Al Gore Owes Us Nothing

[RestoreGore]

In his own words from Rolling Stone Interview of November 15, 2007:

http://www.rollingstoneextras.com/rsdigitaledition/edit...
(Click on shortcuts, and then table of contents. It is the first article on the page, or you can click to page 54 on the other control.)

/// Al Gore/// by ja n n s . w e n n e r ///

There is a feeling abroad right now, especially with the Nobel Prize, that the presidency could be yours for the asking. Do you feel sad or guilty about saying no to that?

No, not at all.

There are obviously people asking you all the time. You don’t feel an obligation to the historical moment?

Well, I understand that point of view. But I personally don’t feel as if I have to apologize for devoting so much of my life to a different kind of campaign to bring about a change in consciousness and an elevated sense of urgency about solving the climate crisis. It’s a global challenge, and I’m working around the world to try to bring about this change in thinking.

You remain the vessel of a lot of people’s hopes. What do you say to those people?

Well, thank you for feeling that way about me. Please trust me to make good decisions about where I can do the most good, and don’t automatically assume that running for president again is the right thing for me to do. If you feel that way and I decide for sure not to be a candidate again – well, sorry. If I do get back involved in the political system at some point in the future – well, keep that energy stored up and let’s have a go at it then.
~~~~~~~~
I posted this because I assumed those reading this wouldn't care about what he had to say about the planet and the urgent challenge we all face now in this interview. However, this looks to me like he is totally dedicated to what is most important now, and I for one thank him and hope he stays on this course because this planet needs him and us and because I do believe he knows what is the best course of action and from what vantage point to address it. He is not being coy. He is not a political manipulator playing some twisted mindgame with people. He never asked for a draft movement. He never asked for anything but for us to be the change we wish to see in this world.

All he has done is work his ass off every day for this planet in the hopes that the message he tried to get across to the political arena that was ignored would be accepted by the people and action would follow. As far as saying he "has no plans" to run for office this cycle I believe him. He is not saying it to play with peoples' minds. He is stating it as a mature person who has learned from his experiences. I worked on a job for 17 years that I left under less than perfect circumstances. Would I ever say as a mature adult however, that I will never ever ever do that line of work again? No, because I don't think of it that way (or really at all) and I don't know what the future holds. Am I planning to work in that field now? No, because I am happy doing what I am doing. Am I going to seek work in that field now? No, because I don't want to do it now but that doesn't mean that circumstances may not change in years to come when I may have to do it. It is just a way of stating that life holds no guarantees and I have learned that...But I am not actively seeking to change what I have now and don't really want to. So I truly do not understand the dilemma so many are putting themselves into regarding that. If you support him and know his actions in the past, you then know he is a man of his word and that should be enough for you.

Right now, Mr. Gore is seeing the big picture, and thank God he is because we need someone out here who can convey the urgency of this crisis on a level ALL can understand because we MUST understand it because this is about our survival. He is the one meeting with scientists. He knows the real score regarding where this planet now stands, which is why he is breaking his ass out here trying to get people to understand this above the political and on the moral level so they will reach a higher level of consciousness to bring about a political tipping point. Do those who now attack him and tell him to kiss their ass just because he is not doing what they want TRULY understand what this planet faces now and the tremendous advantage he does have now as a Nobel Peace Prize winner to bring this to a global level? To actually change this world for the better by moving us to do it?

How can we join collectively to then help him in this now however, if people spend their days doing nothing but bitching at him for not doing what they want? Is it so hard to understand that after busting his ass for thirty years in politics to no avail on this that he now believes he is having a better effect in the private sector now? Who the hell can blame him? I certainly can't and won't. After thirty years of service to this country and after what transpired in those years, he owes anyone anything now? I don't think so.

After the fiasco of the 2000 coup that we did NOTHING about he could have crawled into a hole and vowed to never do anything to be a part of the dialogue again and he would have been justified under the circumstances. However, he didn't do that. He took the words of his father about defeat serving as well as victory to shake the soul and let the glory out and by God has he ever let his glory out. And what does he get for it now? Ridicule from those who claim to support him because he won't what? Do something he is already doing? So to those who say they are getting "angry" at him, just what do you really support? He owes us nothing. He has done nothing but work for us and this country as a leader in our Congress, our White House, as a teacher, an author, a statesman, a visionary, and the environmental global leader of our time. And he is now considered the global conscience regarding a crisis that IS the greatest challenge we will ever face. I would say that he can damn well do as he chooses now, and I support him in that.

[aikoaiko]

1. I don't blame him for choosing the easier softer way.

He fought hard to keep our nation out of the clutches of Bush and Friends.

[KoKo]

2. If Hillary/Obama/Edwards faulter...Gore WILLBE IN!

That's what he is saying...but as an afterthought...he really finds "politics today" disgusting...and I can't blame him for that. Most of AMERICA AGREES WITH HIM!

[Blashyrkh]

4. I am convinced people are being willfully ignorant of his position.

"There is a feeling abroad right now, especially with the Nobel Prize, that the presidency could be yours for the asking. Do you feel sad or guilty about saying no to that?

No, not at all."

Is this getting conclusive enough? If Gore flip-flops on this...

[JuniperLea]

5. "IF" this is an absolute "NO", he should have refrained from using "IF"...

"If you feel that way and I decide for sure not to be a candidate again – well, sorry. If I do get back involved in the political system at some point in the future – well, keep that energy stored up and let’s have a go at it then."

[Blashyrkh]

17. Details, details.

Read the first sentence. Very carefully.

"If you feel that way and I decide for sure not to be a candidate again"

This sentence implies that he has already decided for sure not to be a candidate once previously, one can assume he is referring to the Presidential Election in 2008 because he has said numerous times he has no interest in contesting this election. He's not ruling out becoming a candidate EVER AGAIN, just for this election.

[Guaranteed]

21. Uh, no.

"If you feel that way and I decide for sure, then..." means "If you feel that way (about me running in this election) and (if) I decide for sure, then..."

The "if" transfers to both parts of the sentence, assuming you're using proper English. Further, he is talking about people who want him to run now. So he's talking about this election.

In other words, that statement shows that he has not decided for sure- for this election.

[Blashyrkh]

24. Then explain the "again". When has Al Gore previously turned down a run?

By saying "again" he is implying he had already turned down a run. As Al Gore has never previously denied running for any nomination or election I presume he is referring to the 2008 Presidential Election, where has he said he is not running on numerous occasions.

[lame54]

34. people want sherman-esque

and we haven't gotten it yet
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0Nnph3zkHNw

[RestoreGore]

51. AWWW

[Guaranteed]

41. At the end of 2002, on the Tonight Show.

He made it very clear that he would not run in 2004.

[ms liberty]

48. You are forgetting the 2004 Presidential Election. n/t

[Blashyrkh]

55. I don't remember him ever being in contention. But fair enough.

Keep living in false hope.

[Raejeanowl]

20. It's A Terrible Thing To Ask

It's starting to sound like one of those star-crossed love affairs that was "never meant to be."

Who are we to demand he change gears, just because we think we need him so desperately right now?

Never mind that-as at least one other poster has pointed out-you could pick no better vantage than the U.S. presidency for the promotion of worldwide environmental initiatives.

On the other hand, my concern for the perhaps unequal (in comparison to the fate of the planet) but damnably serious crisis we're facing as a nation is not something I care to "store up" for him to "have a go" at a later time, at his leisure.

So if there's the slightest chance that Al is being either coy or trifling about this (I really don't think so), or that he is still not quite recovered from the debacle of 2000 and what a Republican contender is capable of pulling off (a crisis of courage), he needs to know that for some of his supporters, there will not be another chance offered to him if he fails us now.

[RestoreGore]

25. If he fails US now?

Why, aren't we arrogant. I think not failing THIS PLANET is more important than not "failing you" because if we fail THIS PLANET there will be no you or me. And Al Gore could NEVER fail me in whatever he does. My God, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who has done more to bring the state of the planet and our role in it to the consciousness of the world to spawn change than anyone... and he still isn't good enough for you.

[Raejeanowl]

61. Your attitude is snide and abysmal

I spoke from the heart to the topic-and it just isn't satisfying enough to say you disagree with me? You must attack.

Obviously, you didn't really assimilate my post before mounting your high horse and charging, since no reasonable person can avoid acknowledging the obvious: supremacy of the fate of the planet. How does saying I believe we desperately need him in a more immediate role as well equate to inadequacy on his part...except in your twisted, abusive sarcasm for anyone who disagrees with YOU?

And no, I really don't want to hear about his resurgent political ambitions in ten years time if he doesn't step forward when the call is coming from the American people NOW, after the debacle of this corrupt administration, that should have been HIS time, HIS presidency in the first place.

I was disappointed yet placed no blame on him for the 2000 concession, but I have to factor his realist's choice (not to contest) in when looking at the subsequent course of the U.S. Who knows what further desecrations of the Constitution the next four, eight, 12 years will bring? Who knows if our government will continue to stand at all? Let him remain the preeminent voice in the wilderness and accomplish great things. I will worship at his feet...but I won't support a future political run.

You may bloody well be correct, but I suggest that it is YOU who is being arrogant, if you so are convinced of your ability to second-guess his motives that you have appointed yourself his DU spokesperson, liaison, and general defender of the Gore faith.

[JuniperLea]

43. It would be a terrible thing if he were toying with us...

He is a brilliant man. He has a fine command of the English language. He knows what his vague responses are fueling, yet he persists. If in fact he has decided he will absolutely not run in the 2008 presidential elections, he should say so, flat out, no vagueness whatsoever. He knows full well how to do this, yet he has not. Perhaps he is enjoying the importune? He certainly is keeping it stirred up.

[Raejeanowl]

62. Agreed

And the later it gets, the more I would resent a reversal. As of now, I still don't know what I'm going to do at the polls; i.e., part of me is suffering the temptation of wasting my vote on a write-in.

[JuniperLea]

63. I know what you mean...

I fully intend on voting my conscience in the primary... just not sure what that is right now... may make my mind up at the last second. I'm doing a process of elimination though, and the only thing I know for sure is that I will NOT be voting for Hillary or Obama. Leaning toward Kucinich right now... eh.

[Uncle Joe]

64. Whatever he decides, Al Gore is not toying with anybody.

I believe he's conducting him self in the best way he sees fit to do so, one thing I'm dead certain about regarding Al Gore, he's truly a person of conscious and that's the way he lives his life.

[JuniperLea]

65. Exactly

That's why I still think he will run. He would not toy with us, he would come right out and say no freaking way... instead of this beating about the bush (pardon the pun).

[Uncle Joe]

66. Even if he didn't run and I hope he does, he's not toying.

I believe he trying to get his message to the people through the dysfunctional media filter, if enough people get it, he will be drafted. I believe he's counting on the Internet in this regard, if the Internet isn't strong enough, then at least the critical issue of global warming will get more attention than it would, otherwise.

[KharmaTrain]

3. Try Running For Office Sometime

For all those wishful thinkers...just think for a second what you're asking Mr. Gore and his family to endure...again. I suspect every day, Mr. Gore wakes up enjoying that his life isn't under a microscope and his life isn't in the corporate media fishbowl that all politicians end up in. I can't imagine any family enjoying the trashing that goes on during a political campaign...all the lies, the distortions and frustration. Who needs it?

It's not like Gore was "born to run"...he knows the toll an election campaign takes on a person and. having done it once, he sure doesn't appear ready to deal with it again. No sooner would he announce than the corporate media would be all over him for being "wooden" or having gotten into the race for "vanity".

Mr. Gore has moved off the American political stage onto another, bigger one...far more important for the planet and a far better use of his skills and knowledge. He WILL be a factor in next year's election, but not as a candidate, but an advocate for change. He's far more valuable that way.

[JuniperLea]

6. Blah blah blah...

He would wield far more power for his pet project as POTUS...

[KharmaTrain]

7. And He'd Do This By Waving A Wand?

He won't have the luxuary of "pet projects"...whomever wins next year will spend a majority of their term cleaning up the shit left behind by the boooosh regime. Ending the mess in Iraq, restructuring a ruined economy, a health crisis where millions have no medical coverage...the list goes on. He'd be hard-pressed to have much time to deal with environmental issues. It doesn't matter anyway since the man isn't going to run...wish as you and others will. I'll get a brand new pony before I'll see his name on my ballot next year.

[JuniperLea]

9. He has a staff...

He doesn't do it all himself you know. Presidents don't do it all themselves either. It's called having a good staff and attending briefings.

[KharmaTrain]

11. So He'll Mail It In???

OK...he has an issue he's passionate about, but he has others deal with it? Huh?

Actually he has NO staff right now to handle such things. He has no campaign organization or has lined up diplomats or advisors like most other candidates have who would be in place to run a future administration.

No, Presidents do don't it all for themselves...the Vice President does it. :rofl:

[JuniperLea]

12. Do you see any scientific degrees on his bio?

Puhleez. Managing a staff to do research and such is far more effective than trying to do everything yourself. Plus, it gives you the ability to hire all the right people... people with scientific degrees and experience... which Gore does not possess himself. There is no way he could have done all the global warming research on his own... had he done that, he would not be sharing the Nobel Prize.

[JNelson6563]

31. Thank you.

Excellent post.

I love Gore and would be elated if he ran. Those who demand it or think he's "failed" us or some such if he doesn't run don't know what they are talking about.

I'd like to see all these folks try a run for office, even say just a state House race. It's an all consuming, very difficult thing. There is time for practically nothing else.

Always easy to spot those who have no clue what's entailed in such an effort. Thanks for your post--for trying to enlighten DUers.

:toast:

Julie

[Stuckinthebush]

39. Wrong

Mr. Gore has moved off the American political stage onto another, bigger one...far more important for the planet and a far better use of his skills and knowledge. He WILL be a factor in next year's election, but not as a candidate, but an advocate for change. He's far more valuable that way.


The American political stage is the biggest stage to enact the changes he wants to enact. He can be a celebrity and an advocate all he wants, but if he has no real power to implement policy change then his value to the cause isn't as great. The fact of the matter is that Al Gore has the popularity and the standing to run and win. If he chose to do that then he'd be far more valuable to the environmental movement by being a person in a position of power to actually influence laws in this country. Do we really believe that Hillary Clinton will be even a fraction as effective as Gore in this area? No chance. She's indebted to too many polluters.

[JuniperLea]

45. Bingo!

And I'll repeat from above:

He is a brilliant man. He has an exquisite command of the English language. He knows what his vague responses are fueling, yet he persists, as if on purpose.

If in fact he has decided he will absolutely not run in the 2008 presidential elections, he should say so, flat out, no vagueness whatsoever. "I am NOT going to run for president in the 2008 presidential election." He knows full well how to do this, yet he has not. Perhaps he is enjoying the importune? He certainly is keeping it stirred up.

[TreasonousBastard]

8. Whining for him to run is an extraordinarily selfish...

thing to do when he has repeatedly said he prefers not to run.

He's been through three Presidential campaigns, and while it might be nice to BE President, RUNNING for President can get a bit old. He has told jimmy Carter to stop calling him about running, and I don't doubt he's told others. Some don't want to get the message. Maybe they're waiting for a personal call.

Better to follow his lead on the environment and accomplish far more than this fool's errand trying to get him to run.

[Uncle Joe]

15. Some people can walk and chew gum at the same time.

"Better to follow his lead on the environment and accomplish far more than this fool's errand trying to get him to run."

The fool's errand will be abandoning the best for someone; who may do what desperately needs to be done.

[lame54]

35. aren't you on a fools errand?

working to get us to stop getting him to run
what do you care if that's how we spend our time?
the worst that can happen is that we drum up more publicity for Al Gore whether he decides to run or not
most of us who want him to run are asking respectfully and the premise that we are whining or are ungrateful or we think that he owes us is fabricated by the likes of restoregore and yourself
yes there are individual examples of some negative post but don't contribute them to the majority of us
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0Nnph3zkHNw

[RestoreGore]

52. I dont' fabricate

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/11/2/13819/8687

And I don't spam either.

[lame54]

57. so what do you do?

you post an individual example of a negative post as proof that we are all bitching about Gore not running
read the comments on that post - a big majority does not agree with him
spam - http://youtube.com/watch?v=0Nnph3zkHNw

[daa]

10. Gore is a happy man

who doesn't need this, and like President Carter, has a higher calling.

[KoKo]

14. He is a tormented man who made Lemonade out of Lemons....

He chose politics after journalism and Divinity School and Law School. Politics is in his blood and he's tried to root it out...but it continues to "pop up."

He's always...chosen politics.

We will have to see which of Gore's Demons wins out. Is it his life as a Nobel Prize Winning Sage going into his twilight years....or the AWESOME CHANCE to seize an America almost in the total clutches of Fascism! He is of the age to remember what it was all about.

I will count on him to do what is best....

[dave29]

33. then why is Carter repeatedly calling on Gore to run ?

lol

[Stuckinthebush]

37. That's debatable

He does need this if he really wants to make some serious changes in the shortest amount of time.

[daa]

59. Jphn Madden will never coach again

and Al Gore will not hold public office again. This late strategy everyone talks about ? Worked great for Fred Thompson didn't it? Where would Gore get the money?

[Stuckinthebush]

60. I agree that it is too late for him now

But I do think that he squandered a chance to change history and make fast paced changes to environmental policy in the country and the world.

Let's hope Clinton will listen to him.

[earth mom]

13. Here we go. More B.S.

:eyes:


Sorry, but if Gore isn't going to run he would say so once & for all.

HOWEVER

Gore hasn't said NO.


And you don't like that do you? :eyes:

[CoffeeCat]

16. Thanks OP for this....

...I've wanted to kick your hiney on many occasion---but now I see
that you are right.

IT is time to move on. It is time (for me anyway) to focus my energies
on those who are running and appreciate Gore for what he is doing now.

If Gore should decide to run later--that's great and I would support him--
but for now, I'm pretty sure I'm throwing my support toward Edwards.

Judging from what I heard out of Edwards on "This Week" last Sunday, he
gets the corruption and the perversity of the neocon agenda. He's not
afraid to call out the corruption and the warmongering.

I love that he admits his mistakes about the Iraq war and explains why he would do
things differently now--especially his calling out of the Kyl/Lieberman amendment
as a step toward war with Iran.

I believe Edwards gets it...and I believe that Gore will make superb contributions
no matter what role he plays--in the public or private sector.

Finally, peace. Thanks RG.

[RestoreGore]

23. I simply have confidence in Mr. Gore to know the score

And I support what he is doing. It won't be the end of the world with him not running this cycle, because I absolutely believe he will be an integral part of the Democratic party as a statesman and kingmaker who will have an affect on policy here while still being able to devote all the time HE chooses to this crisis on a global scale. Oh, and thanks for not kicking my hiney...you're one of the few here who hasn't and it's kind of sore. ;-). Believe me , I know how it is to never wish to let go of something you feel strongly about, but right now my feelings for this planet and my trust in him outweigh the rest.

[lame54]

38. what if what he is doing is...

letting momentum build and strategically waiting for the right time to announce his run?
this race started extremely early and there is a long way to go - let the others burn up their contributions - while Gore's publicity machine builds momentum w/o him spending a dime

[Shoelace]

18. he probably knows his life would be in grave danger if he ran

they managed to steal the election in 2000 and now with all the vitriol out there against him about global warming paid for by EXXONMOBIL - enemy of the entire planet - he is quite right to do what he does best.

And then there is this thing about America. If Bush, Cheney can't or won't be impeached, our land devolves into serfdom. Worse than fascism that.
Who on Earth would want to save the unsaveable? Better to educate the other 90% of the world than fool with the 10% here and die in the process.
I've prayed, signed every petition, etc., but fully understand and have great compassion for this much maligned soul with a mission far greater and wider than these shores.

[RestoreGore]

27. And you make a point not many wish to discuss

I remember a presentation he did at Redlands last year, and there were armed troopers standing guard around the entire stage. I have no doubt that there have been threats. Some people seem to think all he does every day is fiddle with a slideshow... they can't see the huge effect he has had on these industries and the threat he and others pose to them by exxposing their lies. This IS the front lines and I think what he now does takes great courage.

[CoffeeCat]

40. I think you are exactly right...

I can't believe how much my opinion has changed--almost overnight--with respect
to Gore running.

I think I get it now.

Do you think it's possible that Gore sees a system so infiltrated by the neocons--that
he is circumventing the system? The neocons can have an attack machine. They turned
a Vietnam war hero into a sniveling coward. They steal elections. They've devised a
new power structure comprised of lemming politicians, the media and corporations. It
makes sense that Gore would go after "We The People" first. In order to break up
the corruption, you must have the will of the people.

Climate change is one glaring example of how we've all been bamboozled by the neocons.
If people begin to understand that our lives hang in the balance--while the government choses
the oil corporations over us--they will demand change. If "We The People" see our rotting system--through the issue of climate change--then everyone can begin to see the bigger
picture--complete neocon corruption and takeover of the US govt that must be obliterated.

Just my gut---but I'm sensing that Gore knows that the system is broke, and the only
way in, to affect change, is by garnering the overwhelming support of "We The People."

[RestoreGore]

47. Oh yes, he knows it as do many of us

And he also knows the price one's soul can pay for becoming part of it. From where he is now he has a fresh perspective and is apart from it and to me he is OUR leader, not one of them, and I like that just fine. If you saw the Lord of the Rings trilogy, try to think of it in terms of the end of the movie Return of the King where the entire tower of Mordor fell. Only by that happening could a new era of peace and prosperity begin. It is somewhat like that now... our government is like a tower of Mordor that has been consumed by greed, war, injusice, and corporations overtaking the needs of the people which will not change unless we topple that tower. And in that story those who toppled it by joining together heart and soul for a common moral purpose were not part of that tower because they knew to even look at it would take away their souls. I think he sees much more than any of us and is exactly trying to do as you stated in that vein... inspire and empower us to see the true power we really possess in determining our own destiny (the power that government seeks to strip from us,) and begin using it again for a common moral purpose (the climate crisis) because without that happening that tower will remain and it will reign supreme over anyone who enters it. Maybe that isn't a good analogy, but I hope you get the point of it. And that surely is not a task that sees him on the sidelines in that struggle, and a part of it is breaking the chokehold oil companies and others have on our lives. Having the freedom and resources to devote the time necessary in making people aware of just how urgent the damage is to this planet that they continue to exacerbate out of greed is essential in that struggle now. They are part of that tower, and personally, I am going to work with Mr. Gore as best I can to bring it down, because if we can accomplish that, well, as he said he's only 59.;-).

[dysfunctional press]

19. he couldn't ask for a bullier pulpit or a stronger base of operations to work from than being POTUS-

nt

[RestoreGore]

22. blah blah blah

Same line without the substance.

[dysfunctional press]

32. his "global conscience" is getting pretty much ZERO actually done...

as potus he could actually direct policy that would lead to MEANINGFUL changes.

[RestoreGore]

53. Then you haven't been keeping up

[dysfunctional press]

56. enlighten me- what actual policies has Gore been responsible for implementing?

:shrug:

[dysfunctional press]

71. couldn't think of anything, could you...?

thought so...

so much for your smart-assery. :hi:

[JTFrog]

26. "I posted this because I assumed"

You know what happens when you do that.

Was your post saying you were going to leave and hang out at Current TV and then doing the opposite just another shot at pissing on people's hopes here?

You still have no credibility here.

[RestoreGore]

28. You don't control what gets posted here

And your carping looks really bitter. Wonder why? And I spend much time at Current TV and have had many posts already listd on their front page because my support of it is sincere unlike those who only infiltrated it to harass Mr. Gore. But hey, since I don't need YOUR permission to post anywhere, why don't you mind your own business for once?

[JTFrog]

29. I am minding my own business.

You once again projected your assumptions of people supporting Mr. Gore for president onto this board.

I am responding to that as a member of this forum. I'm sure you are very much aware of the saying about assumptions.

You are the one who made a big deal of posting that you were leaving and then didn't do so, lol.

Why should anyone believe anything you say?

[JNelson6563]

30. I stand by Gore no matter what.

I think you are absolutely right RG in that President Gore doens't owe us anything. The opposite is true IMO, we all owe him a great debt.

Whatever he chooses to do I will continue to support him and his efforts. Saving the earth is a very noble goal and if he feels he can be more effective outside of politics, ok then.

Of course I hope and wish he'd run but I don't feel he owes it to us and I sure wouldn't have one once of bad feelings toward him if he doesn't.

Julie

[RestoreGore]

54. Thank you, and...

I wanted to state this to you in the other thread you responded to but didn't get a chance: I want to apologize to you if I was ever harsh with you in ths past. You are definitley one of the most cordial Gore supporters posting here.

[JNelson6563]

58. Cheers to you RG

No worries. :toast:

Julie

[Stuckinthebush]

36. Of course not...that's a no brainer

The point is not that he owes "us" anything, it is that if he wants to really have an effect on global environmental policy change then the best chair to do that from is the President's chair. His choice is simple: Use his fame, popularity, and intelligence to take this once in a lifetime opportunity to run for (and win) the Presidency or not. If he does, he will win and then he will be in the best position to do his work. If he doesn't, then he can continue to work the way he has been working and fight from a position with limited power.

I personally believe that his star will fade and his influence will falter in the coming years (and this is quite natural). Take this opportunity to grab the golden ring and make the biggest changes in the shortest amount of time.

Of course, this discussion is moot because his window has closed. Gore isn't running and can't run at this point.

I hope that President Hillary Clinton will let him in the doors of the White House for more than a happy reunion, and will listen to what he has to say with the intent of making some changes. I'm not overly optimistic though because she won't want to piss off her big money donors by capping emissions, etc.

Oh, well.

[Fly by night]

42. He owes it to himself to do what he is capable of, not just what he is being "allowed" to do.

He is capable of running this country AND leading a worldwide effort to diminish global warming.

If he does not do the former, he will have much less impact on the latter. Particularly if his decision not to accept the Presidency in 2008 causes another Rethug to hold on to the White House.

There is not a single announced Democratic candidate who has the experience, heart, brains and balls (and ability to be re-elected) as Al Gore does. Run, Al, run. You owe it to yourself.

[book_worm]

44. Gore is saying "NO" to '08 but "maybe" to a future run--that's what I get from his stmts.

[RestoreGore]

50. yes, a perfectly mature point of view

And in line with something I have been told many times when moving from one job to another: Don't burn your bridges.

[iamthebandfanman]

46. Reality : Hes Afraid.

while i think Al is a really really bright intelligent man ...
and gosh knows i woulda loved him to join the race...

i think the reason he didnt is fear.
he knows the establishment very well.

maybe Al is more scared of the corporate/monotary rulers than we think ;)

[RestoreGore]

49. He would not have written the Assault On Reason if that were true

And I think they are more afraid of him now as a free man outside their system.

[OneBlueSky]

67. he may not "owe" us anything . . . but he owes it to himself . . .

to put his money where his mouth is . . . if climate change is, indeed, THE only issue that matters, and if he's the only potential candidate who seems to understand this and give it the priority it deserves, then he has a responsibility to do everything in his power to foster the kinds of changes -- in thought and in action -- that will be required of all of us beginning, well, NOW! . . .

and the one place that gives him the power to actually do something about it is the White House . . . if he doesn't run this year, there may not be a nation worth governing or a planet worth inhabiting four or eight years from now . . .

[orleans]

68. AHHH!

"If you feel that way and I decide for sure not to be a candidate again – well, sorry. If I do get back involved in the political system at some point in the future – well, keep that energy stored up and let’s have a go at it then."

um...this means he hasn't decided for sure.

[JTFrog]

69. Exactly.

Perspective.

I've come to disregard posts where the poster starts off by vomiting over a huge portion of the audience and then wonders why people don't stick around to find out if there is any merit in the post to begin with.

Reading the entire article myself, I'm sure I came to a very different conclusion than the poster. However, I won't get out my broad brush and start a thread insulting millions of people and then expect them to listen when I tell them there is a crisis and we need their help.

[NastyDiaper]

70. Nope. We owe him tho. Gore 08!