"Gore is Back"

[Samantha]

John McLaughlin just closed his weekly show with this prediction. No details, no further comments.

It was enough to send a surge of happiness through me since I am an ardent Gore proponent. It would be too good to be true.

I think if Gore decides to step out, the Southern Dems would give him wholehearted support to stop Hillary. No offense intended to Hillary fans here, but I doubt she can carry the South.

As one who has followed Gore for years and who has never gotten over the 2000 theft of the election, I think a Gore run in 2008 is a dream come true for me and a nightmare for the DLC. Hillary is promoted by the DLC and Gore is estranged from it. If the contest within our party boils down to Gore or Hillary, it will be the climax of a political rivalry which began simmering in 1992. At that time, Gore became Clinton's co-president, and Hillary emerged as a salient influence on Bill. Their incessant headbutts did not make the headlines but has been reported in Gore biographies.

I think it's time for the corporate segment to face off with the populist element. May the best man (or woman, if you prefer) win. My money and my hopes lie with Al Gore.

I hope if Gore runs he asks Kerry to run with him. I am not so much a Kerry fan, but Gore could make Kerry the same offer Bill Clinton made him in 1992 -- a co-presidency. It would take two working on the cleanup of the Bush occupancy at full speed to start to turn this country around. Additionally, I hope Dean and Clark are ushered into the cabinet or other high level positions.

A Gore/Kerry run could easily face down a McCain challenge, something I am not sure too many other Democratic candidates could do.

This is my dream for the party and the Country. Will it come true?

[mattclearing]

1. No.

Gore has said there is a 99% chance that his political career is over.

And why would anyone want to go through that again after what Gore went through?

He has served the public well. It's time to find someone new.

[sweetladybug]

4. I think GORE IS BACK and he will run in 2008 (that is what he should do

He is our best hope for the future of our country and I agree, I hope Kerry runs with him. Personally I don't think Hillary wants the job of President. But, for the sake of our country she will take the heat and let the Republicans think she is planning to running for President in order to keep the heat off of the candidate with the best chance of running in 2008. I will be praying that Al Gore will take his rightful place in history in 2008. Then perhaps our country will get back on the right track.
GORE 2008

[bowens43]

6. Gore was a lousey candidate and he hasn't improved with age.

Al Gore lost against the idiot. Think about that. Bush is quite possibly the least qualified man ever to run for the office and Gore couldn't beat him. Gore had his shot he showed us that he wasn't to the challenge.

[NYCGirl]

8. Just in case you forgot, Gore won by half a million votes. NT

[Samantha]

11. Gore didn't lose to the idiot

The Supreme Court negated 51 million votes to rig the Electoral College results. He won the election and I believe 51 million voters think like I.

[ldf]

23. obviously you think context

means absolutely nothing, when in fact, it is everything.

the juggernaut that gore faced, both from the clinton fallout, and the republican hate machine, and the CHEATING?

irrelevant, you say (even though gore won by half a million)?

wake up. the old blood is the dlc. we need a transfusion. gore has already been innoculated against them because they hate him.

that in itself, in my opinion, is the highest recommendation a candidate could possibly receive.

we are going to need an incredibly brillant man to even begin to straighten out this mess. gore sees the big picture.

and again, don't forget the little technicality that HE WON!

[VADem11]

31. I am so sick of people saying that he lost

He didn't. We won the most votes and Bush won on a freaking technicality. Have you seen gore lately? Much better than in 2000.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

42. Welcome to DU, VADem11 (from another Virginian)

[VADem11]

68. Gee, thanks

I really like DU.

[theHandpuppet]

33. Whatever you happen to think of Al Gore, he did not have lice

Neither was he a lousy candidate -- he DID win that election but since the SC's decided to hand it to Bush, the GOP simply repeated their fraud in 2004.

I'm more of a Clark supporter myself, but I would very much welcome Gore's hat in the ring.

[AtomicKitten]

43. I take issue with your statement.

Gore was a great candidate. Only Bubba was better. Of course you know Gore won by half a million votes in the popular votes in spite of all the shenanigans perpetrated by the GOP. And he fought those fuckers in court.

I strongly disagree with your assessment.

I was DEVASTATED in 2000 and again when he declined to run in 2004. I then supported Wes Clark and subsequently went to work for John Kerry when he was chosen.

But I would quit my job in a heartbeat to work for Al Gore if he chose to run in 2008. He deserves it and I think the nation would appreciate the reckoning his run and win would bring about. I think he would have an excellent chance of winning. I've drunk the kool-aid and I'm on board his candidacy. It would go a long way toward healing this nation and restore to him the office he rightfully won.

[Samantha]

46. I have been thinking the same thing

I would try to take a Sabbatical from work for one year to work for Gore. He's the only candidate I would consider taking a huge financial loss to work for. He's worth it. The Country deserves it. I would do anything to ensure a Gore victory. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

[sweetladybug]

54. bowens43, think what ever you want. I think Al Gore should run for

RE-ELECTION. He WON in 2000, but maybe you didn't realize he did. THE REPUBLICANS STOLE THAT ELECTION AND THE 2002 AND 2004 ELECTIONS SURE LOOKED KIND OF FISHY TOO! Considering the lies and smears on Al Gore, I personally think he did a damn good job of winning that election. Without a doubt he got the most votes by the people of the USA. He just lost the votes in the United States Supreme Court when 5 Republican judges selected him as President. And just look at the mess our country is in since Bush was appointed President. I think he has a great chance of winning in 2008 IF the election problems are fixed so that Republicans can't steal elections!
AL GORE 2008!!!!!!!!

[FreedomAngel82]

57. Plus Gore is a different man now then in 2000

I'm sure he has been paying attention to everything and he knows what works and not etc. I saw a speech of his on CSPAN sponsored by MoveOn and he did so well and was so different. :)

[FreedomAngel82]

56. I've thought and wondered if that's what she is doing

She hasn't officially said anything or made a pac or anything like that. I would like Gore to run with either Kerry or Edwards too. I think the three of them would be great. Wouldn't it be nice though to have all of our top democrats in the White House working as a team? Gore, Kerry, Clark, Kucinich. It would be an amazing administration and we could really turn this country around for the better with all the best in the White House and then we can take over the Senate and House too!!
But I wonder if Hillary is just making people talk and giving them something to talk about. Maybe it's a new plan or something, beats me. :shrug: But I'd love for Gore to be my president if I can't have Kerry.

[Samantha]

10. When did he say that?

He was quoted as saying he thought he had the political winds at his back earlier this year. I believe he is correct.

I disagree it is time to find someone new. We need a proven commodity. Things in this Country are too seriously damaged to bet everything on an interesting horserace. We need an experienced statesmen who can step in without the handicap of needing OJT and start some serious repair.

[mattclearing]

14. I could've sworn I read it in one of the articles announcing Current

last week. Having some difficulty finding it now, though.

I was surprised, because I remember when Chris Matthews reported "from a great source" that he definitely would not run in '08, and always regarded that report with skepticism, since if Gore wasn't going to run, you'd think he'd say it himself, not whisper it in Chris Matthews' ear, of all people.

[Larkspur]

22. Chris Matthews also said confidently that Gore would run in 2004

and Mathhews was wrong.

[Samantha]

26. Matthews has also said Gore is out in 2008

A reported Democrat, Matthews repeatedly ridiculed Gore during the 2000 election. When Gore finally sat down to a one-on-one, Matthews opened up with words to the effect, "Everyone who knows you personally says you are a man of the utmost highest integrity." I absolutely could not believe the hypocrisy.

Matthews, besides being a GE advocate during 2000, is also Catholic. I believe it's entirely possible he is a pro-life proponent as a result (no offense intended to Catholic DUer's here). He has admitted he voted for Bush.* I can't take him seriously any more. The difference between Matthews and the ignorant voter is that Matthews definitely should have known better.

[patrioticliberal]

38. Matthews is a twit, and if he says Gore is not running, I think he is

[Samantha]

47. This is only 2005

If Gore were to run in 2008, I don't think he would tip his hand until late 2006.

I would love to know what prompted McLaughlin to make that statement. What a tease! I can't stand it. Do you think McLaughlin will elaborate any time soon?

[FreedomAngel82]

58. I'm with you

Does McLaughlin know Gore well and have any type of relationship?

[Larkspur]

60. Gore's new TV Channel aired and that may be what prompted McLaughlin's

comment about Gore.

Gore will also have around December 2005 a feature length documentary on his presentations on the environment and climate that he has been given this year and on why the environment was important to him. From what I've read, Gore was terrific in those presentations.

[rateyes]

2. I have to think about all of that..

but, I do know that this is one southerner who would vote for Gore over Hillary in a New York minute. I thought Gore should have run in 2004--he would have won the nomination and cleaned W's clock.

[Samantha]

13. I desperately wanted him to run in 2004

and the DLC just as desperately did not. I think a lot of that was the Clinton influence. Hillary could not have taken on an incumbent Gore in 2008. She would only have a chance if a Dem ran who lost.

If you believe politics does make strange bedfellows, this theory explains a lot about the silence from the Clintons on 2000 and 2004 and the public, cozy relationship between Bill and George H.W. Bush. It further explains some of Hillary's votes of support for George W. Bush*, particularly the yes vote on the Iraq war. The Clintons have scrubbed the Bush*s backs these last five years I believe in an gesture designed to ward off political dirty tricks by them against a potential Hillary run.

[Frances]

3. I'm sorry but your dream won't come true

I think Gore is a great person and I campaigned for him. Same for Kerry. I thought Bill Clinton was a very good president, but I am not in favor of Hillary as president either.

I think we need new faces: Tickets I would like to consider are Reid/Obama or Reid/Sweitzer--sp? (governor of Montana)or Richardson/Sweitzer or ....

I think we need a candidate from the West. People are tired of the East Coast and the South dominating. The majority of the people think the country is headed in the wrong direction and so the Dems need to come up with candidates that don't look like wimps and don't look like more of the same old same old.

[Samantha]

15. Reid is a good party leader but I am not sure he's a desirable candidate

for president. He did not speak out against the pre-emptive attack on Iraq. He maintained silence on the theft of the elections. He only made his presence felt after he stepped into his current role. He's a bulldog, but where was his bite when we really needed it?

Richards is a nice guy but where was he when New Mexico was critical in 2004? He was lying low. He's a good friend of the Clintons. Richards knows when to surface and when to lie low. Same question for him as Reid -- where was he when we needed him at critical political junctures along the way?

Gore spoke out in an extremely candid manner when we needed him to do so and when he had nothing to politically gain. I am not really intersted in a fascinating horserace between Hillary and McCain as the political pundits endorse. I am not into surveying the field for the superficial qualities of a fresh face. I am looking for a proven commodity who can step into the Oval Office and turn the ship around. In that regard, Gore has the advantage over every other possible candidate.

Things are just too seriously damaged to take a risk. I want a proven politician to run the race, run the Country and run the free world.

[Frances]

24. I respect your views

but I just don't think that either Gore or Kerry can win. I wish they could, but I don't think they can.

I also don't think a winning candidate will agree with me on every issue. In an ideal world I would not want Reid, but I think he and Schweitzer are the kind of people who might be able to win against the Repub base of corporations, fundamentalists of every religious persuasion, and working class white males.

Personally I like Wesley Clark and Virginia Governor Mark Warner, but I wonder if Clark will have the loser tag applied to him the way it would be (unfairly I think) to both Gore and Kerry. And I wonder if the voters in the Northeast and West would be enthusiastic about yet another Southerner (I see Bush as a Southerner because of the Repubs "Southern Strategy").

[Samantha]

28. I don't have anything against either Warner or Clark

but I do think only someone will raw political groundwar experience against the Republican machinery has any shot whatsoever at negating its impact. In a nutshell, that's going to be Al Gore. Neither Warner or Clark has much experience at running a national campaign. I think they would be babes in the woods against the Republican thugs.

As far as their political philosophies, neither is going to run the type of populist campaign I think Gore would run again in 2008. Your guys would have the support of the DLC, but as Kerry found out in 2004, that really is not enough to make the difference. I sense Hillary is in for the same lesson.

The South is already starting to rally against Hillary. I think those who are opposed to her would support Gore. He had a reputation for being a hawk inasmuch as he was one of only a handful of Dems who supported the first Gulf War. He's got a strong-on-defense handle already, so that would not have to be honed. He has no personal skeletons in his closet. His resume is unmatched among other Democratic candidates, and I believe all of the Republican potentials. Only McCain could make a good showing against Gore, but I believe with the right #2, Gore could prevail.

Who knows what the political future will bring? Let's just hope someone emerges as the Democratic candidate that most of us can support.

[FreedomAngel82]

59. And one thing Gore has

is he knows how to fight terrorism. He has the experience with Clinton and knows how to turn this whole "war" around I think.

[Samantha]

72. Richard Clarke had a funny story in his book, Against All Enemies

Gore walked into the Oval Office to discuss a situation. Clinton had his lawyer there. Tenet wanted Clinton to go into a foreign country to snatch a terrorist. The terrorist was the suspect who stood outside the CIA and shot a number of people (maybe about 5) as they arrived for work. Tenet swore to the families the culprit would be captured.

That suspect was in a foreign country, and we needed permission before we grabbed him. The CIA was afraid if it went through channels, the suspect would be alerted and quickly leave. Clinton was afraid if he authorized the snatch, he could get sued! Thus the attorney. Gore listened for a few minutes, said, yes, it is illegal as hell. That's why it is called a covert mission. Go in and get his ass! And they did!

[LittleClarkie]

73. Why do we always bank on beginner's luck

A fresh face is also an inexperienced one.

And both Gore and Kerry have been through it, and likely know where they went wrong.

[bowens43]

5. Gore lost when he had everything going for him.

Gore and Kerry are both losers as far as presidential campaigns are concerned. The last thing we need to do is run people who couldn't even beat the idiot. I like Gore and I like Kerry but they have both shown that they don't have what it takes to win a presidential election.

None of our candidates in the past presidential election cycles has what is takes. That includes those in the primaries. They just don't have it. We need someone new.

[NYCGirl]

7. Are you referring to the "old Gore" or the present Gore?

They're like two different people.

[Samantha]

16. I disagree

Gore didn't have everything going for him because he had the mood of the Country soured against the Democrats as a result of the Clinton impeachment. It is much to his credit that he pulled off the popular vote win despite this. Yes, the economy was great, but many Dems headed to the right because of Clinton's philandering.

He also had the press against him. Rove made underhanded deals with networks like NBC (Jack Welch) to relax the FCC restrictions in return for a Bush* endorsement. This was the dirtiest campaign, in my opinion, in our political history (and yes, I am aware of the Nixon, Kennedy controversy).

I am not going to be giving my unqualified support to someone without stature or a proven track record. I see absolutely no one who is in the same league as Al Gore. No one.

[Larkspur]

19. Same here. Gore is the best Dem for Prez in '08

I am not going to be giving my unqualified support to someone without stature or a proven track record. I see absolutely no one who is in the same league as Al Gore. No one.

I wholeheartedly agree with you.

[msongs]

17. gore WON the vote........repeat after me, 1+1=2, 2+1=3 etc.

people who keep saying gore lost are incorrect. you could say he was not sworn in, or he did not assume office, but saying he lost is incorrect.

Msongs
www.msongs.com/political-shirts.htm

[mom cat]

52. Say it loud! GORE WON! GORE WON GORE WON GORE WON

I would love to see him run again. I would pour my heart and soul into that one!

[ldf]

25. gore had everything going for him?

excuse me, but did you and i witness the same election?

nothing could be further from the truth.

[shance]

34. Nothing could be further from the truth. Gore was left to battle the

power brokers of the Republican party, not to mention the corporate media who from the get go, said he should "give it up", not be a "sore loser" and move on.

Where were the Democratic leaders?

What happened to Joe (Brutus)Lieberman? Where were they when he needed them the most?

Oh, lest I forget the Supreme Court who handed the (Cheney and) Bush Jr. the presidency.

[FreedomAngel82]

61. For those who haven't

you should watch the film "The Bush Family Fortunes" from Greg Palast. It tells all about the 2000 election. You can see it at http://www.informationclearinghouse.info

[Rose Siding]

9. Al's a visionary

Damn, but he must get tired of being so ahead of his time.

I'd love to support him. If the direction of the DNC pulls us out in 06, and more support comes from people than from corporate interests, there will be election dynamics that haven't been seen in recent times.

[ProudDad]

12. I Remember a fellow named Dick

In 1960, who said, "You won't have Dick Nixon to kick around any more". 8 years later, he was president.

It's about time the slightly left-of-center had a victory like that...

Why not?

I think he'd make a better pres. now than he would have in '00.

[Catchawave]

20. Nixon was the first that came to my mind to....

...the original "comeback kid".

[Larkspur]

27. Actually Andrew Jackson was the first Comeback Kid

Remember, his first Prez bid ended without a majority vote and the Speaker of the House helped Jackson's opponent, John Quincy Adams, win the White House.

[FreedomAngel82]

62. Yes

And if Nixon can do it surely Al Gore can.

[Samantha]

21. That's an interesting observation

I think Gore would have made an excellent president in 2000. Much of Washington thought Gore actually ran the country during the impeachment debacle because of Clinton's depression. Additionally, that deal had been put in place in 1992 by Clinton to give Gore total control over several spheres of influence if Gore would agree to run. Clinton felt a Gore presence on the ticket would ensure his win. He was correct about that, but many Dems looked at the ticket and thought the order should have been reversed. Gore, who was not at all too sure about casting his political lot with Clinton who had a sleazy reputation, decided to do so solely based on the back-door deal.

Would Gore be a better president in 2008? I think he would have to be if only because there's so much more to clean up after Bush* than there was after Clinton.

But any candidate the Dems chose to run in 2008, should he or she prevail, would have a daunting task in front of them. That's why the superficial qualities people promote in the simple campaign portion do not suffice. We need a strong man or woman heavily credentialed who can pick up the pieces and make the Country whole again. That's not going to be some dark horse.

[Larkspur]

18. I will definitely support Gore should he choose to run,

but if Gore runs, he will have to build a partnership with the Democratic Wing of the Dem Party as that led by Dean and the Progressive bloggers. The DLC will not support Gore and will make sure corporate donors do not contribute to a Gore '08 campaign, therefore, Gore's only alternative is the Dean method -- small donors and an assertive core of progressive bloggers and activists, who are more experience in politics thanks to Dem candidates, like Howard Dean.

Already progressive bloggers, like David Podvin ("Resurrection," http://makethemaccountable.com/podvin/more/050609_Resurrection.htm), have or are thinking that Al Gore, the Gore of post-2000 election, would be the best qualified candidate to carry the banner for progressive Dems in '08. The real question is will Gore be willing to fight Hillary for it or does he think that Bill Clinton will mercilessly torpedo anyone and risk destroying Dem Party unity and a Dem victory in 2008 to eliminate any who challenge his wife for the Dem nomination?

[Samantha]

29. I see Dean and Gore as political soulmates

The DLC definitely opposed a 2004 Gore run. The DLC definitely opposed a 2004 Dean candidacy. I think Gore's early endorsement of Dean said everything. Although that endorsement came at much criticism from other Dems, Gore really didn't care. He only wanted who he saw as the best man to win.

That is the one quality which really distinguishes Gore from others. He is a true statesmen and will always go for what is best for the Country, even if it means sacrificing his own best personal political interests to do so. I see no other politician either left or right, unless one counts former President Jimmy Carter, who consistently does this as does Al Gore. That's the type of person I want as My President.

I sincerely hope if Gore runs and wins, he will pull Dean into his cabinet. My gut tells me there's no question he would. And considering what Gore did for Dean when Dean stepped out, I feel there's no question Dean would reciprocate. The only quandry for Dean is that due to his current role within the party, he is at least technically supposedly impartial to all candidates. He can show no preference. What a shame.

[FreedomAngel82]

64. I think it would be great

if Gore was the leader of the pack and we had some of the best democrats in his administration. Think of all that could get done! And Gore being ahead of the time and all. He could really turn around the "war" on terror, he could help improve Social Security and the economy as well. I would love it to be Gore/Kerry and have other democratic power houses in the administration as well. I would love to see Dean stay chairman cause he's doing beautiful work on the grounds. We could be everywhere soon with Dean. :) He is the perfect chairman and Gore would be the perfect president.

[FreedomAngel82]

63. I agree

And look at all the party has done without the DLC! More money raised then Terry McAullife and look at what happened with Paul Hackett in Ohio! And I don't think we'll have to worry about whether or not Gore would support the democratic left of the party since he endorsed Howard Dean. Kerry is very liberal too but I guess there was something about Dean Gore liked. :) But I think it can happen. We can send a message to the DLC. Either shape up or ship out.

[usregimechange]

30. Me likes Al.

[VADem11]

32. I like Al

He can unite the party and would be one of the best Presidents we have had in a very long time.

[shance]

35. I hope you're right Samantha. I would love to see Justice finally granted

to a great leader and a great human being overall.

He would have my vote and my whole hearted enthusiasm hands down over any other candidate.

[Samantha]

48. What nice words about Gore, shance

"a great leader and a great human being." Kind of says it all, doesn't it?

[Dr Fate]

36. I'm keeping a sharp eye on Gore- I likes him!

!!!

[Dervill Crow]

37. Gore won in 2000; he can do it again. n/t

[Chicago Democrat]

39. Sadly Kerry's ego is too big... (related to head size?)

hehe

seriously, doubt Kerry would settle for 2nd bananna.

[Samantha]

49. I mentioned the co-presidency as a carrot to unite the party

I think many feel Kerry won in 2004 but Ohio was thrown. If you are correct in your assessment, I think there are a number of viable candidates to run as number 2 with Gore. It would be great to get a majority of the Dems behind a ticket. Of course, I realize the DLC would not promote Gore, but, oh, well ....

[FreedomAngel82]

66. Screw the DLC

The party showed through Dean how it's done and what we're about. The democratic party is about the people. Not corporations. I think we should send a message to the DLC. If they're not with us then why be a democrat?

[FreedomAngel82]

65. You never know

Do you know Kerry personally? And you never know. If Gore asked him and enough people were for the idea he might.

[AuntPatsy]

40. We shall see, what bothers me is how members of his own party

turned against him during 2000 by wishing he would not extend his denial that the other guy won fair and square...

Too late now, those same people wish he had held firm, I was one that wished he had fought, so called lifelong Dems told me I was foolish...

They have since changed thier tune but for Gore, it was too late, it was not only his high profile party members that did not stand behind him.

[Greeby]

41. Hmm

If it's the Gore thats been making the speeches for the last year or so, then sure, I could hop on that bandwagon.

If it's ol 2000 Gore, forget about it

[Kal Belgarion]

44. I would be honored to cast my vote for Gore in '08

[Patchuli]

45. Yes!!! Gore is the best candidate!

Kick it to the moon and back! A real leader for our country again?! Woohooooooo!!!! I really hope he'll run...

:kick:

[Gloria]

50. See yesterday's discussion on this topic.....(McLaughlin on Fridays)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1989080&mesg_id=1989129

[Samantha]

51. Thanks for posting this, Gloria, sorry I missed it

I read the entire thread. I know Gore has described himself recently as a recovering politician! I do not think he would tip his hand either way this early in the campaign season. Perhaps he is in fact "finished" -- by his own choice.

My question to you is this: what prompted McLaughlin to make this prediction?

[Gloria]

70. Time piece from 7/31 which I just found

at the Gore Support Center site:

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1088722,00.html

Notice that there's a quote of Gore saying that there's close to "0 percent chance" that he would run again. If McLaughlin read that, apparently he's ignoring it. Fineman a few months ago said Gore was back, too.

[election_2004]

53. No one has said it yet, so I'll say it.....

Suspiciously, when the thread is devoted to Al Gore, no one brings up the mantra that often is so ubiquitious in other threads...

"No Democrat is going to win the White House in 2008 unless we fix the voting machines!"

[FreedomAngel82]

55. I hope so!!!

In 2000 I loved Gore and so wanted to vote for him but I wasn't old enough. :( I think he's back too and I hope so anyways. If I can't have Kerry as my president I want Gore. And yes Kerry and Gore are needed in our country in the White House. :)

[AX10]

67. KICK

Gore over Hillary

[FreedomAngel82]

69. I found this interesting on the Al Gore 2008 site

This is interesting and it was a remark Gore made at the Gore family dinner recently in Nashville: "Gore ended the rousing call to action by telling the audience to remember that the fight to take back America begins "right here, in Davidson County, tonight".

:shrug:

[mbee]

71. I hope he does come back as the world needs someone like him

to clean up the cowards mess!