One of the most popular guessing games in the progressive community involves former Vice President Al Gore and his intentions to run for president in 2008. Will he turn the political world upside down and enter the race, stopping the planned coronation of Hillary Clinton? Could he run (out of respect for his fellow Democrats) as an Independent? And so it goes, round and round and round.
With the announcement today from the staff at AlGore.org, asking that his supporters to cease trying to get his name on the primary ballots in New York, California, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, most, of not all, members of the DraftGore movement saw the writing on the wall. The fat lady had sung.
Or had she?
From MSNBC, Tue. Nov. 13, 2007:
Mr Gore’s influence in US politics is also still considerable. Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards are still neck and neck in some polls, and the backing of Mr Gore could prove a valuable fillip to their campaigns. All of the candidates have spoken at some length on global warming, seeing it as an issue on which they can distinguish themselves from Republicans and from each other.
But Mr Gore himself is still somewhat coy on the issue. After winning the Peace Prize last month, Mr Gore appeared to rule himself out of the next presidential race. But when asked by the Financial Times last week, he warned: “I have not made a Sherman statement.“
General William Tecumseh Sherman, a civil war general, in 1884 declined the opportunity to run for president by saying: “If drafted, I will not run. If nominated, I will not accept. If elected, I will not serve.”
From the Left 
I really have to wonder if Gore is holding the Democrats hostage. Either they make global warming a central campaign issue or else, Gore will toss his hat in the race and do it himself? Just a thought to explain his mysterious remarks.
David – You make an excellent point. Gore even says in the piece Christopher links to how he’s met with all the Democratic candidates running.
But I’m really beginning to tire of these word games. I am a black-and-white person and if Gore is categorically (no pun intended) not running, then just say it and stop saying things like “I have not made a Sherman statement.” He knows how charged that sort of language it for his supporters.
All I know is, the eleventh hour is upon us, and Iowa is less than 2 months away.
If Gore is going to strike, he needs to stop speaking in riddles and put together some sort of campaign operation and step lively. By Iowa, the field should be down to three.
Sandy,
I don’t like the uncertainty either. It makes me crazy and I begin to feel abandoned. I hate feeling abandoned.
Until I hear it from Gore’s own lips, I must think there is a chance, however slim, that he will step up and enter the race. Too much is riding on this decision for Gore to say no.
Well, I sure hope Mr. Gore tosses his hat in himself, because we aren’t getting the issues addressed with this group of Pageant goers.
Gore Joins Major Venture capitol Firm
“To anyone still holding out hope that Al Gore will run for president, it appears he has other interests.”
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8SSANL80&show_article=1
I don’t think it will happen. Too much time has lapsed.
I really, really hope your right, Christopher!
Gore has taken a new job with a venture capitol firm.
In a comment above that is being held for moderation, I put the news article link.
Eventually Christopher *tapping toes* will see and release it.
Earth heats
Ice caps melt and seas rise
Surprise
Another day passes
Supporters cry
Gore won’t say yes
Or no
The guessing game is a bore
Mirth,
Any post with a link Akismet holds for moderation.
Sorry for the inconvenience. It’s posted now.
Thanks, Christopher.
Sad news, about Gore’s new job.
I HOPE Al Gore will enter the election for the Presidency.
If he does so, he needs to find a suitable person to be his Veep. No more mistakes in judgment, a la, Joe Lieberman. This was pour Donna Brazile, who is an idiot, IMHO. And while I’m at it, screw the DLC too. But I think Gore has evolved and moved beyond their influence.
If you’d asked me 6 months ago, I would have easily said Obama but, the Illinois senator has made his religious and corporate positions too clear to be a running mate to Al Gore. He would hurt the ticket and the opportunity for Gore to be a great president.
Al Gore embraces grassroots activism, and technology. He also advocates the removal of Corporate interests our of government and election process. I think these positions make his choice clear: John Edwards.
Edwards wants universal healthcare, so does Gore
Edwards supports equality for gays, and so does Gore.
Edwards fought for workers rights, so has Gore.
They are two peas from the same pod. A perfect pairing and not bad on the eyes, either. Plus, they have damn cool wives.
But this is just my opinion and you know what they say about opinions.
Gore/Edwards? Works for moi.
Should Gore run in ’08, his stalling has already proven he won’t run with a traditional campaign.
He won’t run democratic, both to respect Hillary among others. He won’t go big and corporate because it would go against the environmentally friendly platform he is being carried by. Nothing he does will be ‘traditional,’ not only because of the ignorant thought that “it didn’t work last time” but because the traditional political system goes against his current beliefs (and it’s sad that this platform is his ‘current’ beliefs, but that’s another topic)
Vico, your comment really caught my eye because of the line:
“They are two peas from the same pod. A perfect pairing and not bad on the eyes, either. Plus, they have damn cool wives.”
I just see his potential campaign failing because the current political system is so strong and rooted in the ideas you mentioned above (image, namely). Is his platform strong enough to run SO nontraditional, should he choose to do so?
VicoDANIEL:
I’m with you. Edwards is what we have been looking for. He was there all along, right before our eyes, and we were blinded by our hope for Gore.
I don’t mean to sound grandiose, but I’m the savior beneath your noses. When elected Emperor, I promise to pave every city street with ice cream, and to replace all the trees with lollipops.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Fairlane,
I’ll take Kona Coffee, if you can wrangle up some.