What was Gore really up to on Sunday?

[Northwind]

This is going to really irritate some people, but hey, I still think it is true.

Gore has moved beyond simply being a politician. He is now truly a statesman. A man without official position (aside from his being the real President, but we'll let that slide) who still wields enormous power and influence over the process. He can speak about issues that concern him and influence current thought on them. He can do so independently, without a party backing him, so that he comes off as non-partisan. He is no longer interested in getting or maintaining power, or in maintaining the power of a certain party. You will notice that he mentioned neither party in Sunday's address. He can now speak directly to the concerns of all American, without towing a party line or trying to maintain the influence of a given faction within a party.

He is freakin' Obi Wan Kenobi, when they cut him down, he became more powerful than they could imagine.

Sunday, he was sending a message.

No, not to the White House.

To Howard Dean.

Howard Dean has said repeatedly that there are good parts of the Patriot Act, just like Gore did. He has said he should repeal the "bad parts." Gore disagreed here, he said we should recreate the "good parts" in a new smaller measure and repeal the entire Patriot Act. Same sentiment expressed by Dean, different solution.

The message was this:

"If you want my endorsement, you need to do this."

Why would Gore do this? Why would he endorse Dean? Because he wants Bush out of office. He can see that Dean is the one making the biggest waves. He can see that Dean is the one with the absolute best chance to win it. Gore doesn't care about making sure on one his old buddies gets it. He doesn't care about the Dem establishment or the DLC staying in control. He just wants what's best for the American people, which is to get Bush out. And that means Dean.

In the coming weeks, look for Dean to mention Gore's suggestion. Look for him to say he likes that idea. It is, after all, the same in spirit as his earlier position on the matter, just different in execution.

Then look for Gore's endorsement.

[Hep]

1. It would be in line with

Dean's policy on Bush's tax cut. You don't need any part of the tax cut OR the patriot act in order to have fair tax policy and a safe nation.

[meegbear]

2. That's a bit of a stretch ...

his speech can be taken by any Dem candidate.

[returnable]

But... but... but...

Gore is Establishment! Gore is DLC!

And everyone knows Dean is the anti-Establishment, anti-DLC candidate!

Al would never, EVER endorse this usurper!

And even if he did, Dean would spit on it!!!

:)

[0007]

11. I hope you never bet on it!

:eyes:

[Ardee]

3. You are certainly within your rights

to speculate as to the motivation of Gore in making that ringing speech. I cannot help but think that your suggestion as to his motivation sort of diminishes the speech itself. Surely ,had Gores only motivation been to speak to Dean, he could have picked up the phone.

[Skwmom]

4. You can repeat the Dean mantra that Dean has the

best chances to win until the cows come home. Saying it is not going to make it so. We cannot win the 04 election with the Democratic version of George Bush.

[Hep]

5. Better put on your thinking cap

You're going to need it when Dean wins the nomination. Our coattails are big. You're welcome any time.

[ShimokitaJer]

8. No, we certainly can't

After all, we didn't win in 2000, when the DLC did everything they could to make Gore into the Democratic version of George Bush. And we didn't win in 2002, when the Democratic leadership decided pointing out Bush's lies would have been too politically risky.

But tell me how you could possibly think grassroots Dean is the Democratic version of corporate shill Bush.

[Northwind]

14. And you can keep repeating the BS

That this primary is not all about Dean. Dean is the only Dem candidate really in this race. Period.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

17. Keep repeating that insult

please. It will do wonders for turnout for the others.

[ShimokitaJer]

6. That would be nice... but I don't think so

I was at the speech on Sunday, and heard speculation in the audience about everything from Gore setting himself up for a 2008 run to Gore aiming to get McCain to run against Bush for the Republican nomination. And of course, there were the requisite ideas that every phrase out of his mouth was an endorsement of this or that candidate.

Why is it so difficult to separate Gore from partisan politics? Is it so hard to imagine that he sees the threat posed by Bush, just as we all do, and just wants it stopped? That means more than promoting a single candidate in 2004 -- it means working with the Republicans who are tired of being marginalized by Bush's cohort (yes, they exist, and yes, they're pissed).

Gore referred to himself in his first comments as a "recovering politician" and I believe him. Yes, of course, the principles of the Democratic Party are still closer to his own ideals than those of the Republicans. But he is in the enviable position of not having to worry about getting elected. He is becoming a statesman rather than a politician. Can't we stop looking for a political motivation in his every action?

[kodi]

7. call me crazy but maybe al gore just cares deeply about america

and he recognizies his unique place in our political and social landscape and decided to express his concerns.

sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

sad to say, but gore is heads and tails above the current candidates in stature and dwarfs them.

praying for an open convention and an al gore draft.

[Spazito]

10. I agree!

Watching Gore's speech, I saw a man who loves his country and is outraged at what is happening to it. He spoke from the heart and his speech was awesome, imo.

[magnolia]

12. You took the words....

...right out of my mouth!

Nothing...NOTHING!...would make me happier than for Gore to say..."I changed my mind...I WILL run!" Although we have not given Gore the right to be human very often...it is human to change ones mind.

[Northwind]

15. Of course he does.

He was just killing two birds with one stone in that speech. What he said needed to BE said, and previous to him, no one of real note was saying it. Sorry, but not enough people hear Kucinich for his comments to matter.

Dean is it. Gore knows it.

[felonious thunk]

9. Gore's a good Democrat

He can make the speeches, bring the attention to the cause without running himself. If he's knocking down Bush, he's helping the eventual Democratic nominee, and I promise that Gore will be campaigning hard for whoever that ends up being. I don't think Gore has a hidden agenda here, he's simply getting the word out. I don't think he's going to endorse anyone in the primary. He realizes that he's going to be a much more valuable asset in the campaign against Bush, and it seems to me that he wants some redemption for 2000, even though he doesn't want to put himself through it again.

[kentuck]

13. Gore is an "underground" Democrat...

Much like a DUer, he is not publicly appreciated or openly praised, but he is listened to by many and his views are highly appreciated in private by many Americans. They just aren't able to say it in public.

[yellowdawgdem]

16. not irritated yet

Nope, I agree wholeheartedly with most of what you said. However, I do not think Gore was focusing his speech all on one man. Who knows, maybe he would back Dean, maybe he was sending a message not to back down, to fight against these oppressive trends (such as Patriot act, etc.). Maybe he knows that if a democrat wins in 004, it will be easy for them to let things slide, with a republican stacked house and senate.
Or maybe he grew a lot from what he went thru, and sees that hey, not only did he lose because of voter fraud, but because he wanted it too much. sometimes when you want something alot, you tense up, cannot relax, and this response can hurt your chances. He lost the chance to fully develop the power and brilliant style that is his potential.
Sure, I feel bad that we lost out on having Gore for president, and wish he was running this time. but maybe we should look forward, and try to see the potential in who is running now. I actually think that most of the candidates have a great deal more potential than they are credited with. It's too bad that americans have gotten so critical all the time. that way, we miss the good in people. sorry if I am ranting on too long. venting, or whatever.