Why Al Gore Will (probably) Not Run in 2008 (or ever)

[Zomby Woof]

After reading the first few dozen pages of his new book The Assault on Reason, I have concluded that America does not deserve him as president. I believe the damage to America is done, and probably irreparable, but I applaud him for soldiering on, and even if he does run, I am not sure the dumbed-down state of American discourse he decries in the book would permit him to flourish the way he should. Ironically, I believe the experiences of 2000 and since would prove him to be a much better candidate, one who fits his potential. The potential we always knew was there, but was frustrated by both his campaign style and the hostile media coverage. There is no reason to believe, even if he ran the most brilliant campaign ever, that the media would be any better this time around. In fact, it may even be worse, or he wouldn't have written the book at all.

I do not see the book as a platform for launching a 2008 campaign. In fact, I see it solidifying his post-professional political resume, along the lines of Jimmy Carter when he got involved with Habitat for Humanity and global peace initiatives. Gore's traction picked up with "An Inconvenient Truth" and gathers momentum with his new book. It will continue, without him seeking elected office of any kind.

I will wait until I finish the book and see if I change my mind. But I doubt it. Al Gore is too good to be president of the United States of America.

[Rosemary2205]

1. Insert eyeroll here.

I like Al Gore. I voted for Al Gore. I'd vote for him again if he ran and think he'd make a fine president. But as an American I'm such a pathetic worm that I don't deserve someone as full of perfection as Al Gore? Come on. That's a bit much.

[ellisonz]

10. Bingo.

Can I just say I love your sig image, "fuck you ball."

:rofl:

[fooj]

2. Have you read the part about his father?

Very telling, IMO.

[pinto]

3. Gore's doing a great job for the country right where he is, imo.

I can understand if he doesn't choose to go through another presidential election. I think of Sen. Kennedy in this framework, as well. In his case, he didn't make the national ticket, but is doing a hell of a job in the Senate. I respect Dems that find a niche outside the primary brouhaha and continue to speak on our behalf. We need 'em all.

[Triana]

9. Here Here...well said and I agree...

I'm not saying I wouldn't vote for Gore if he ran but I don't think he will and I can't blame him. And, I think he can accomplish a LOT from right where he is - maybe as much or more than he could as Pres.

[tblue37]

22. Like, for example, Howard Dean. (eom)

[Bitwit1234]

4. I am upset that no matter which Democrat gets the nod

they will be in mortal danger. After the rant of that Swilspewer on Fox, I am afraid that the violent right wingers will go after them.

They know the republicans can't win. They know the country is absolute tired of republicans. So one way or the other they are going to intimidate the democrats.

[Raksha]

5. I am more afraid for Al Gore in that regard than any other candidate.

They know as well as we do that if he runs, he will win. And he would cut the military/industrial complex down to size...and that's just for starters! I don't think the PTB would ever allow that to happen. They'd find a way to get to him.

[rucky]

7. That's why he needs to pick Al Sharpton as his VP

Then no wingnut would ever try anything on Gore.

[Rosemary2205]

13. Sorry but LOLOLOL

Sharpton as Veep -- that'll make the freeps wet their pants. LOL Never happen but the visual is fabulous!

[malaise]

18. Sharpton is no Veep

Sorry.

[RestoreGore]

17. I fear that as well

If he were even allowed to attain it with all the ways they have to now deny it thanks to their benefactors in the "technology" industry. But some don't want to discuss serious issues surrounding all of this. Waving the poms poms and having fun seems to be all they care about now even in knowing what we face.

[murielm99]

6. Which swilspewer?

They have so many.

Is one of them threatening to kill our candidates?

[Triana]

8. "Al Gore is too good to be president of the United States of America"

BINGO.

[elocs]

11. Well, I don't know about Gore being too good for us, but I do agree that he won't run.

Things do not happen just because people really, really want them to happen. Based upon things as they appear at this time, it just does not seem that Gore will run. I don't think it is realistic to believe that will change. He has found his niche and fulfilling role in life with the work he is now doing. He certainly would be a welcome addition to a Democratic president's cabinet.

[BlooInBloo]

12. I said in essence the same thing yesterday....

... It didn't take any better.

:)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=972758

[robcon]

14. RIDICULOUS.

The words "...America does not deserve him as president" are disgusting and stupid, IMO.

I can't think of enough adjectives to describe this thread. Ridiculous, disgusting and stupid will have to do.

[RestoreGore]

16. Well prove the people deserve him

I woke up this morning and the traitors were still in power in our White House. What has been done to prove it? But in a way you are correct. "America" is not what does not deserve him and from all I see America has him, it is the PEOPLE for the most part that do not deserve him, and if they do again, prove it.

[Rabrrrrrr]

21. It's not ridiculous. America is too immature to have Gore as a president.

Look how it fell apart with Clinton - the country could scarcely handle his reasoned, mature methodology, and they tried to destroy him every chance he got.

Reagan spoke and acted like a second grader, and he's considered great.

Gore's more like a Thomas Jefferson - speaks at a college-level of intellect and maturity.

This country couldn't handle it. We need a few other presidents before Gore to help the country grow up.

[RestoreGore]

15. What Al Gore Said At The End Of Charlie Rose Interview...

Basically he stated that he doesn't think he should have to apologize for how he now wishes to spend his time, and he's correct. And he is spending his time now doing something most private citizens who went through what he did would not be doing, and yet these pundits and other groups don't seem to want to hear his own words or really stand up with him now. All they see is "winning" in black and white (whatever the hell that means now.) They don't see a man who is putting so much on the line already in coming out and standing up to TPTB with CURRENT TV, An Inconvenient Truth and now The Assault On Reason. My respect for this man has only increased steadliy since 2000 because hs is not doing this out of any selfish political aspirations. And with all he is doing, he shouldn't have to call a damned press conference to stand there and phrase his words the way certain people want to hear them just to appease the gossip mongers. He served well for over a quarter of a century and has every right to not have to say anymore about "that" unless he chooses to. However, I think by his words he has said it as best as an adult can and believes it is time to move on to doing what must be done to change the course we are on.

The preoccupation every single day with asking will he or won't he after he already answered that question more times than I think he really cared to is only feeding into the bs media's mo to divert the discussion and demean his motivations and is wasting time. When THAT question takes precedence at an event like the one he attended with Charlie Rose over what should be asked, then we know for sure that he was dead on regarding the book he just wrote. And some may take offense to this, but yes, he is too good to be president of this country as it stands now, mainly because his work now is not even appreciated as it should be and I think people in the media and elsewhere are only using him towards their own political ends. He only looks attractive to so many in that regard because he is "popular." I guarantee if he had stayed in Murfreesboro to just teach and not written these books and did the movie some wouldn't give two hoots about him, and that too is a sad statement about what this system is all about.

[KharmaTrain]

19. The Next President Will...

...have an incredible mess to clean up...we have no clue as to the depths of the corruption and incompetence of this regime. We have no idea how imbedded their ideologues are in every department of the government. We have yet to see one of those no-bid contracts issued for Iraq or Katrina...the landmines are all over the place.

While the job required of the next President will be massive, the tolerance of the public will be short...so will the honeymoon. It will require someone who is willing to forgo winning a second term to spend the first one just getting things back to semi-sanity. And it will mean stepping on lots of toes...especially around here.

It'll mean having to "split the baby"...decide which issues and crisis are worth the fight and resources while those expecting all their special interests and pet causes to be fixed overnight will be disappointed. We'll hear "sell out" and "he/she really wasn't one of us to start with"...in fact I expect this place will be far more critical of a Democratic President since expectations have been raised so high.

While I would love to see President Gore run next year, I don't blame him if he doesn't. Who'd want a job that will require the first year, if not two, fighting just to stop this country's total political destruction and won't have much time, if any, to advance agendas we all hold near and dear. Even with a Democrat as President and in control of both houses, wanna bet finally getting our troops out of Iraq won't be that easy either. Just sayin'.

[JitterbugPerfume]

20. I agree ZW

---something about a prophet in his own country comes to mind