"I have not made a Sherman statement." - Al Gore, Nov. 12, 2007

[FourScore]

FOR THOSE WHO THINK IT IS OVER AS FAR AS A GORE PRESIDENCY...PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE. i SURE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE INFO ABOUT THIS PERSON WHO CONVINCED EVERYONE THAT A DRAFT GORE EFFORT SHOULD STOP...IS IT ONLY ODD TO ME THAT SOME UNNAMED "STAFFER" OF HIS HAD A PHONE CONVERSATION WITH SOMEONE ELSE AND SUDDENLY IT ALL SHUTS DOWN? AND THAT ONLY ONE DAY AFTER HE MADE THESE STATEMENTS. I WONDER, WHO ELSE DOES PROFITS IF WE STOP? IT'S ALL KIND OF WIERD TO ME. UNTIL I HEAR IT, SHERMAN-ESQUE AND ALL, FROM THE MAN HIMSELF, I'M NOT STOPPING A DAMN THING.

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."

Mr Gore said: "There is no need for me to make that statement." Nor would he divulge whether he intended to endorse another candidate.

SNIP

"None of the have proposed what I think we should propose..."


http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/41c55a66-915f-11dc-9590-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1

[MalloyLiberal]

1. It's over. DAMN

[TwilightGardener]

2. His act is getting tired. Move on, Al, and let everyone else do the same.

[MrCoffee]

3. i need a new wall...mine's got big holes in it

:banghead:

[OzarkDem]

6. Mine, too

[Mira]

45. I can walk through mine plus I have a headache N/T

[redqueen]

4. I hope he pulls a Bobby Kennedy.

Just to piss some people here off. :evilgrin:



Okay not really... also cause I think he'd make a good Pres. :)

[MrCoffee]

8. he'd make an incredible President...

too bad he doesn't want the job.

[redqueen]

9. Well he keeps up with the ambiguousness...

so... who knows what the hell the guy's thinkin.

[MrCoffee]

12. i don't see a whole lot of ambiguity in his position

he's too good a politician to go about a presidential run like this. he's not the one keeping the dream alive, people are simply reading way too much into his statements.

[redqueen]

15. Like this?

How did Bobby do it?

:shrug:

I think it's weird that he won't just come out and say "I will not run". Maybe he has and I missed it. Someone else posted that he said "certainly not in 08"... haven't seen that yet, but I'm not as invested in this issue as some... either way. :)

[LSparkle]

Oh, he wants the job all right -- he just realizes he's not a great campaigner

Especially not in the cesspool that is American politics, thanks to KKKarl and co.

[Freddie Stubbs]

34. Nails Marilyn Monroe?

:shrug:

[redqueen]

35. EW! She's dead, guy.

I meant not being a candidate till March. :)

[IronLionZion]

42. I'm sure Bobby was faithful to his wife

John and Ted were the cheaters

[Freddie Stubbs]

57. Get shot the after winning the CA primary?

:shrug:

[Lucinda]

5. He's taken another position and hasn't ruled out a future run

And he's working the media. Which I think is fine. They crucified him before. As far as I'm concerned, he can run them all around in circles as long as he wants. :)

[kestrel91316]

24. I'm with you. He's yanking the MSM's tails.

[redqueen]

27. He's doing more than that, though... is the thing.

By being vague he's giving all these people reason to hope... and more importantly *devote time and money* to this cause.

I would think if he seriously wanted them to commit that energy & $ to a better cause, he'd stop farting around and just say, "No I absolutely will not run, please use your time for other things."

[kestrel91316]

31. I agree with the poster who speculated that Gore is remaining ambiguous

so that he keeps people's attention. If he made a definitive NO statement, the media would proceed to ignore him from that day forward as a has-been and irrelevant.

This is how he keeps the things that matter most to him (the environment) in the spotlight and keeps people talking about it.

[Lucinda]

33. I don't think he's being vague. He just announced he's joining

forces with an environemntal group which has an ambitious project schedule. He's going to be very busy. And he said he doesn't rule out a run at a later time.

[meegbear]

7. Oh good - I thought he meant burning down Atlanta

[redqueen]

11. hahahaha

You nut. :P

[AndyA]

10. I heard Al Gore when he addressed this.

From what he said, it's very evident to me that he IS NOT running this year, as he did say, "...certainly not in 2008..." which seems pretty conclusive.

In whole, I don't think Gore has completely dismissed the possibility that he may run for something at some point, but it won't be in 2008, in my opinion, based on what he said during that interview.

[mopinko]

49. the only "certainly" that i heard was regarding a post in someone

else's administration. which followed his usual "no plans right now".
and y'all know, don't you, that ALL POLITICIANS- REPEAT, ALL POLITICIANS say they are not running until they are ready to announce that they are. or they make some coy little statement about thinking, or talking to their family, or some such. would you want a president that couldn't even handle their own candidacy announcement? c'mon people. what are y'all? virgins?

[rosesaylavee]

13. I am right there with you.

I find it very odd that one staffer emails only one person and as you say 'the whole shuts down'. There is another thread with a statement from the draft gore group regarding that the alleged email (not posted anywhere) said that the gore office wanted them to stop working to get his name on the ballot as it would disturb plans down the road.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2280849

Not sure what to think but it looks odd to me. I will wait and see. Gore is still the best person for the job and I really have nothing better to do as my primary is not until February.

[Mabus]

17. I'm right there with you!

And for the reasons that you state.

K&R

[rosesaylavee]

18. I may just write in his name for the primary.

... depends on what I think in February. As of today, that seems like a good idea.

[Pastiche423]

46. I'm w/rosesaylavee and Mabus!

Does anyone know the name of the "staffer"?

He/she certainly din't follow through w/the requesting, as only draftgore.com has made mentioned of THE email. All other Al Gore sites are still up w/no mention of shutting down.

[FreeState]

52. here is a copy of the supposed email with staffers name:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=260&topic_id=2376&mesg_id=2391

Hello everyone,

Today I had a communication from a member of Al Gore’s staff discouraging any efforts to put Al Gore’s name on any primary ballot. Accordingly, effective immediately, we should all cease our signature collection and related fund raising activities. I will communicate tomorrow with the California Secretary of State that they should stop tallying any Nomination Papers. Further, I have communicated this information to the coordinators of the campaigns in Massachusetts, New York and New Hampshire, as well as with representatives of draftgore.com and algore.org.

I want you all to know how much I appreciate the experience that I have had working with and getting to know all of you. I am confident that we were on the cusp of doing something that had never been done before. There is no doubt in my mind that we would have succeeded. I believe that our efforts have not been in vain. I also believe that this does not represent a “Sherman statement” by the Gore camp. We know that Al Gore knows how to say “No.” For reasons he explained in the Rolling Stone interview, he continues to leave the door open on a future decision.

For those of us who are passionate about Al Gore, we can shift our time and money to the Alliance for Climate Protection. In his recent interviews, one of Gore’s consistent messages is that he is committed to changing the consciousness regarding climate protection before he can entertain political aspirations. Those of us who are in this for the long-run can choose to work with him to remove the obstacles and shift the consciousness. Al Gore was quoted as saying in his recent Rolling Stone interview: “It is a mistake to think of the climate crisis as one in a list of issues that will define our future. It is the issue.”

He also was quoted in that interview as directing the following to those of us who have placed our hopes in him: “Well thank you for felling 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. But 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.”

Thanks a million!

Roy Gayhart

[Pastiche423]

53. Can you point out the name?

The only name I see is the one that talked about the email he was sent.

[rosesaylavee]

55. I would like to see the communication received by Roy...

What I want to see is the email from the Gore staffer who spoke with Roy. Roy is part of the California Draft Gore group.

My question is - why would a "gore staffer" only communicate with one person out of the many state effort and why not a press release to the whole?

I just think it odd.

[TheDoorbellRang]

50. I'm with you, rosie

I don't have to make a "Shermanesque" decision on who to vote for until our primary, so I'll hang in there for Gore.

[cali]

14. This is just sad.

Clearly there are some people here who won't give up their Gore fantasy even after the Dem convention.

[redqueen]

16. Sad?

How is it sad?

It's no sadder than hoping that Kucinich gets the nod. Am I sad?

I think it's rather insulting that you insinuate they won't let it go even after the convention. There's no need for that, really, is there?

[rosesaylavee]

19. It's what she does for every Gore thread.

Cali is sad... and insulting.

[New Earth]

21. every Gore thread?

don't you mean all threads? :o

[rosesaylavee]

22. Ha!

Not sure as I haven't been on every thread. I do remember that once she and I were in agreement that Patrick Leahy was a terrific senator. Fond memory that.

[cali]

26. actually I don't post in every gore thread

and I've only started one, so that's simply a false statement. As for insulting, if you start a thread like this, you're going to get people telling you, you're not living in reality. I suggest you read some of the other comments on the thread. My comment wasn't harsh compared with some others. Either don't be so thin skinned or don't post OPs that are going to have responses you find objectionable.

[cali]

20. Yes, it's sad that people are creating an illusion so

strong that reality has little chance of intruding. It's been clear for months that Gore is not running, and it's been super clear for at least a couple of weeks. And furthermore, I base my statement that some people won't give up on Gore even after the convention, on a poll I ran over a month ago where a substantial number of those voting said exactly that. I'm sorry you find reality insulting, but that's all it is.

And it's much sadder than hoping Kucinich gets the nod. For crying out loud, he's a candidate. It's extremely unlikely that Kucinich will win, but more likely than someone who isn't running at all.

[redqueen]

23. I see your point about Kucinich and how it doesn't compare...

but it does go along with the theme of tilting against windmills.

Sorry, but it doesn't seem obvious to me that he's not running... it hasn't for months and it doesn't now... someone posted that he said "certainly not in 08"... if they'd start a topic with that sourced then maybe that'd convince some people that he really means it when he says "he has no plans"... but how hard is it for the guy to make a clear statement? It's not. So I can see a little reason to hope, there. I guess you can't.

As for your poll and what it proves... well I don't think polls around here mean much at all, so I still think that's an unfair statement to make.

[TheDoorbellRang]

51. It's sad that you're so sad about what others are doing

Maybe you should steer clear of these Gore threads if they distress you so.

[book_worm]

25. he has said he isn't ruling out a run in the future, but not 2008.

[redqueen]

28. That's the one I saw before...

where's that quote from, and why has it not been plastered everywhere like his staffer's e-mail story was?

Weirdness x infinity.

[lame54]

29. I'm with you - until he makes it clear...

...it's all rumor
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0Nnph3zkHNw

[RB TexLa]

30. A politician saying something to keep himself in front of people. Amazing

Truly amazing.

[Javaman]

32. ...

:banghead:

[JackORoses]

36. keep banging your head, anarchist

and we'll keep supporting the best candidate for President

[Javaman]

38. I prefer Antichrist thank you.

He has said, "he has no plans on running". Since you, like myself believe Mr. Gore is a man of strong ethics, morals and of his word, I would think I/we should/would take him at such.

So when he says, "I have no plans to run" I believe him.

And if he is a man of the above qualities, I don't believe he would play mind games with those that supported him. That would be down right wrong of him.

:)

[DearAbby]

37. I dont know about you

here is what I think...What better way to show the world, to have AL GORE win the presidental election as a WRITE IN CANDIDATE? It would truly be of the people. EVERYONE knows those machines are still out there, and they will be flipping votes...count on it. But...BUT can they flip WRITE IN VOTES?

Al Gore may be on to something. I have been thinking this myself for weeks and have mentioned it here at least twice with no response. HOW CAN THEY FLIP WRITE IN VOTES? they would have to count them all individually, and the intent of the voter is clear, because they TOOK THE TIME to type/write in a name.

IF ELECTED will he serve? There has been no Sherman statement, saying he wouldn't serve if he were to be elected via WRITE IN CAMPAIGN.

[kimmerspixelated]

44. DING! DING! DING! DING! DING!

You hit the nail on the head!!!!! It all makes perfect sense now! Good work DearAbby! He has made no Shermanesque statement, and we WILL elect him by a write-in! And his other statements are true! " ...no intention of RUNNING in 2008". He gets to avoid all the parts of campaigning he hates, and still gets a chance! This is absolutely fucking Brilliant!!!! I bet you this is something that DraftGore.com knows and is supposed to keep quiet about!!! Yippee! This will work!!!

[DearAbby]

58. I have been saying this for weeks

and it seemed as if no one was listening to me...it is a way to beat the machines and PROVE THAT THE PEOPLE DEMAND Al Gore be president...what better way, THAN to write in his name?

Thank you, thank you thank you....

[debbierlus]

39. I think it is over - he won't let them put his name of the California ballot

I am giving my money & energy to Kucinich. I think Gore is thinking about a future Presidential run.

I am voting Kucinich & I hope that those who want Gore's progressive values represented this election cycle, join me.

[FourScore]

40. Et tu, debbierlus?

I will wait and see what happens next.

[CTD]

41. LISTEN to the audio of Gore on NPR the other night

Near the end of this interview, he says basically the same thing, again, being strangely deliberate in his wording.

I truly doubt he'll get in at this point (and I do not consider myself one of the irrational Gore supporters) but I still wonder why he's using these wordings that still allow for wiggle room if he truly has no intention of getting in. It doesn't make sense.

Audio link at top of page here- http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16227362

[shadowknows69]

43. "There is no need for me to make that statement."

Because he's already said multiple times he isn't running. You people are starting to make the religious right look sane.

[JackORoses]

47. please post the quote, friend

oh, what's that, there is no quote of him saying he isn't running?

damn, i thought you had cracked the case there for a second.

[earth mom]

48. You're right. It doesn't add up.

If Gore was not going to run, he would say so. He's not like the rest of the lying bastard politicians who will say or do anything to get what they want.

I just don't think Gore is one to play with peoples emotions, money or time in that way.

Maybe he does want everyone to write him in or maybe he's going to do what Bobby Kennedy did and announce much later. :shrug:

But after reading this thread, I've decided that I'm not giving up just yet. Not until I hear him say No unequivocally.

What's the hurry anyway?

[amandabeech]

54. If, for some reason, there should be a deadlocked convention,

perhaps Gore would accept a draft, and would then both run and serve.

I don't like the fact that the nominee may be chosen so far before the election.

What if the economy totally tanks between now and next November. In my estimation, Edwards is the "it's the economy stupid" candidate.

If the entire Middle East is in flames, my choice would be Biden.

The top two candidates would undoubtedly be much better than anything that the repubs put up, but I think that Edwards and Biden stand out in their emphasis on those two issues.

Could Clinton or Obama change courses as easily or convincingly?

[alfredo]

56. Sherman? Wasn't he on Rocky and Bullwinkle?