 |
|
Add to My Group
|
September 8, 2007 at 08:29:41
Al Gore: The 2008 Election Wild Card by Kevin Gosztola Page 1 of 1 page(s) |
|
 
|
The polls as we speak have painted a picture of a “horse race” that has been etched into the minds of all Americans. The leaders are Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Coming in closely behind are John Edwards and Bill Richardson. Chris Dodd, Joe Biden, and Dennis Kucinich trail behind the leaders significantly. And Mike Gravel is unfortunately that angry old man, a curmudgeon, who we have all grown to laugh at as he continues to hang in the race despite his 0% registered support. There is one catch however. Some of the polls for Democrats show Al Gore with a significant percentage of support. He in fact was ahead of many at one point but has since drifted back down to single digits in the polls. But what’s amazing is that people are still trying to draft Al Gore for 2008. And even more important, Al Gore is holding on to constituents who could be supporting candidates that are really running for election in 2008. What does this mean for Democratic candidates? It means that Democratic candidates can expect to see a group of voters up for grabs in the coming months (that is, if Gore is truly not running for president, which I think it is safe to say he is not). And who will those voters go to? Most likely, Al Gore supporters will go for Hillary Rodham Clinton believing that maybe they will get more of the Bill Clinton policy they used to love so dearly. Or perhaps, they will go for Barack Obama’s charisma and eloquent speaking abilities. Or maybe, they will even move to a candidate who has been labeled “minor” by the media like Dennis Kucinich. Why are there so many Americans who are willing to hang back hoping for Al Gore to run? DraftGore.com gives good reasoning: 
Whether the issue is global warming, war and peace, reforming government, or leading a technological revolution, Al Gore has always been ahead of the curve. The climate crisis may be hot today, but Congressman Gore was pounding on this issue long before Washington had even heard of global warming.
At a time when politicians have lost the art of inspiring and leading, Al Gore speaks the truth and speaks it from the heart. His message is born out of conviction and is often decades ahead of its time. And he never gives in to politics as usual.
I disagree with the group’s contention that Al Gore never gave in to politics as usual. I don’t think Al Gore is the only politician who speaks from the heart either. But, that’s not the point here. The point is:
Al Gore personifies a cause to millions of people who fiercely believe he was rightfully elected in 2000, and who will never get over the events that stopped the counting of the votes in Florida and put the election in the hands of a partisan Supreme Court. To this day people continue to address him as President Gore. As Martin Peretz wrote in a June 2006 op-ed in The New Republic, “there is an undercurrent of guilt around the country about the fact that the presidency was taken from him by a vote of 5 to 4."
If you notice on the site where this is from, the group refers to Gore as “a cause that shall never die”. As a Kucinich supporter, I can identify with this kind of faith in an individual. I’m willing to go to the nth degree to defend Kucinich, speak out and spread the word of Kucinich, and vote for Kucinich in 2008. And I feel bad for these people that Al Gore hasn’t stepped up and run for office.
But why may that be? Why isn’t he running? Perhaps, Al Gore has realized that it is much easier to do what one wants to do outside of being president. Perhaps, Al Gore is enjoying himself a bit too much these days. He may want to focus on global climate change advocacy and his Current television channel instead of taking on the role of our nation’s leader. (In fact, I think if you read The Assault on Reason by Al Gore you will have no trouble agreeing with me.)
Gore does not just play out as a factor in the polls. Right now, he also stands to benefit any of the Democratic candidates greatly. There are many implications, but whoever Al Gore comes out speaking in favor of or “endorsing”, which is what it will be referred to as even if it is not formal endorsement, will see a boost in their poll numbers immediately. Should Gore stand up and say explicitly, “I do not plan to run and instead, I support this Democratic candidate to run”, than supporters of organizations like Draft Gore in 2008 will dissolve, followers of Gore and members of Draft Gore will move to the “next best candidate”, or each one of those followers will examine each candidate and decide who to vote for, which may even lead to many voting for a third party candidate.
Something to take note of is the fact that Al Gore supporters are looking at this race from the outside and critiquing all candidates from the “minor” candidates to the “major” candidates. Primarily, they are examining policies of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Many are more than likely in fact examining John Edwards and Bill Richardson also. Supporters are taking each of those stances on the issues and each proposed policies and comparing them to Gore so that they can better promote a Gore campaign. And as they come to dislike those candidates more and more and become more hooked on a possible Al Gore run, what happens when he doesn’t run? Do they choose the lesser of two evils and go for a popular major candidate? Or do they vote their conscience and go for a candidate like Dennis Kucinich?
Bottom line: Even after Labor Day, Al Gore is still on the minds of Democrats. He just seems like the guy who should be cleaning up the mess George W. Bush made. And so, some Americans wait and wonder if he will run or who he will endorse. Thus, the deciding factor of this election may not be special interests, corporate interests, or the amount of money one raises. It could be whether Al Gore likes what candidates bring to the table or not. And if that’s so, based on what each Democratic candidate brings, Gore will decide who deserves to lead America into a new and brighter day.
The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author
and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
 Contact Author |
Contact Editor |
 View Authors' Articles |
|
|
|
| 10 comments |
|
Appeal to Al Gore
Please, Al Gore, declare yourself IN the presidential race. That is all you have to do and the US Presidency is yours. Guaranteed. NO ONE in either party can beat you; you know that. Further, it IS the best bully pulpit to succeed in one of the two most important issues: saving the planet. You must know that, too. The second crucial issue is peace. We must have, as the next President, a leader who can reverse this policy of preemptive war and establish a US policy of peace through diplomacy. I do not see the leading candidates as wholly committed to that stance. Finally, if you truly cannot bring yourself, for whatever personal reason(s), to declare as a Presidential candidate, please endorse Dennis Kucinich and also pledge to work in his administration in any capacity that will help realize your agenda of saving the planet. by Christie (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 143 comments) on Saturday, Sep 8, 2007 at 11:22:14 AM  (0+)
|
|
I hope Edwards gets the nod.
I hope Al Gore will endorse John Edwards. Edwards offers broad changes to the status quo in Washington, and has put a number of very specific progressive plans on the table. Kucinich is even more progressive, but has no realistic chance to win in a general election. For Gore to endorse Kucinich would be to very similar to those who supported Ralph Nader against Gore, even though all knew Nader could not win the general election. This is not the time to endorse to send a message. Edwards has frequently expressed his admiration for Gore's ideas for the environment, and Edwards has the leadership style that makes it likely that Gore could choose any role he wanted in an Edwards administration. I believe this because of Edwards statements on his desire to fill all positions with the best qualified person for that job, from the cabinet to the MSHA and other regulatory agencies. Perhaps Gore is waiting to be sure Edwards can go the distance. I hope that recent union endorsements from Carpenters and Joiners, United Steelworkers, Transport Workers Union, and United Mine Workers will help to show this. It is also my belief that Kucinich will have a larger role with Edwards in office. They are not too far apart on many issues, and Kucinich would make an excellent partner in clearing out Washinton insiders. by bettync (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 12 comments) on Saturday, Sep 8, 2007 at 11:54:53 AM (0+)
|
|
My slate of candidates: Kucinich/Gore.
I have been a big fan of Al Gore's since I read his first book, "Earth in the Balance". But when he rolled over and gave up in 2004, I gave up on him. I think he's brilliant and articulate and funny and I think he would be a great running mate for Dennis. Dennis is the best candidate of all and I wish that the media would give up their whorish ways and back him. I do what I can by making phone calls, writing letters and emailing as many people as I can. I repeat the same thing to all who say they really like him but they don't think he can win: If those of us who know that Dennis is the best one will vote for him we will win! by Caronome (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 327 comments [15 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Saturday, Sep 8, 2007 at 12:45:22 PM (0+)
|
|
2008
We would be so blessed with Dennis Kucinich as our President. If he could get some coverage so people everywhere could hear him he would soar to the top of the list. Where is the coverage of his visit with the Syrian President? It is not known about except by a few. His trip there, accompanied by his wife, was a beautiful thing. While the rest were here tooting their own horns he quietly did something quite remarkable and few know. I went to his website yesterday and still found nothing about it. Why is that? I tried to get it on OpEd but the powers that be there said the link wouldn't work although it worked fine for me. Don't know what error I made in trying to get it posted. This Nation could not do better than Kucinich. We are being done a great disservice by the lack of coverage for this very very decent caring man. by Rae (0 articles, 1 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 230 comments [2 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Saturday, Sep 8, 2007 at 3:31:36 PM (0+)
|
|
Al Gore has the strongest support.
AAnd it is getting stronger, because folks have had a long time to hear these Pageant Contenders as they pander, back track on their own statements and talk about things Democrats shouldn’t be talking about. Like Funding more nukes, playing with King COAL and trying to push liquified Coal to increase polution, or even about bombing more countries. by LindaSFNM (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 11 comments) on Saturday, Sep 8, 2007 at 10:36:03 PM (0+)
|
|
Al Gore
Al don't run, we don't vote!! by Stuart & Robert Wyman-Cahall (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments) on Saturday, Sep 8, 2007 at 11:08:59 PM (0+)
|
|
Edwards
Edwards sucks. He's a corporate shill. Kucinich is the only one worth voting for. Edwards supports occupying and invading other countries. Edwards supports the USA Patriot Act. Edwards supports free trade agreements. Edwards is a member of CFR and the Bilderberg Group. by Ty (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 888 comments [2 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Sunday, Sep 9, 2007 at 12:44:41 PM (0+)
|
|
If not Gore
I agree with the article, Al Gore is the wild card. I pray every night that he will decide to run, but if he does not then I'll support Edwards. I'm not sure te author actually understands Gore Supporters - we would not support Hilary. Hilary is DLC (Repub lite) This country needs a real leader, not one that will twist & turn, not one that will go along to get along. There are some very serious problems that need to be addressed & it's going to take some serious backbone. We haven't been wowed by Obama yet, what makes you think we'll jump on that bandwagon? And Kucinich? Come on - we want the Democrats to actually win the 2008 election. It's very strange that the traditional media is almost boycotting Edwards - have you noticed that? Even this article fails to mention that Gore suppporters most likely would choose Edwards. I suspect no one has even bothered to ask Gore supporters what they think. Just look at the comments! The author makes it sound like Gore supporters are a whimsical bunch. We are not. We are very serious, very involved & have recognized that Al Gore is the best hope for America. He is Internationally respected, was the first Democrat to speak out against the second Iraq war, served in the military when he was called to duty, was VP under a successful administration. Everything he said in the 2000 election has turned out to be true. Everything! We need a leader with this kind of foresight. We need Al Gore. But if he doesn't run, then Edwards gets my support & I suspect most other Gore supporters. by Morague Kalani (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 2 comments) on Sunday, Sep 9, 2007 at 3:24:20 PM (0+)
|
|
Bayardtom - Gore did not run in 2004
Hate to break your bubble but Al Gore did not run in 2004. If you are referring to the election in 2000 & claiming he rolled over then you obviously need to review what happened. The Supreme Court ruled against him. There was no where else to go. Given that the Supreme Court ruled against him, what do you suggest he should have done? He fought & took it as far as he possibly could. Kerry was the Democrat's Presidential Candidtae in 2004 & no, he did not fight the election results. But you simply can not confuse Gore with kerry. by Morague Kalani (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 2 comments) on Sunday, Sep 9, 2007 at 3:32:18 PM (0+)
|
|
Good grief...
Sigh... Al Gore is CFR. For example, from CFR's site... A Commentary on the War Against Terror: Our Larger Tasks Uuh... CFR... what? Not that I like their site, but at least THIS article is a plcae to start. Yeah, let's get yet another Globalist in the Whitehouse so he, or she, can finish off what Bush started. Way to go! Hoo-Rah! by Co6aka (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 68 comments) on Monday, Sep 10, 2007 at 12:33:03 AM (0+)
|
Want to post your own comment on this Article? 
|
||||
|
||||||||||||||
Must Read (0) 
Well Said (0) 
News (0) 
Touching (0) 
Funny (0) 
Supported (0) 
Interesting (0) 
Inspiring (0) 
Valuable (0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tell a Friend:
|
Copyright © 2002-2009, OpEdNews |
