I'm starting to think the Al Gore/2nd ballot scenario is plausible ...

[Altair]

a month ago I considered this scenario laughable. But if we get to the convention with no nominee, I am starting to think it's highly plausible. Why? Because so many supporters of Hillary and Obama outright HATE the opposing candidate. They are practically printing "McCain 2008" posters on Hillaryis44.com in the event she loses. I am not at all certain I would be able to vote for Hillary in November, though I would never vote Republican.

And lo and behold, we've got Al Gore waiting in the wings, a man who I think the vast majority of the people on this board feel would make a great president. I certainly do. We all know that most pledged delegates aren't bound to vote for a particular candidate. If enough of them decide that Gore is the answer to this crisis in our party, they can simply join together and refuse to give either Hillary or Obama the necessary votes on the first ballot.

Then all you need is a general recognition on the 2nd ballot that Gore is the answer to our dilemna. Obviously a willing Al Gore would also be necessary, but I'd think he be willing to help the party out in this regard. At any rate, it's no longer a ridiculous notion like it seemed a month ago.

[Warren DeMontague]

1. I'd love to see him swoop in like Spider-Man and save the day

but I fear it's not in the cards.

Hey, maybe Obama puts him on the ticket; Obama/Gore?

[Georgie_92]

2. Won't happen.

[azmouse]

3. If Gore had really wanted the nomination

he'd have run in the primaries.
Forget about Al. He seems happy with his Noble prize and his work on global warming.

[depakid]

5. I agree that he probably wouldn't accept- however

One of his major criticisms (an accurate one) is that the American "system" drags on WAY TOO LONG.

It's a disservice to the nation- the only one in the world which feels the need to raise money and campaign for 2 years straight.

[johnnydrama]

4. how can their be a 2nd ballot?

When there's only 2 candidates? Doesn't one have to get 50%. All the super delegate votes will be in by then.

[AlGore-08.com]

6. In order to get the nomination, you have to have the magic number of delegates not a simple majority

Neither Obama nor Clinton can reach that magic number using pledged delegates.

Super delegates can remain uncommitted if they want to. It is possible that neither candidate will be able to persuade enough super delegates to back them that neither candidate reaches the magic number of delegates (super and vanilla) on the first ballot at the convention.

If that happens, the candidates will attempt to persuade uncommitted delegates to vote for them, and try to get their opponent's pledged delegates to jump ship and support them. The voting will continue until one candidate or the other reaches the magic number of delegates (vanilla and super).

It is possible (again, possible) that neither candidate will be able to reach the magic number after multiple votes. If neither of them drop out or agree to take the lower spot on a "unity" ticket, the convention will start looking around for another person to be the nominee. If that third person can win the magic number of votes at the convention, that person will be the nominee - - not Obama or Clinton.

Again, it's possible, but still not probable.