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Is Gore starting to make a move?
Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 12:36am
In recent weeks, talk of the potential emergence of former Vice President Al Gore as a consensus candidate for the Democratic Party nomination for President has increased in volume.
Newsweek columnist Eleanor Clift and Time columnist Joe Klein have both noted that Gore could provide the Democrats a winning exit strategy from the protracted Obama-Clinton primary battle, a fight that promises to get bloodier in the weeks ahead. One Democrat Congressman and Superdelegate, Tim Mahoney of Florida, has openly spoke of Gore as a potential compromise candidate if Obama and Clinton remain deadlocked when the Democrats convene for their convention in Denver in late August.
So what does Gore say about this speculation?
Nothing, other than that he thinks the nomination may “resolve itself” prior to the convention. It would be very easy for him to put the “Al Gore scenario” to rest by simply making it clear he has absolutely no interest in the Presidency in 2008. He could end all the discussion and conjecture if he would simply endorse either Hillary or Barack.
Instead, for now, Al is simply sitting back and waiting to see if the situation really does “resolve itself” – or not.
Or is he just “sitting back”? In subtle ways he seems to be increasing his visibility, perhaps suggesting that he is not just an innocent bystander in the political drama that continues to unfold.
Sunday night he made a high profile appearance on 60 Minutes to talk about his pet issue: the crisis of “global warming” and his roll-out of a major ad campaign to promote the cause. Sunday also saw London’s Sunday Telegraph, publish a story claiming that former Gore campaign operatives have confirmed that his inner circle actually mapped out a plan for a Gore campaign last May, a strategy that now has a “sporting chance of coming true.”
But for the potential Gore scenario to snowball into reality several things probably have to happen. First, Gore needs to step up his public appearances on issues that seem unrelated to a bid for the Presidency.
Speaking out on “global warming” on TV certainly fits the bill. Weighing in on the need for Democrats to find a way to let the voters in Michigan and Florida have their “votes count” might be another.
He doesn’t need to engage in a full-fledged public relations blitz, he merely needs to step it up a notch with a few carefully planned appearances on the major Sunday morning talk shows in the weeks ahead.
Second, he needs some leading Democrats — who have no direct or even apparent connection to him — to increase the drumbeat of speculation about Gore being a compromise candidate for the Democrats. They must be careful, however, as premature talk of a Gore-Obama ticket might antagonize some of Obama’s supporters.
Concern over slighting Hillary is not as important, since many of her delegates lack deep devotion to her and many likely signed on because she appeared certain to win the nomination. Gore’s advocates also need to downplay the need for a quick resolution of the impasse between Clinton and Obama.
The longer this plays out, the better things look for Gore.
Finally, Gore needs one or two national polls to include him in the mix as a potential rival to John McCain. Several national polls have recently shown McCain beating either Clinton or Obama in November, which has caused Democrats to worry about not only their chances of taking the White House but whether or not they might lose their momentum in retaining or expanding their majorities in the U.S. House and Senate.
A national poll, or two, showing Gore faring well or even beating McCain in a head-to-head match-up would be just the prescription for a Gore campaign to start snowballing — unless “global warming” causes it to melt prematurely.
Steve Gill is a statewide Tennessee radio talk host and political analyst. His website is www.gillreport.com
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Filed under: City Voices
Another dem/socialist loser.I really don't see him running again and spoiling his lucrative gig(s) with another loss.His net worth went from 2 million to 100 million in less then 8 years and has a country wide congregation and world wide attention.Talk about riseing from the dead, he even converted Juan. The only thing left for him to do is to make a bid on the Vatican.
You know, Stevie, you'd be taken more seriously if you were ever right about anything, including the use of the words "Democrat" and "Democratic."As it is, you're just another right-wing blowhard.
100 million net worth doesn’t seem like to much when compared to the wealth of the “Bushies” Shrub makes that in about a week at current oil prices.I thought id liked people with money though. He always talks about keeping his own, making more, and living high on the hog in gated communities!!
Steve should concentrate on what his own party is doing to help 'the old psycho' who wants to continue those "Bush/Chaney Policies" to destroy America's viability and ability to survive his tenure. Guess he has a crystal ball telling him who is a serious Clinton supporter and who is not. Usually, I choose to vote for a candidate because of their stated policies or beliefs, not because everyone else says they will. Quite honestly, I believe a woman can clean up this mess we are mired in better than any guy could. A good question to you guys on this issue would be "who cleans up at your house and keeps it in good order/shape?" It's a different kind of house (the white house), but God knows it's a mess and will be left that way for the next occupant, while we all wait to see what's next.
"It would be very easy for him to put the “Al Gore scenario” to rest by simply making it clear he has absolutely no interest in the Presidency in 2008."Gore HAS said he has no interest. Problem is, no one believes him. Instead, it sells more papers and advertising when the "speculation" is promoted by the media. It's an absurd scenario. If you're torn between two choices, why would you throw out both and pick a third that no one wants?
Non-story, again. The media must be bored.
"who cleans up at your house and keeps it in good order/shape?"At Hillary's house, it's probably the maid.
not this LYING WOMAN...She can`t take care of her OLD MAN , much less this country !
I would say that's true for most politicians Dragon.
So, elect a woman because she's good at cleaning? Someone's -ism is showing.
By: gdiaf ante on 4/3/08 Just for you id:hookedonphonics.com You are one sick individual ante idgaf.
You know you just can’t help some people gd!
I'm no Dem, but I'd sure rather see Gore in there than either of these two clowns.
I'm sick, you're an idiot. Let's call the whole thing off.I think I agree with Papa, but I would amend your statement to include the "three" clowns. Where have you gone Joe Dimaggio, a nation turns it's lonely eyes to you...
Shouldn't it be "anti-idgaf" unless you're saying you're not worth the minimum bet, which I would absolutely agree.
He might even do less damage then Juan.But its going to come down to the war. The #2 guy at AQ is saying once they win in Iracq (we pull out) then they will attack Israel then us.
By: gdiaf ante on 4/3/08 Shouldn't it be "anti-idgaf" unless you're saying you're not worth the minimum bet, which I would absolutely agree. ****************You made the name up out of your obsession not me.
I hear that id and the #2 guy at AQ are very tight. He's attempting to teach id to spell. (Iraq)
No you made it up. You just aren't smart enough to realize it yet. Keep trying, I'm pulling for you.
By: gdiaf ante on 4/3/08 No you made it up. You just aren't smart enough to realize it yet. Keep trying, I'm pulling for you. Good of you to admit it is a personal thing.Want to fess up on being young buck et al too.Confession is good for the soul.
I'm YB? LOL Nice try, and it's not personal, I just don't like stupid people. :)Congrats on spelling confession. I know that's a tough one.
Anyway, enough of the idiot bait. Anyone think Hillary should just drop out? Or Obama, for the good of the party?
If you two will stop bickering for a moment, the 60 Minutes interview showed Al saying he wasn't "interested" in the office, BUT guys, he never said he wouldn't TAKE the job if it was offered to him (at the convention) and let's face it, he does love the attention. I watched his body language, and it was screaming for an encore. He's just waiting on the sidelines.
By: gdiaf ante on 4/3/08 I'm YB? LOL Nice try, and it's not personal, I just don't like stupid people. :)Congrats on spelling confession. I know that's a tough one. **************Then why do you want to project a juvenile image of yourself?btw saw you make a few spelling mistakes yesterday.Just because you spell/type well and have a city/state job dosn't make you all that.Perhaps it is your frustration with such a dead end job that makes you so frustrated? Or it could be a lack of self esteem that makes you attack others anonomousely.(sp)
He gets plenty of attention, and why would he want to be VP again? Been there, done that.No, I believe him when he says he isn't interested. He had it all out before him in 2004 and blew it.
Boy, when you're wrong, you're really wrong. LOL
Gdia, I don't think he wants the VP but I do believe, according to his buddies who whisper in back rooms here, he'd take the Pres post if offered via the convention. If the party members threaten to split, he'd be willing and able to step up and take the lead. He does have the ego, ya know. lol
I wouldn't doubt that, I thought if he had run in 04 he would have won. Kerry's an idiot.I said earlier that the Dems would find a way to lose the election even though everything indicated it would be a landslide. Looks like I may be right.
I also thought Phil would run, but the bunker idea kind of blew his chances IMO. lol
I really don’t see the convention voting for someone other than Obama or Clinton. I think that it would be detrimental for them to put a candidate up that was not in the primaries. While I am sure Gore would love the opportunity to vindicate his ability as president, he is smart enough a politician to know that he is not in this race. And I agree that he would not be VP again, but I would not put Sec. of State out of the question.
You're right, a cabinet position would be a good bet.
Man, I guess Mike Gravel left just a little early. He was the third person on the ticket and would have been the one left after the Calico Cat and the Gingham Dog finished their scrap.
Picking a white guy over the woman and the black would unite the anti voters against him and he would lose at least 40% of dems.The dems are between a rock and a hard place and they put themselves there with Dean.He imploded his own campaign now the whole party.
What stirs my ire about my party, if they throw Hillary under the bus, most of us who've banged our heads on that glass ceiling will probably stay home and not vote this time. We still have our "petty angry issues" in the closet. Sorry, but some things just don't go away no matter how much therapy you receive.
So Obama can’t be a fair decision maker, and you would rather not vote/help McCain, if you can’t vote for a woman? No wonder this country is going down the toilet. It is coming from both sides!
Hillary has said that Fla and Mich should be seated because the voters should not be disenfranchised.Hillary has said that the super delegates should be free to go against the voters and select her as the party's nominee.Ergo, voters should not be disenfranchised unless they should be disenfranchised. Do whatever is necessary as long as she is the nominee.
It doesn't matter, Obama will get the nomination IMO.
I am inclined to agree with that. I think he would actually have a better showing against McCain than Clinton would.
gg if you were going to vote for her just because she is a woman you should stay home.This country would vote for a woman, just not that one.Hanoi Jane endorced obama.
Why do democrats get upset when you call them the democrat party? I've noticed that and I don't understand why they get so upset? Just curious. Can someone explain to me the significance?
Um Vej, I believe you are speaking of Hokey's post about the use of the word "Democratic" versus "Democrat". I didn't see that anyone was upset, just a post about the correct use of a word.Does it make you upset?
Id, does anyone really care who endorses who? Is that a factor at the voting booth?Is there someone at the last minute thinking "Well if he's good enough for Jane Fonda..." lol
Actually, nevermind. There are people out there who need a celebrity to make up their mind for them.
The official name is the "Democratic Party". Personally, I think it's an oxymoron for many of the Democrats to be associated with the word democratic.Kinda like "Liberal" and "Progressive".
Id, I wasn't voting for 'because' she's a woman, but I would certainly lean that way in the voting booth given the 2 choices before us.... she has more experience. But witnessing her being trashed and set aside by her own party, that would just tick me off even further. I like Thompson, and still do, but he dropped out. McCain doesn't excite me as much as Hillary does. Don't know why, but I do like her tenacity, even though some of her ideas are spooky. Sorry, it is what it is. And like my 85 year old grandmother said last week, I'd like to see a woman president before I die. Even if it is Hillary, so be it.
Hey, gdia, Jane Fonda (speaking of her past) would be a reason some would NOT vote for Obama now. lol
All three are the sword of Damocles hanging over our heads.I would rather the party pick the best they have then the crap we have been getting from the primaries.
Kinda like "compassionate" and "Conservative".
It goes both ways girlie. I think our entire system, and those within in it (politicians) suck. We just need to start all over.You say you want a revolution, well you know...
I think Obama is the revolution, or at least the catalyst for it. This country will CHANGE if he gets elected. Don’t know if one can say for better, but really, can it be worse?