If Gore enters he can frame the 2008 debate in his favor

[StrongBad]

Since the 2000 debacle Al Gore has undergone quite the transformation. More specifically, he has become the proverbial figurehead for an issue that is quite possibly the most important in human history, as it will have a direct correlation as to whether or not we survive as a species.

Of course I'm talking about global warming.

More importantly, and this is of course a personal observation, I have seen this issue become of great concern to ordinary Americans in recent years (months?). Of course fundies think God is in control and at the helm of our environment and will make everything A-OK, but more reasonable ordinary people seem to have this issue swirling around somewhere in their consciousness. Maybe it's the higher temperatures recently, maybe it's the freaky storms a la Katrina, but I get the distinct vibe that most people feel like somethings up, and they feel deep down at least something should be done.

So now that Gore has been at the forefront of this issue for as long as many people can recall, and additionally now that people seem much more willing to discuss global warming (compared to say during the Clinton era), the Democrats would be in a very favorable position should Gore run and become the nominee.

To put it more simply. I foresee should Gore be our man that the main issue (aside from Terrorism) in the 2008 presidential campaign will be global warming. The republicans absolutely can NOT win a debate on this issue and no distractions such as gays, guns, flag burning, etc. will be able to be used as a smokescreen. This is because Gore would have the mandate to consistently push the issue he's been known to fight passionately about.

[splat]

1. I hate to say this, but...

...watching him on Olbermann last night, he's still pretty boring. I wish it weren't so, but those speeches get tedious.

[amitten]

2. Yeah. Whereas Bush had SUCH personality...that's why he won!

:crazy:

All the current candidates are pretty boring, let's face it. Al should run.

[Egnever]

4. I disagree

I don't think all of our candidates are boring by any means in fact we have some great personalities running this time.

[Egnever]

3. Have to agree

I love gores brain! His personality leaves me flat though. I would love to have him as my president, but I dont think he could get past joe six pack.

[Renew Deal]

5. So you prefer Bush's personality.

Want to drink a beer with him right?

[splat]

6. Nope, just want Al to try to connect n/t

[yellowbelle]

9. gore's personality tops

I believe that was back in the old folky days
when the handlers were left to take over.

He has since busted out -- for good.
DONT LOOK BACK -

[elizm]

8. I have to agree. n/t

[Pirate Smile]

10. I've seen a bunch of his interviews lately - Charlie Rose, Harry Shearer, Larry King,

Diane Sawyer - and I agree with you that the Olberman interview was not one of his best.

In the first few questions, he seemed to already have the answer re his book in his mind and he didn't really adapt to the specifics of the question.

Sometimes people just have an off night, or they are overly tired, or have a bad connection. All the candidates have them occasionally.

He was a bit off during that one but he was really on during almost all of the other ones.

So, :shrug:

[UnityDem]

7. Gore is a nerdy policy wonk/have a beer

And I say that as the highest compliment.
This is exactly the kind of person that we NEED in the White House.
However, is this the kind of person that could ever be elected?
Oh, wait. He was. In 2000. He won the popular vote (and may have won Florida?)

Maybe what he should do (if he announced - which I still think he will not do unless Hillary starts to plummet in the polls in mid-October when the Nobel Peace Prize is, hopefully, awarded to Gore)...but, if he does run....
the first interview (after he announces) should be with Chris Matthews...
Chris of the 2000 memo...who would you rather have a beer with????>>>>
and Gore should bring out 2 mugs of beer onto the set and say, Chris, is this what I need to do to earn your support?
Imagine Chris' response and how this would be picked up in the media and on YouTube.
Gore then would appear to be that vaunted "regular guy" and have a sense of humor....
plus, it brings up the fact that Bush COULDN'T HAVE A BEER (and still can't?)...since he's STILL on the wagon???
The other thing Gore should do(if he runs)is to please, please, please NOT HIRE Brazille, Shrum, or Trippi to run his campaign.....just do it himself or let Tipper or his oldest daughter do it....and hire primarily logistical staff....not campaign decision makers.

[flaminbats]

11. the last seven years would make Gore a better candidate..

this time I would probably support him in the Presidential primaries. if Gore ran..our primaries would probably be less bloody, giving us the advantage over Republicans in the fall.

I think it would be a loss if Gore doesn't become active in politics again, but I am satisfied with our current field of Presidential candidates. As I have posted before, Gore should consider running for the Senate in Tennessee. Lamar Alexander is running for re-election, and there are no Democrats running against him! there are two independents running against Lamar, but something tells me neither of these individuals are serious candidates. our party needs to be competitive, not just in the Presidential election, but in every state and Congressional election. if someone can make our party competitive again in states like Tennessee, then we'll have an excellent shot of increasing our numbers in the House and Senate.