I didn't think this could happen, but now I see Al Gore on the ticket as Veep. Can it happen?

[Faygo Kid]

I dismissed such a notion out of hand even a week ago, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. I don't see another candidate out there for Veep who blows away the rest of the field (I don't think Hillary is at all viable, but that's another post entirely).

We are in an absolute crisis regarding global warming, and Obama could give Al Gore free reign to deal with the issue - make it his "portfolio," as it were.

He is familiar to the American people, and widely beloved (sorry, Rush). He is uniquely qualified, and no one else is more ready to step into the presidency, should that be necessary.

He has been through the heat of a presidential campaign. He would not repeat the errors of 2000 (when he actually won).

I think he would guarantee a Dem win, with 60 percent or more of the vote.

Most importantly, he is right on the issues we care about, and is a dedicated public servant who could not reject this opportunity to serve the nation he loves and this planet and its people that he cares so deeply about.

The entire world would cheer. Obama/Gore 2008.

[DarthDem]

1. Regrettably - -

I really don't think he wants the job. Your points are all great, but I don't think he wants to do it.

[Catch22Dem]

3. I wouldn't discount it completely

I think Al loves this country more than the average bear. If he believes he could do MORE good as VP than he can currently, then he may be inclined to take it.

[kimmerspixelated]

6. ATTENTION DEAR ALBERT!

The planets have begun to line up perfectly!

EARTH to AL GORE!

[DarthDem]

10. Fair Enough

If Obama came to him and framed it that way, I could see the approach convincing him. In fact, the VP slot might actually be a better platform for working in favor of climate change reform than being president.

Also, something I had not considered before - - I think that Hillary Clinton's supporters would be mollified by this selection (as opposed to being, most likely, antagonized by the selection of Sebelius), particularly if Hillary were offered a Cabinet post or, even better, the next open seat on the Supreme Court.

[book_worm]

2. No, because Gore won't do it. He could be where Obama is today as the nominee

why would he want to serve another tour as #2?

[Faygo Kid]

8. He's a dedicated public servant. He could make the difference in assuring Obama's election.

I don't think being #2 to Obama would necessarily be the same as #2 to Bill/Hillary Clinton.

The ground has shifted. The issues are more urgent than ever before. He has changed, and grown and learned. As we all have. The stakes have never been higher.

It wouldn't be "another tour". After George W. Bush - should an election actually take place - the work to salvage the wreckage will be extraordinary.

Plus, a mixed race candidate named Barack Obama running for president? As much as I love him, I'm not naive enough to think that we can get away with anything less than the very best vice presidential nominee.

Again: Obama/Gore 2008.

[book_worm]

12. I'll admit you are enthusiastic about the idea. Too bad Gore probably isn't.

[Faygo Kid]

16. “Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?”

Forgive me for quoting Browning on this Sunday evening. Why the dismissive tone, without even considering it?

Are the stakes not high? Is Al Gore not in a position to do something about this? So what if it's a reach - Isn't that why we all post so passionately here at DU?

To end once and for all the tyranny of the last eight years? I think you underestimate Al Gore. No problem: I understand your cynicism. I share it.

Which is why this idea is so intriguing, and so right. Dammit.

[kimmerspixelated]

4. My God! YOU HAVE THE ANSWER!

Yes,yes,yes!

Great points and the time is absolutely perfect!

Certainly, he wouldn't have given it a thought at all if Hillary had gotten it.

Yes! If Obama would let him just take over with his GREENING PLANS-America would start flourishing with all the new Green industries and life here would begin to heal!!!!

Prosperity for all or most!


YES<YSE<YES!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Runcible Spoon]

5. he is certainly the most deserving of any office offered to him.

I have to tend to agree with those who say he doesn't want the job. :cry:

[scarletwoman]

7. Not. Going. To. Happen.

It's a nice fantasy, but that's all it is.

sw

[Faygo Kid]

14. Maybe it won't happen, but it's no "fantasy." Don't sell Al Gore short.

He is a remarkable figure in U.S. history. His capacity for growth and looking to the future is extraordinary. He knows the stakes - greater than ever before. I believe that if Al Gore thinks he can make the difference between an Obama presidency and a McCain presidency, he will step up to the plate.

Maybe we need to nudge him. But Al Gore as Veep is not a fantasy. It's the best possible outcome, and a shot across the bow of the Rove/Cheney team the likes of which they can't possibly deal with, short of martial law.

[scarletwoman]

19. I certainly have no intention of selling Gore short. I just think the idea is highly unlikely.

And, to be honest, I'm so utterly sick of the DU preoccupation with trying to guess who Obama's Veep will be, that I've lost patience with EVERYONE'S speculations.

I'm assuming that Obama will make an intelligent and worthy choice. I really have no interest in participating in DU's endless VP guessing games.

So, please accept my apologies, I ought to have refrained from posting on your thread at all.

sw

[book_worm]

9. let me add a p.s. to my earlier post: Maybe if Obama said as VP, Gore would also be in charge of...

environmental policy and have a veto over any decision dealing w/ the enviornment-maybe then he might entertain the idea, though I still think he would decline in the end.

[hlthe2b]

11. Well, we might consider what is good for Gore....

and to be VP seems less than sensible, when he was already elected President, dealt with the "defeat" with grace for the good of his country, and moved on to become one of the world's most respective advocates for climate change. Gore could certainly be a big help to an Obama presidency and we would all have great faith in him. Nonetheless, sending Gore back into the Lion Pit would not be the best choice for Gore on a personal level, nor arguably the best use of his "voice" and skills.

[PCIntern]

13. I posted here a week or so ago

that a highly placed international union guy whom I treat said that this was being kicked around in the Party seriously.

[Faygo Kid]

15. Thank you. Since I'm being "kicked around seriously," I appreciate the comment.

Geez. In case people forget, let's remind them: Bush/Cheney. Since 2001.

[PCIntern]

32. I know...

people here can be very dismissive...as if THEY knew better. It's actually pretty funny that there's a presumption of sophistication here which is unworthy. I'm fully aware that my surmises are worth very little...if I hear something from a real source, then I'll report it here with some degree of attribution, but generally it's speculation on the part of the bigwig. With one serious exception year ago here in Philly.

That one, I had right on the money...

[deadmessengers]

17. He might be the one person who would be overqualified

Think about that - Al Gore is probably the only person alive who would be overqualified for that job. Nothing but the number 1 job suits him, I'm afraid.

[DFW]

18. Unless he has changed his mind 180° since May 31

He looked me in the eyes, and maybe he saw my soul, and maybe he didn't, but
he DID say flat out he is not interested in being a candidate for national office.
Period, no qualifiers, no "unless..." no escape hatches. Straight from the mouth
of the man himself, so unless he has changed his mind, I'll go by what he said.

One thing that HAS to be in the back of his mind is that the Presidency is really
the job which he should be assuming, not VP, and it's not that he wouldn't accept
the presidency, but he is no longer willing to go through the process necessary to
BECOME president. Been there, done that, next, please. Besides, it's not like we
have no one capable of doing the job. Our problem is just the opposite. We have LOTS
of people capable of doing it. The Republicans are stuck with Huckabees and Romneys,
or else pulling some Dan Quayle out of a hat somewhere and telling another ugly rabbit
story.

[scarletwoman]

20. Great post. That's exactly how I see it. (nt)

[Faygo Kid]

22. Well, I'm losing this argument, and admit it. But it would be the best thing for this nation.

Whatever personal arguments and observations are put up, I still think it would be the best thing that could happen.

And one of the best moments in American history.

But, whatever. Yes, we have other qualified candidates, but Al Gore is the difference maker. None of the others are of that stature, and that includes Hillary.

But I defer. The balloon is officially deflated, and I'm a buffoon for bringing it up. Never mind.

[DFW]

26. Not at all a buffoon for bringing it up, but just a little bit too much of an optimist

He was a great VP, would have continued to be one. But after 8 years as VP,
he was ready, and was indeed elected, to assume the presidency. When that
didn't happen he moved on. It's not buffoonery to wish he had not, just
not very realistic. If we were stuck with choices as poor as the Republicans
have, that would be a different situation entirely.

[Marrah_G]

21. If Gore is on the ticket he needs to be on the TOP of the ticket.

[JVS]

27. Why? It's not like he has anything to prove at this point.

[Marrah_G]

29. Because in my opinion he would make a far better president

I don't thnk he wants to be tied to someone else's agenda.

He can honestly do more for the world on his own then as a vice president in my opinion.

[highplainsdem]

34. I agree.

[Faygo Kid]

35. Purity over service.

I don't know what to say about the response to my post. I really don't.

Hope you're happy with the results, come November.

[mtnsnake]

23. If Gore wanted to return to the WH he would have run in the primaries & won the presidential bid

Like the poster above me said, the only way Gore would run is if he was on the top of the ticket.

[Faygo Kid]

24. I thought you might weigh in here.

Since I'm getting beaten to a pulp on this suggestion, I may as well have the Hillary contingent weigh in and pile on.

[mtnsnake]

28. Never mind

[Marrah_G]

30. I hope you didn't take offense to my post above

I don't blame people for wanting him in the WH in any manner they can. I just cannot see him playing back up for Obama.

[Webster Green]

25. Not a chance. He's already been there, done that.

Al has moved on. He was my first choice for prez candidate this time around, but it seems he has other priorities.

[LWolf]

31. I hope not.

Frankly, that's an insult to Gore, who is senior to Obama in experience. If Gore's on the ticket, I want him on the top.

[Faygo Kid]

33. An "insult" to serve your country. Nice.

John Quincy Adams - a former president - went back to serve in the House of Representatives, with distinction, honor, and also making a huge difference.

Abraham Lincoln said he would "hold McClellan's horse" if he would bring him victories in the Civil War.

OK. You don't like Obama. But don't diminish the value of public service. Your comment, given the stakes in this election, is ridiculous. I am sure Al Gore - whatever his decision - does not see this as an "insult." We are not yet a monarchy.

[LWolf]

38. Gore is already serving his country.

And the planet.

And he's an elected president that did not get to serve his term/s in office.

If we send him back to the WH, it should be to serve the terms we already elected him for.

Not to play understudy to the new kid on the block.

[opihimoimoi]

36. Gore is a Great American, Presidency stolen from him 8 years ago...He will serve America Best as he

has been...as an INDEPENDENT of sorts.

[David Zephyr]

37. I don't see Al doing it, but it would make a landslide ticket.

The election would be over the day he said he would do it.

I honestly believe that Al Gore now belongs to humankind and not just America.