Anybody Have An Idea Why Clark & Gore Haven't Made A Decision Yet?

[Dinger]

If they're not running, why the wait? Why Clark and Gore specifically? In a weird tin foil sort of way, it's like they're working together. Just wondering here. I'm a Clarkie to the core, but have recently made a decision to look more closely at other candidates, just in case Wes decides to pass this time around.

[Drum]

1. I haven't declared/not-declared either.

It's been a busy winter.... Many people not running for President are in the same situation: mulling it over, weighing all of the options.

I thought I'd heard reports from both Gore and Clark that they were not going to run...how formal does a "No thanks" have to be??

Still, in my heart-of-hearts, I wish they would...it would be a great ticket.

[Dinger]

2. I Just Want To Know

That's all.

[brooklynite]

3. Clark is busy...and Gore isn't running

Clark said his work on the Iraq/Vet issues was something he wanted to focus on for several months before deciding on other pursuits, and Gore has been fairly clear that he doesn't want to run.

[Eurobabe]

4. Because neither is running

I worked for Clark in 2004, and I am convinced that he is not running. Gore's got his cause, he's through with politics. JMHO.

[Capn Sunshine]

43. DING DING DING! We have a WINNAH!

:hi:

[hlthe2b]

5. Gore made a decision a long time ago.. He has repeatedly said

he is NOT running-- all rumours to the contrary aside.

[melody]

6. That's not true

Gore has said "he has no plans to run". He has carefully and very specifically phrased it that way, over and over again.
He rarely deviates from that specific phrase. It's a very similar phrase to the one Obama was making several months
before he declared.

[hlthe2b]

8. I think those who want him to run...

have read into his statements what they want it to mean....


I too would have liked to see Gore run, but I take him at his word.

[melody]

9. I think those who back other candidates and don't want him to run are also misreading his statements

I've been listening to candidates stump for decades now. Their language is very carefully selected.

[hlthe2b]

12. I have no selected candidate and I could easily support Gore

but to date, he has said nothing that convinces me that he's likely to run, wishful thinking aside.

[politicasista]

18. I could too

But I think now that Gore and the General are wanting to make a difference in some other form of public service.

[Alexander]

39. You must be new to politics, or...

you haven't yet mastered the art of the nuance.


Gore in 2007: "I'm not planning on it, but I haven't ruled it out"

Gore in 2002: "I will not run for president in 2004"

When Gore rules out a presidential bid, he makes it clear. He has not yet made it clear.

I think there are many at DU who do not want to see Gore run again for whatever reason - so they read their own wishes into what he says, pretend to read his mind or put words in his mouth.

I'm not counting on a Gore run, but let's be truthful when discussing the man's intentions, okay?

[melody]

7. I think there may well be some intriguing things going on behind the scenes :)

We'll have to see.

[primative1]

10. ARGGGGGG!!!!

The little men in flying saucers will not come and take you away .... no is no .... deal with it :)

[melody]

15. You deal with it

No has never been said. Semantics are everything in terms of politics.

>The little men in flying saucers will not come and take you away

No, but at least they'd be polite about it. ;)

[primative1]

17. No, Neight, Nien, Nunca ...

The man has made himself pretty clear. Like it or not we have to deal with what we have to choose from.

[melody]

19. He has made himself clear if you wish to clear the deck and follow another candidate ;)

Either way, we'll know for sure within the next couple of months. I expect to be saying a
LOT of "I told you so's". ;)

[primative1]

23. Its getting kind of late no?

I cant recall anyone stepping in this late in the past and this year everything has been moved up 4ish months which makes it even more unlikely ...
On a bright note most people see a great big hole to drive a 3rd party-indy type through but I don't see Al wanting to do that unless he has gotten really serious about shaking off any attached strings....
Hate to rain on your parade though, so best of luck gloating if you are right. I will be one of the first to extend my congrats.

[melody]

41. Gore can wait

By this time the last go-round, Al had said formally in no uncertain terms (not "I have no plans to run" but
"I will not be a candidate"). Shortly, he will almost certainly win the Nobel Peace Prize. He's savvy enough to
know that both Clinton and Obama are going to have a damned hard time winning. He's waiting to see where the
poll numbers are.

Trust me, I'm the first person to be skeptical about such things, but having watched this man for many years,
absolutely everything he says and does suggests to me he's waiting for the last, best moment to announce.

[jojo54]

13. I agree.

I think that Gore is very, very carefully looking at all aspects of his life, past and present to make sure there's nothing damaging that the Repukes can dig up. When (and if) he's satisfied, is when we'll here his announcement.

IMHO, if that happens, it'll be Gore/Clinton being sworn in January '09. Won't that be a switcheroo?

[melody]

16. Yup, I think there will be many people on here quite surprised in a couple of months :)

Of course then they'll all say, "I always knew he'd run." lol

[Clark2008]

11. A blogger (who's actually worked with the campaign) had this to say

after speaking with him:

It's just that (IMO) Wes won't declare unless he feels he can break out of the second tier. I think those preconditions are things he has to accomplish before he thinks he can break into the top tier. If he accomplishes them early enough to get into the race, he will. If he doesn't, he won't.

http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/12038#comment-209214

The popular opinion is that, if he doesn't meat certain criteria, in his own mind, he won't run. If he meets it, he will.

I'm of the opinion that it's still not too late. The average American won't start paying attention to all this until well after summer school break.

[jcrew2001]

54. Criteria = MONEY

imo

[illinoisprogressive]

14. gore has stated many times he is not running

[NYCGirl]

20. Actually, he's refused to make a "Shermanesque statement". We'll hear more

next week, when his new book is released and he starts a tour.

[Nimrod2005]

21. Too busy with other things...Maybe they will announce as one ticket?

[Cameron27]

22. There's a thought that makes me happy!

[Nimrod2005]

24. A dream ticket, another would be Hagel Bloomberg

Not my dream ticket for the others, but I am just saying...

[knight_of_the_star]

25. I think they're both waiting

Gore I don't think is going to jump in just yet because he wants to continue his activism without the possible tinge of it being colored by a presidential campaign. Clark is waiting until he can jump in and it will make the biggest splash possible, he tried to do that last time the only problem was he came in a bit late.

That said, if we had a Clark/Gore ticket running I would be right up in front with everyone else here fighting for those two great men to get into the White House and take the people's house back. Needless to say, that ticket would leave the GOP screaming for air and everything else they could get ahold of.

[Redneck Socialist]

26. 'Cause Clark has no chance of winning the nomination, and

a burning lack of desire on Gore's part.

[Dinger]

27. Well Redneck Socialist, If You Want Me To Vote For YOUR Candidate, You Can Forget It

Clark, no chance? Just how exactly do you know this? I am looking harder at other candidates, in the event that Clark doesn't run, but he is my main choice right now. He is EXACTLY what this country needs!
General Wesley Clark, all patriot, no act!
:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[Tejanocrat]

34. Would you really not vote for a candidate because of what an anonymous supporter said on a website?

[Dinger]

48. I Just Might

A little respect for Clarkies is definitely in order. I guess I'm guilty of assuming that if someone wants to win a voter for their person, they'd want to make an effort to win someone over to "their" side. People should not assume that they don't even need to try. I'm not a "fall-in-line" type of voter. My vote has to be earned.

[Tejanocrat]

50. So if I want you to vote for Kucinich, I should point out how HRC, Edwards, and Obama supporters

have been insufficiently respectful of Clarkies?

[Name removed]

51. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Redneck Socialist]

52. OK

If Clark wins the nomination I'll electronically eat my hat here on DU, but I'm not too worried about having to do that.

[NCarolinawoman]

28. Because VoteVets would immediately become politicized.

I was watching Scarborough tonight and he said these ads by the Generals are devastating. Buchanan agreed with him. Tucker Carlson (of all people) said the same thing the other evening.

As much as I would like the General's voice out there in the Presidential debate, this matter is more urgent. Those wavering Republicans HAVE to be turned around as soon as possible---to override Bush's veto so we can start bringing the troops home.

I should add that General Clark and John Soltz founded this organization, and General Clark has been the one who has been recruiting these other Generals to speak out.

[IA_Seth]

30. I believe these are his 'preconditions' that he's alluded to.

He is nothing if not a brilliant strategist, and I believe that he realizes to end the war successfully, that is with bi-partisan support of increased diplomacy, increased international/regional participation, and the scaling back (and eventual removal) of the US presence...he has to remain the man behind the curtain so to speak. VoteVets can not be seen as a partisan attack machine ala the swiftboaters, and must remain out in front in turning public/elected opinions.

Once Clark believes that the tide has turned in his favor, that we are on the path to success (as much as possible now anyway), he will jump in. That is barring that this happens prior to September, as after that I think it is too late.

[Honeycombe8]

29. Clark? I don't mean to burst your bubble, but...

it would be pointless for Clark to enter. He's just not a contender. I supported him the last time, but....those days are over.

Maybe he'll get a cabinet appointment. I think he'd be great in the cabinet.

[IA_Seth]

31. Boy, you are pretty sure of yourself...

I don't know why I even ponder such things, I just need to ask you next time.

So, indie, what is the meaning of life anyway?

[Honeycombe8]

32. Do your own poll of the U.S. citizenry, and see how many people...

even REMEMBER him from 2004.

He's not a politician. He doesn't have a national presence. He's never even seen on TV these days. No one calls him to ask his opinion about anything. He has faded into obscurity, more or less. Hey, I like the man. A lot. I contributed to his campaign. But in the end, he's not a politician. Even if he were to run for something, he has ZERO chance at an election of this magnitude.

He has a much better chance at getting apptd to a cabinet, or winning a senatorial or governor's race. Hate to burst your bubble. It's not ME who says that. Ask around. If you can find someone who knows who he is.

[IA_Seth]

33. Not on TV? Not asked for his opinon?

With such a lack of actually knowing what he is up to, I am doubting you were a supporter in 04, or now.

My bubble isn't burst, I know the real score.

[Honeycombe8]

36. Look, I didn't mean to offend you.

I was genuinely surprised that you thought he was a contender.

Yes, I contributed to his campaign. I love the man.

On TV? Well, I watch....Larry King, Hardball, O'Reilly sometimes (just to see what he's up to), Olberman, Meet the Press, McLaughlin Group, CSPAN, Scarborough, Bill Maher, Daily Show, Colbert Report, Stephanopalous. If Clark has been on any of those shows this year, I've missed it. If he has been mentioned on any of those shows this year, I've missed it. I watch all those shows fairly regularly.

I think he used to be a consultant on one network, but I don't recall which one. At least I think I saw him once on TV last year. I think. Maybe he's a consultant for a non-cable network. If so, I don't watch those much.

[Clark2008]

49. You must have missed him:

5/9: O'Reilly Factor
5/2: Fox & Friends
4/30: Ed Shultz Show
4/29: Fox News with Brit Hume
4/14: Fox News
4/3: Fox News
3/3: Democracy Now with Amy Goodman
2/27: The Stephanie Miller Show
2/26: The O'Reilly Factor
2/20: Fox & Friends
2/2: 2007 Democratic National Winter Meeting

(He is under obligation - or was - with Fox for commentary and not allowed to go on other cable news networks, but he did do many radio interviews)

http://securingamerica.com/taxonomy/term/8

1/27: Douglas County, Nevada
1/15: Huntsville, AL
10/13: University of Alabama

http://securingamerica.com/taxonomy/term/5

Oh - and he stumped in nearly every state in the union during the 2006 election.

I guess you're not paying attention.

[Honeycombe8]

53. No, I was paying attention. He was only on one show I watch...

and that is O'Reilly, which I flip back and forth from Olberman to watch. I don't watch any of those other shows.

He must be a consultant with Fox, then, since most of the shows you listed are Fox shows. I don't watch Fox much.

[Clark2008]

46. Why would it be pointless? Because the media refueses to

cover him?

He has real plans, could actually flip some red states, knows what it's like to live on a middle-class income, has charm and appeals to moderates and left-wingers. He could win the nomination on those merits, alone, but you'll never hear about him from the media.

Wonder why that is? :shrug:

[Norrin Radd]

35. General Clark said recently that he is still considering a run:

http://securingamerica.com/node/2384

Ed Schultz: General Clark, are you any closer to making a decision about running for President?


GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Oh, I'm not- I, I haven't said I'm not going to run. I'm really enjoying where I am in the business community. I'm thinking about running every day, and you know, I, I, I think there- I just can't say anything more, Ed, right now.


Ed Schultz: I appreciate that. I just want you to know we get e-mail all the time wanting to know if you are going to run. So-


GENERAL WESLEY CLARK: Well good!

[SaveElmer]

37. It's like duringt he cold war...interpreting the slightest change for clues...

As to what politburo members were thinking...who is sitting with whom etc...

Gore has said pretty clearly he is not going to run...but since he hasn't made the "Shermanesque" denial that politicians rarely make under any circumstance, every nuance in his life and among his supporters is mined for any evidence he might run...

He ain't runnin folks...

Clark, I don't know...I doubt it...frankly I think it is getting too late for him to get in at this juncture, and I haven't hear anywhere that he is gearing up a campaign organization on the sly...

[Selatius]

38. Gore is likely watching how events unfold before coming out and making a definite statement

Until now, he keeps on saying that he "currently has no plans to run," as opposed to saying outright that he won't run at all.

[Alexander]

40. Because the presidential race started ridiculously early this year?

By this time next year I predict everyone will be sick of hearing about Rudy McRomney and Hillary Edwama.

[calteacherguy]

42. I've decided to wait a little longer before deciding whether or not to throw my hat in as well. nt

[WilliamPitt]

44. I have no firsthand info, but my guess...

...would match my fact-deprived speculations for the delayed entries by Fred Thompson and Newt Gingrich.

1. Construction of a fundraising infrastructure that can find cash in the wake of the other campaigns;

2. Canny patience, i.e. let the early jumpers bash themselves and bore the public, then jump in as a fresh new face in a few weeks/months.

It could also be that neither Gore nor Clark want any part of the campaign grind, but as with the above, I have no solid idea.

[Apollo11]

45. Gore can take his time

I am dreaming of a Gore-Obama ticket in 2008. But there is no hurry for Gore to enter the race.

I think Al Gore is keeping his options open right now, watching how the "pre-season" goes. I don't think he yet knows what he will do. My guess is that the chance of him entering the race is somewhere between 20% and 35%.

Gore's current line - "I have no plans to be a candidate" - tells us that right now (today) he has no plans to run. But it doesn't prevent him from changing his plans and making new plans during the coming months.

Gore has been doing a great job raising public awareness about the climate crisis, with An Inconvenient Truth winning an Oscar, and lots of media attention around the Congressional Hearing on March 21st.

This week Gore will bring out his new book The Assault on Reason. The theme of this book - why we need better decision-making in government - is relevant to the Presidential race (whether he enters it or not).

Gore is also leading Live Earth with concerts across the globe on 7/7/07 -- all with the aim of raising public awareness and pushing for political action to address the climate crisis.

Depending on how things pan out, and the reaction to his book, Gore can consider his situation over the summer and announce his decision (or if you prefer - "change his mind") sometime in the fall.

It all depends on the circumstances. In September, if the race for the Dem nomination is still wide open and Hillary's campaign is in trouble, it might create the conditions for Gore to enter the race.

Don't forget that Bill Clinton did not kick-off his campaign until October 1991. But Al Gore already has nationwide respect and name recognition that other wannabees can only wish for!

I say that Gore can wait until Sunday November 4th. Exactly one year out from the election, and 10 weeks before the Iowa caucuses. Maybe on one of the Sunday TV talk-shows?

Unless and until Gore endorses another candidate, we have to assume that he is keeping his options open. So it is too soon for those of us who prefer Gore to switch our allegiance.

"You've got the prospect that Vice President Gore might run."
-- Bill Clinton on CNN (Larry King Live), April 19, 2007
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0704/19/lkl.01.html

Let's all find ways to show our support for Al Gore! :patriot:

Visit Al's site www.algore.com and read his blog http://blog.algore.com

Get ready for Live Earth on 7/7/07: www.liveearth.org

Sign the petitions at www.algore.org and www.draftgore.com

:kick:

[MrSlayer]

47. I'd love for the "Gore/Clark secret alliance" to be true.

It would be fantastic and unbeatable. However, I think it's more likely that we will be deprived of their leadership by their own choice.

[janx]

55. We won't know until later.

It's still early. Wait until the end of the summer.