in May. The theme of this book - why we need better decision-making in government - is very timely (whether he runs or not).

Gore is also leading Live Earth with concerts in 7 cities across the globe on 7/7/07 -- all with the aim of raising awareness and pushing for action to address the climate crisis.

Depending on how things pan out, and the reaction to his book, Gore can consider his situation over the summer and announce his decision (or if you prefer - "change his mind") sometime in the fall.

It all depends on the circumstances. In September, if the race for the Dem nomination is still wide open and Hillary's campaign is in trouble, it might create the conditions for Gore to enter the race.

Don't forget that Bill Clinton did not kick-off his campaign until October 1991. But Al Gore already has nationwide respect and name recognition that other wannabees can only wish for!

Unless and until Gore endorses another candidate, we have to assume that he is keeping his options open. So it is too soon for those of us who prefer Gore to switch our allegiance.

"If (Al) was going to run in the future, of course I would support him. I think he'd be a fantastic president. He already got a majority of votes of people in this country once, and so that says something."
-- Tipper Gore on Good Morning America, June 13, 2006
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2069724&page=1

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

Read Al's blog: http://blog.algore.com

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

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

:kick:

[Sparkly]

32. He will always have a unique and special place in our party & its history

as our rightful 43rd president.

Looking ahead to the 44th, the idea of his entering the race is enticing for that reason, among others. Nobody is more all-around qualified.

[catgirl]

35. The Al Gore "obsession" goes far beyond DU

He will get the nomination and he will win the general election. He
is the best person for the job. No one comes close to having his
qualifications and passion.

[lesab]

36. inspirational.....

I am a 36 yr. old women who has been married since I was 18 to a wonderful man. I have been to all sorts of rock concerts and public events but I have never felt like a groupie until I went to see Al give his presentation of An Inconvenient Truth. I am in utter awe of the man. He is so intelligent and selfless in his life. I have so much respect for him as a person. He is going and traveling all over the world giving this presentation because he believes that he might make a difference in the world. There is no other hidden motives. I believe that someone who is as good and wholesome as well as qualified deserves to be rewarded with the Presidency. The only thing in Al's entire background that works against him is that he is a little stiff. Not my opinion but MSM's. I saw him live and can say unequivocally that he is NOT STIFF, he is brilliant and funny and awe inspiring. I want to be in awe of my president. Al is the only one who can do that for me.

[Apollo11]

37. I hear you!

It's because we respect Al Gore. And we want to have a President that we can respect, and that our children can look up to.

I'm afraid during the last 10 years (since the Lewinsky scandal broke) - we have got used to the idea that the President is someone who is "only human" and "makes mistakes". The one we have right now seems to make an incredible amount of very serious mistakes (unless you are Karl Rove or Dick Cheney. They probably see everything Bu$h does as part of their master plan.)

Back in 2000, Bu$h talked about restoring integrity to the Whitehouse. But as we all know - he has done the exact opposite!

If Gore would be our candidate in 2008, many of us would see it as an opportunity to restore trust and respect in the office of President.

[Apollo11]

38. the grass is always greener?

If you mean concerned about the environment - nobody is greener than Gore.

If you mean a lack of experience in national politics - Gore would be the least green of all the candidates.

[cleveramerican]

39. you always want to one

you cannot have. Thats what I meant.


the grass in always greener in someone else's yard. Its an expression.

thank you for all the thoughtful responses, they go a long way. they have given me much to consider.