If I Were Gore I Would Run For President In 2008 - But Not As A Dem.....

[global1]

Seeing that the Dems really haven't rallied around Gore's speech - it looks like once again they have left him out there spinning in the wind. If I were Gore that is exactly what I would do back to the Dems. Mount a third party attempt at the presidency in 2008. By 2008 - most Repugs and Dems will be so fed up with their respective parties - Gore would have a fighting chance.

[mattclearing]

1. Not a bad idea by a long shot.

Gore is probably one of maybe a handful of individuals who would be able to pull this off.

[SteppingRazor]

2. I think that would just be like Nader in 2000...

It would siphon off enough votes for us to lose, but not enough for Gore to win. Republicans aren't gonna vote for him, and as a third party candidate, neither will a lot of Dems, out of loyalty or whatever.

I think, all in all, it's a bad idea. Work to change the party from the inside, not destroy it from the outside.

[leftstreet]

3. As an Independent, could they keep Gore out of the debates?

I was fascinated by a comment from my elderly Dad. He watched Gore's speech and told me today he'd like to see Democrats and Republicans in Congress, and an Independent in the Oval Office.

[SteppingRazor]

4. That's actually a really interesting idea...

I like the concept of an independent executive branch.

That said, I think we all need to just accept the fact that the way we run our elections (as a winner-take-all, state-by-state race) inherently leads to a two-party system. Multiple-party systems, such as Germany's, have proportional representation. We don't. And until we do, the idea of a three-party or multiple-party system is just not workable.

[newswolf56]

6. What would we have to change...

to allow multiple-party representation?

[SteppingRazor]

11. The Constitution, for starters...

along with mountains of election law.

[mattclearing]

12. No way.

The fact that few have been successful running third or indie party candidacies does not necessitate amending the constitution or existing election law.

A well-funded and well-known candidate is perfectly capable of mounting a legitimate electoral challenge, as Ross Perot and Jesse Ventura have demonstrated at the national and state levels, respectively.

[SteppingRazor]

14. Ross Perot mounted a legitimate electoral challenge?

Did I miss that election year?
He got creamed both times out, as did Nader.

A fluke candidate here and there can get by, but to suggest that the existence of Jesse Ventura or Bernie Saunders is proof of the viability of third parties in American politics is very disingenuous. People like Ventura and Sanders are the exceptions that prove the rule.

[mattclearing]

17. Perhaps, but Perot had every opportunity to win.

He was at the debates, he bought airtime, and if he were that persuasive, he likely would have won. He wasn't.

And there was no amendment to the Constitution made to facilitate it.

I agree that innovations like instant run-off would be a good place to start to even the playing field, but there is no constitutional or legal barrier to third party candidates.

[radio4progressives]

22. Abolishing the Electoral College and Implementing

Proportional Representation system which provides for a more fair level playing field and which would then allow for much better represenation in Congress. The two party system in Congress is rediculous, and it is not representative. Rank and file members in both parties complain of this, and it is quite apparent as to the veracity of that. Abolishing the Electoral College system would solve so many poliical problems that exist today under the current system which have only fostered the kind of socio-economic polarization in this country.

It can be done if the citizens called for it through referendums and other forms of political actions.

[Orangepeel]

5. it would depend on polling

the debate commission let Perot in the debates because he was polling something like 20%. Nader was polling something like 2%. They have to have a cutoff because every time there is an election there are like 15 people (most of whom are nutcases) running for President.

I very much doubt that Gore would run as an Independent. He, more than anyone, knows the consequences of a third party candidate on the left. And, being both a loyal American and a pragmatic politician all his life, he knows that a "moderate" democrat in office is better for the country and the world than a republican in office.

[emulatorloo]

7. Dems are "rallying round" gore's speech.

Just saw Kerry on CNN Sit Room and he said he agreed w Gore.

[politicasista]

10. They really are

There will probably be more before the week is over. The more, the better.

[Nimrod2005]

8. Great, and ask Howard Dean to join him....n/t

[NYCGirl]

9. Somehow I don't think he would do that — especially considering the

memory of his father.

http://janus.mtsu.edu/gore/gore_bio.htm

[Kablooie]

13. He should run as a Republican and promise to clean up the party.

[NYCGirl]

15. Huh? NT

[Kablooie]

18. Well he doesn't have to BE a Republican...

he only PRETENDS, you see. Then he can sneak in subtly transform the Republican party into a kind of Democrat light party.

I mean if he invented the internet he certainly should be able to ... he didn't?


nevermind.

[NYCGirl]

20. Lying is for the real GOP. And right wing memes are not for DUers.

:thumbsdown:

[Kablooie]

21. Hey, I'll steal a joke from anywhere. I got no shame.

[Apollo11]

16. Gore will NEVER leave the Democratic Party

He remembers the impact of Naders campaign in 2000. He would never help the Republicans win or steal another election by taking votes away from the Democratic candidate.

The only question is whether or not the Democratic Party will have the courage to get behind Al Gore as their candidate for President in 2008.

The fact is we won't know the answer until 2007.

In Gore We Trust
www.algore.com
:)

[htuttle]

19. I guess he could run on the Bull Moose Party ticket

:shrug:

[guidod]

23. He could run as a democrat...

...and have a very good chance of taking it all. He has been in hiding for a long time but if he keeps speaking, the way he did, he will pull in liberals like a magnet. I think he is also capable of pulling in a lot of repukes.

[politicasista]

24. I am sure Gore is focused on helping dems get elected in 2006

1. Continue holding *'s feet to the fire.
2. Fix the voting machines
3. Take care of the family before deciding future options.

[Sammy Pepys]

25. I think Gore should remain a Dem and run for the 2008 nod

And I think he should assist as many Dems as possible in the 2006 races and build a coalition of support.

[Bridget Burke]

26. Yes, but Gore's a Democrat.

Some Democrats have already spoken up for him.

And he knows what disasters a 3rd party can cause.

[Lindacooks]

27. And you'd lose and the Repukes would stay in power.

Do the math.