Is it possible that Al Gore himself has not decided precisely what he'll do?

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

He has not made the definitive "I will not run" statement, as he did for the 2004 election.

However, he has offered many observations, as has Tipper Gore, on their decision making process.

He has said, and his wife has said, that he is currently in an extremely influential position and that he can't see why one would run a presidential campaign for almost two years.

He has millions of people and millions of dollars just waiting for the word. (How many politicians could resist that scenario for any length of time beyond a microsecond? Look at the R candidates salivating for a tiny fraction of what Gore could access with a one little statement.)

Could it be a reasonable conclusion that he is not yet convinced of which path he may choose? At least, he's trying to decide based on whether he'll do the most good for the country, rather than for his own political aspirations.

I'm grateful that he's who he is, doing what he does. He's a brave citizen, who has honorably served his family and his country.

DU's inception was driven by this great man's loss to a political coup.

We weathered the disappointment of his stepping out of the 2004 election. Can we support the candidates who are making the slog through those 600 days right now?

I guess speculation is the name of the game now. Oh and I can't wait to read his book.

MKJ

[rainy]

1. Al Gore is the only democratic candidate I'd get out and work for. All the

rest don't hold a candle to him, except Kucinich and he is not electable.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

8. I feel the same way, except that I would beat down doors if Jon Stewart

threw in his hat. Why is it that the two most electable people in the country have no interest in running?

[gaspee]

2. I think that could be true

I would work on his campaign, too. I don't plan to do anything but vote for any of the rest of them.

Someone needs to point out to Vice-President Gore that no matter what good work he's doing now, he'd have the power of the presidency behind him, making his work more effective.

I don't think global climate change is anything that can be combatted without the full power of government behind it.

edited for spelling

[PATRICK]

3. His perspective seems

very open and that of his admirers more wishfully confused. He uses his clout for incredibly more crucial global problems. If the current candidates hurt that program and/or self-destruct he could step in or be drafted. It is only in the realm of possibility ands choice not calculation, because by calculation that is extremely unlikely like he says. If lying or say running is "off the table, that would help neither his present work nor a potential candidacy.

Simple on its face and makes his advocacy strong to the presidential contenders. And when he eventually confronts the faltering GOP candidate on the issue it should be interesting.

[wildhorses]

5. yes, i see it like this also.

and besides it is still early yet....patience, people!!!

[snappyturtle]

4. K&R I have my fingers crossed.....nt

[illinoisprogressive]

6. I think he is keeping a small thing going in order to keep interest in his cause.

He is not running. But, he is afraid if he makes a definite statement people will loose interest. He wants people to focus on him to promote his cause.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

15. "..he is afraid if he makes a definite statement.." I couldn't disagree more. One of thing of which

I'm certain is that Gore has courage and conviction and that fear is not in the equation in anything he does.


MKJ

[BlueManDude]

7. He ain't runnin and we're stuck with Hillary.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

12. Senator Clinton knows health care and the Armed Forces. She's the most hawkish dove out there.

I can live with her. MKJ

[TwilightGardener]

9. I just think he's happy with his life and doesn't want to go through

a primary and then a general, unless someone or something convinces him that the current lineup is insufficient. He wouldn't be coronated in the primary--he's have to campaign and fund-raise like everyone else, and that would eat up all his time and effort. He knows what that's like, he's been through it 3 times, and he's older now. Maybe he just doesn't care that much anymore about being President--he doesn't need it for his ego.

[justinrr1]

10. Not running but keeping his options open

is exactly what he is doing. nothing more nothing less.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

16. Ah, more speculation, and you seem to know exactly what he's thinking.

Which is that he definitely won't run, or he might. :shrug:


MKJ

[AtomicKitten]

11. He's probably just watching the show at this point

and depending how things go in the primary, may see an opening and jump in. I think Al Gore would be a unifying factor within the party and would light a fire under this election. I still think there is plenty of time for him.

Needless to say, I would be thrilled if he ran.

[Grateful for Hope]

13. I think it is entirely possible

quite possible

[trueblue2007]

14. RUN ALBERT......RUN!!!!

Goooooooooooooooo, I'll vote for you again!