I will believe Al Gore is running for President when...

[Pacifist Patriot]

I see the statement coming from his own lips in the formal announcement press conference. If I miss it "live" I'm sure I'll hear Republican heads exploding all around my neighborhood and will be able to quickly tune in to a repeat broadcast. Until or unless that happens, the speculation is little more than white noise. And not the soothing kind either.

[saltpoint]

1. I think Al's in. A Rasmussen poll today shows that Senator Obama

has tied Senator Clinton for the lead in the nomination race.

Many state party folks would meet a Gore candidacy with enthusiasm and support.

The piece in THE TELEGRAPH notwithstanding, there is considerable rationale for a Gore candidacy.

He has a book release soon this spring and (maybe) a Nobel Prize to haul in next fall. Money and name recognition are not problems. He's incredibly well-positioned for a run for the White House.

[Pacifist Patriot]

2. Well-positioned or not...

and I happen to agree he is, it is still not conclusive evidence of a run. Personally I'd work my tail off for his campaign and hope it does happen. I'm just more than a little tired of the speculative stories.

[saltpoint]

3. The speculative stories are a gauge of the man's appeal.

And probably healthy, given the poisonous atmosphere Karl Rove has created over national discourse.

If a peasant in the random English countryside claims in the morning market that Robin Hood was sighted in the glen near his humble farm, his respect for Robin Hood trumps his investigative skills. It's a forgivable boast.

And if Robin Hood wasn't in that glen that very morning, he might very well be in it come next week.

[Pacifist Patriot]

4. I know, but it's still personally annoying.

Sorry, can't help it.

[saltpoint]

7. Ah, it ain't that bad, is it? I like that one of our major Democrats is

admired.

I like that thousands of people are posting that they want him to run.

How is that anything but good for us and bad for the Republicans?

[RestoreGore]

25. The climate crisis is not a partisan issue

And with all of his appearances around the country and world he is mobilizing people of all political persuasions to take the lead in solving this crisis because that is the only way it will be solved. I don't think posting trash such as what appeared in the Telegraph helps him in that endeavor. Matter of fact, at an appearance he recently made in California there were those who claimed he had won them over regarding what needed to be done to solve the climate crisis, but who also stated they would have nothing to do with it if they thought his motives were politically partisan. I know they are not and that is why speculation now imo does not help him in the work he is looking to do to mobilize Americans regardless of politics to face the greatest challenge we have faced as a civilization which I would dare say takes precedence over any BS speculation.

[saltpoint]

32. I don't believe the climate crisis is a partisan issue either.

I don't recall saying that it was.

Or should be.

Which is not to say that Gore's voice on the matter has not been invaluable.

I am waiting for a second source on the account in the TELEGRAPH. If none surfaces, I still don't have the evidence to deny that the meeting was convened to form a would-be staff for an 08 Gore run. My not believing the TELEGRAPH is the best paper around does not preclude the possibility that they got this right.

[RestoreGore]

34. His own office debunked it

I believe them.

[saltpoint]

35. Ok. You can believe them.

That still doesn't preclude that the meeting was not convened, and it still doesn't mean Gore is disinterested in an 08 run.

[RestoreGore]

36. Oh, I know what it means

And it is totally disrespectful to the man IMO.

[saltpoint]

38. Are you talking about the London TELEGRAPH reporters?

I would ask again if there is a second source which either confirms or denies that the meeting was convened.

That's a standard reporter's inquiry.

[RestoreGore]

52. The reporters and those who may have atttended such a meeting because of their own agendas n/t

[saltpoint]

53. In post #51 I cite a New York Times political blog account of

a large gathering of Gore supporters for a dinner at which the possibility of a Gore candidacy is said to be a likely topic of discussion.

This is a confirmed event.

[RestoreGore]

54. I don't care.True or not I still find them arrogant and selfish to do it now. n/t

[saltpoint]

55. Ok, but you aren't speaking for the Gore office, are you? I don't mean that

in a snide way, only to suggest that your opinion is not higher in the order than someone else's. A pro-Gore Democrat who wants badly for him to be president might very understandably wish outloud for his candidacy.

Do I have that wrong?

[RestoreGore]

56. I am agreeing with his office and with him

And some political operative's opinion is also not higher than mine, if that is what you were implying. I still say it is arrogant and rude to continue to push this man when it is obvious he wants nothing to do with it and is totally committed to the climate crisis. Perhaps if they support himso much they should support working on this crisis now as well instead of sitting at tables playing political odds games. This crisis it too damn important for such triviality in my not so important opinion. And funny how the NY TImes and the rest of this media is A-OK when it serves a purpose.

[saltpoint]

58. We share Gore's profound urge to nourish our relationship with

the planet we live on. No one has questioned Gore's commitment there; no one's questioned yours.

The buzz around announced or possible presidential candidacies is very traditional in our country's history, and vry predictable, and ultimately harmless.

Gore is not pushable. He's a big boy, and he's tough, and he's been through 2 other presidential campaigns. One ended fairly early, one went the distance only to end in the SCOTUS ruling for Bush. He can handle the fire. He wouldn't be in the public eye most of his adult life if he couldn't.

You're saying the environmental cause eclipses his options at any other kind of public service? I flatly disagree.

[RestoreGore]

60. HE has stated that this crisis eclipses that. So I suppose you also then disagree with him?

This is what I fail to understand here. I am essentially eviscerated on this site for actually sharing HIS viewpoint on this. It is HE who has correctly stated that this political process is toxic. It is HE who has stated he has fallen out of love with it. That campaigns are about nothing but 30 second sound bites. That grassroots action in mobilizing the American people to demand action on this crisis is most important now and is where he wants to direct his energies to. These are HIS words and I agree with him wholeheartdly and yes, do think that at this particular time in this atmosphere that he is most needed where he is now. I respect his wishes and agree with his viewpoint because it is true. And you are correct, he is a big boy and one who knows what it is like to be a part of that system in the beltway that can't seem to get ANYTHING accomplished of any real meaning or purpose, particularly regarding this crisis. So if he can accomplish that from where he is, why shouldn't he have the chance to try it? And I do seriously believe that this crisis surpasses any political campaign or one election, as he too stated at an appearance in Oregon. I believe it is THE campaign of this time, and my candidate for the environmental campaign for this planet is Al Gore. There is also nothing that is going to be accomplished in this government that will happen in the next five years WITHOUT people getting off their couches and doing the work themselves. He is the catalyst for that happening, and right now with time running out on the sustainability window this planet has, that to me is the most important work he and we can do. Perhaps one day othes will see that, and hopefully not too late. This IS what public service is all about.

[saltpoint]

61. Look, consider the points. Gore's run for president in 88 didn't fare well.

The 2000 fiasco in Florida is historic and well-known world-wide.

Speculation of a qualified man's intent to hold the office he was cheated out of is understandable.

I KNOW what he's said. Stop lecturing everyone on politics. You aren't the only one interested in politics and you're not the only one paying attention.

I also KNOW that the sentences and language he uses are NOT categorical. He has not removed himself from consideration, and that is a POLITICAL STATEMENT. It is not a casual choice of words. Many Gore staffers from 2000 and their satellite operatives are free agents and unattached to the other campaigns.

That's the point. This is politics. Gore's in it up to his gills.

[RestoreGore]

62. Speculation to me is a waste of time

That was MY point. And I was not lecturing you, I was telling you that I agree with him but it is obvious that some cannot accept his own words, so, so be it. And I would not think that 2000 staffers of his would be anything but free considering their last stint. Hopefully he will not be sucked into anything anywhere near any of them ever again.

[saltpoint]

63. Again, I think we share a mutual respect for a good man.

[RestoreGore]

26. dupe n/t

[RestoreGore]

27. dupe n/t

[RestoreGore]

28. dupe n/t

[RestoreGore]

dupe n/t

[RestoreGore]

29. dupe n/t

[RestoreGore]

30. dupe n/t

[RestoreGore]

31. Sorry about the repeats. Computer hiccup I guess. n/t

[KoKo]

10. lols.....that's a good way of putting it...thanks! n/t

[saltpoint]

11. Hey KoKo.

How's it going?

Hope all's well your way.

[Jemmons]

5. Obviously the really important thing here is not who runs but who wins

come 2008. We can all feel frustrated that its not a done deal, when we feel like its long overdue. At the end of the day i'd much rather se a winner that i feel comfortable with, than having my expectations met, my enthusiasm supported or my hopes kept alive until election day.

I think Al is going to run, and that he is going to announce his candidacy when he and his team feel the time is exactly right. Until then I'm happy about hearing "noises" that confirm my hopes, but not a lot more.

Cheers.

[Perky]

57. A Poll showing an Obama surge means Gore is in?

Odd logic. At best it means there is an opening at the number two poll position. AT BEST

[saltpoint]

59. No, I think it could go either way, but the slightly down trendline on HClinton is

the prompt, not the surge for Obama.

HClinton's early perceived inevitability as the nominee is done with owing to the uptrend for Obama and to a lesser extent, Edwards. They have gained and she has fallen, although all three remain vibrant and viable and well-funded. Richardson is making an impressive showing as "his own tier" as well.

In mixed field, Gore's candidacy becomes more attractive and perhaps more viable.

___
Edited to add:

Here is this piece from the April 5th www.politicalwire.com:

_ _ _ _ _

Dan Gerstein: "According to a well-connected Democratic operative,
Team Hillary is less threatened by Obama than by the possible entry
of Al Gore into the race. That's the real reason why the putative
frontrunner's strategy has been geared toward bulldozing the field
early on -- to scare Gore off. And that's why, under this theory,
Obama's early money might is so problematic for Hillary. The more
strength Obama shows, the weaker she looks. And the muddier the race
gets, the more inviting it is to Gore."

[Kazak]

6. Likewise...

I'll believe he's not when he's categorically denied it himself. ;)

[progressoid]

8. Yours is one of the few Gore/President threads I clicked on.

I mostly pretend they aren't there.

I'm not interested in speculation and wishful thinking. When there is actual news then I'll get interested.

[saltpoint]

9. It hasn't been demonstrated that the TELEGRAPH story is true, but

it could be.

I'd pay more detailed attention if the story had been in the London TIMES, but even so, I have no clinical evidence that the story is false.

Gore's "non-campaign" is necessarily elliptical. He could be arranging the most sublime of scripts off-stage and having the notes sent in by messengers. He's a smart guy and knows what the media can do to candidates it doesn't prefer.

Robin Hood is out there in the forest. Even if we can't see him from the center of town.

[cgrindley]

12. I am so sick of Al Gore supporters

honest to god, if he does run, I'm going to barf.

[Bluebear]

14. Is that so.

[saltpoint]

17. That isn't a very kind thing to say about a good Democrat.

Al's a pretty good guy, isn't he?

Sure he is.

[Bluebear]

20. Thank you.

[saltpoint]

21. Hey, Bluebear! Hells bells & how are ya? I'm thinking,

I was a Bill Bradley delegate in 2000 and if I can look at Al Gore and make a strong case for him as a Democrat and as a leader, I don't see why anyone else can't manage it.

A vacuous monkey and a pack of fascists on the Supreme Court altered history by cheating Al Gore out of the presidency. It's rightly his. And the last 6 years would have gone a whole hell of a lot better had Gore been in that office instead of who actually was.

The OP's point is well taken; there's no second source for the TELEGRAPH story.

All the same, it raises Gore once again into public consideration, and I don't have any problem with a good man given a fair shake.

[Bluebear]

22. Definitely with you,

My take? America loves a comeback story. I think GWB has screwed things up enough that many people just might say "OK, let's see where Gore would have led us" and vote for him.

He is not my top pick either but I certainly would support him 100%.

[saltpoint]

24. That's it. That's it exactly. I'm looking at Edwards as a very electable

candidate, but it wouldn't surprise me if you and I and lots of other DUers crossed paths after the nominee is chosen, no matter which nominee, on the road to elect a blue President in 08.

[cgrindley]

39. He's a great guy, but his supporters are irritating with their...

he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know he's running he's running I know he's running is he running I know

It is driving me mental.

[saltpoint]

40. I want all the Democrats we can gather, and the more enthusiastic they

are, the better.

I'd expect Gore's people to want him to run. That makes total sense, doesn't it?

[Jamastiene]

46. I hope you barf real soon then. n/t

[ourbluenation]

50. HERE"S A BUCKET...get it ready.

Gore 08!

[ShaneGR]

13. I dont think he's running...

It makes no sense, if he was running he'd already be in. He'd already be raising money and working on endorsements. Keep in mind, no matter anyone thinks theres a 2 headed monster in the room and she's called Senator Clinton. She's got a massive war chest too.

[saltpoint]

18. We know Senator Clinton is running. We aren't sure if Gore is.

I think he just might.

[Pastiche423]

15. Easy peasy

Don't click on any thread that is about Al Gore.

Problem solved and you won't have to worry about the unsoothing white noise that seems to bother you so.

[Bluebear]

16. But read upthread, people are sick of Gore supporters!!11

:eyes:

[Pastiche423]

19. Funny, that

Yet he still clicked on a thread about Al Gore.

I barf in his direction.

[Pacifist Patriot]

42. Actually I don't.

But this isn't the only place for "will he won't he" chatter.

[Pastiche423]

44. Oh, you poor, poor thing!

How awful it must be for you to have to listen to the unsoothing white noise of will he or won't he.

My heart bleeds for your upset.

NOT!

Btw, what was your original username?

[Pacifist Patriot]

47. Please tell me you are either trying to joke around or are just in a bad...

mood. The mocking rudeness really isn't necessary. I'm sorry a comment about wanting to wait for news from the horse's mouth is so bothersome to you. Regardless of what you may think, this is hardly something that keeps me up at night fretting. In fact, I'm not sure why the sarcasm. You're response seems disproportionate.

No offense, but I'm not inclined to provide you with my original user name considering the manner in which you're posting to me. Now off to bed with me with nary a toss or a turn over the speculation over Gore's run in sight.

[Cruzan]

23. How much weight has he lost, if any?

If you see the pounds start melting away that's a sure thing he's running.

[RestoreGore]

33. I hope he goes on a diet just to screw with the media

And all of the arrogant people who think his weight is any of their business.

[illinoisprogressive]

37. It's fantasy to think he will. His life is better than ever before. Why go back?

[Bucky]

41. Amen.It'd be like a pro sports player quitting a million dollar job to go join the infantry! Absurd!

On a crazy lark of a guess, could a personal commitment to public service be a motivation?

[frogcycle]

43. and there you have it n/t

[Jamastiene]

45. I hope we are both lucky enough to wear rain coats that day

if he does announce. All those exploding Republican heads will likely cause a mess. I mean minus the brains a normal human has, they still have a lot of crap ideas stores in those heads. That could be rather messy.

I'm with you. I'll believe it when I heard it coming from his own lips and he makes a point to note that he's not joking this time.

[Pacifist Patriot]

48. Thank you for understanding where I'm coming from.

Now I really am off to bed. Need all my strength to keep up with three little boys tomorrow.

[SammyWinstonJack]

49. He will declare his candidacy when he feels the time is right. And I wouldn't want him to jump in

early. The media sharks will chew him up, soon enough. I think he has learned his lesson. I like white noise. :evilgrin:

[saltpoint]

51. The New York TIMES on-line has this in its political

blog, dated late yesterday:

* * * *
LINK:
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/04/23/a-gore-reunion/


April 23, 2007, 8:52 pm
A Gore Reunion
By Patrick Healy

It’s not a Gore ’08 strategy session (at least not officially), but about 20 former fund-raisers and supporters of former Vice President Al Gore will gather in Washington next month to talk about politics, memories and Mr. Gore’s future at a dinner being organized by Peter Knight, his close friend and political ally.

The dinner comes as speculation has intensified about whether Mr. Gore will be a late entry into the Democratic presidential race. Two people who plan to attend said that a possible presidential run by Mr. Gore in 2008 would inevitably be a topic, given the recent Oscar victory for “An Inconvenient Truth,” the buzz about his recent congressional testimony on global warming, his new book that will be out two weeks after the May 8 dinner, and his global “Live Earth” concerts in July.

“There’s certainly enough talk about Gore’s future among people who are not part of the Gore group, so of course we’ll be talking about all of the things that might be ahead for him,” said Alan Kessler, a former Gore fund-raiser who plans to attend the 20th-annivesary reunion of Mr. Gore’s first presidential campaign.

( ---- )

Kalee Kreider, a spokeswoman for Mr. Gore, said Mr. Knight and another former Gore fund-raiser, Mary Pat Bonner, were organizing the dinner at their own initiative, and that Mr. Gore — while honored — would not be attending.

* * * *