As someone highly sceptical of all politicians..Al Gore for president.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

In my 61 years I have never heard a better or more impassioned speech, or one more necessary, than that I just heard. And, that includes JFK's inaugaral.

I can only hope that it will be repeated over and over and that the passive creatures in congress will take note and act.

[asjr]

1. It was one of the best speaches I have ever heard from

AL and he didn't have to look at any notes and did not have a wire pack on his back!

[roguevalley]

18. Feinstein was in the audience.

[AuntiBush]

20. I Couldn't Agree More!

Best speech ever! And I'm getting up there in age, too! Shew... gives one goosebumps.

[Historic NY]

2. Brilliant, clear, concise & meaningful speech with spirit.

Congress do your job and up hold your oath. He would have my vote in a NY Minute, that man knows, lives & breathes government.

[melody]

3. I think the nomination is his, if he'll accept it

He sounds like someone prepared to go the distance. I hope so. This is the person who can drag us out of this horrific quagmire created by this military Junta.

[lyonn]

11. That is if he is nominated that he will keep the consultants and

advisors at a distance. You know, those people that want to talk about his clothes. Wasn't Shrum and Donna Brazille a couple of those advising him?

[melody]

14. the consultants are always the problem

Al has to keep himself at the center and distance himself from the ear-talkers. *His* instincts are usually excellent. He gets derailed by the hangers-on.

[toymachines]

4. In all honesty, this man would be my choice for Philosopher King

He could fix shit up rather nicely. I sincerely trust him.

[napi21]

5. I share your scepticism and I think Gore did great today, but

I also think, if he were running for an office, he'd never have done that speech.

I agree with evrything he said, and his passion was very appropriate. He's NOT a candidate, so he feels free to voice his honest opinion. Candidates, from any party, are deathly afraid of alienating some large group and (God for bid) they might vote for his opponent!

Remember when Al WAS our candidate? He also was extremely cautions!

[bleedingheart]

6. I think political handlers and poll watchers have messed up

they are the ones who deem the cautious nature of the recent campaigns and what I have found is that people yearn for someone who is honest, and forthright...even if they don't agree with the candidate on all issues...people respect honesty.

[ginnyinWI]

15. you're right

We do need stuff stated unequivocally. I don't agree with the person who said this speech disqualifies him from running for office. It's the campaign managers who need to buy a clue and stop muzzling our Dem candidates!

[NYCGirl]

7. But remember that he "shook off" his handlers and consultants in the last

two weeks of the 2000 campaign. That's when he finally started to make progress. I think he's learned — the hard way.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

8. His caution is what cost him the election.

I believe that if he had been that impassioned and ferocious on the stump he would have been in his second term today.

[napi21]

10. I agree with you. I'm just not sure this passion would continue

if he were a candidate again. I also remember his speech AFTER the SCOTUS made their ruling. You could see the pressure and tension had disappeared from Gore.

Sorry, I'm just not convinced that ANY politician has the ba**s to remain totally homest throughout a long campaign.

I can't be sure, but you know the reason given that McGovern lost was his statement "Reagan will raise your taxes too, HE just won't admit it, I am!" The results of THAT election continues to scare all politicians through today!

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

13. While I agree with your assessment of politicians playing it safe...

I believe that the American public is fed up with politics as usual and money grubbing politicians who try to please everybody by emoting meaningless platitudes. There's a reservoir of voters who usually sit on their hands who'd likely trek to the polls if a politician would dare to speak the truth forcefully.

Then again, I could be wrong about the capacity of the populace to bear the truth plainly spoken.

[tavalon]

28. You aren't wrong

Look how the populace reacts when Dean speaks the truth. They love it. The DLC hates it but they are Republicans in DINO clothing.

[bobalu]

16. Wasn't that Mondale?

[napi21]

17. Yes, I think it was Mondale. I remembered the "M".

In any case, all politicians are afraid to test the waters!

Look at how they STILL chastize Howard Dean!

I can't remember who was speaking yesterday, but on some program, Murtha was asked WHY none the Dems will come out and publicly acree with him on pulling out of Iraq? Murtha said, "They're all afraid of alienating any of their possible constituents!" I believe Murtha is right!

[bobalu]

23. ..Me too.

[AuntiBush]

21. I Think He's Thrown Caution to the Wind.

In these horrific times under this corrupt govt!?!

What's he got to loose, rather he gains by lending us truth, passion, compassion, standing-up for us when we're feeling so down-hearted. While our liberties have been stomped on, out comes Al Gore to stand-up for all Americans.

Sadly, the FReepers will never get it, though I hope they do.

[TygrBright]

22. Yes, he was cautious...

...but since then, he's been to the wilderness, taken out his soul and given it a good looking-over. That's evident in his words and actions of the last three years.

Last time he ran, I was not sure that he was running for the right reasons (though I thought he'd be an excellent President.) It seemed to me that he was running then, partly because it was "next on the program" (as it were,)partly because he felt it was what his father's son had to do, and partly because he was smart and knew a lot of the answers. None of those is a great reason for running for President, and in a person less ethical and thoughtful than Gore they can be deadly.

But I think if he ran now it would be, not for any of those reasons, but because now he knows the QUESTIONS (always more critical than knowing the answers,) and sees the Presidency as a way of exploring those questions, bringing light to them, and bringing together the resources-- human and economic and political-- needed to build answers.

He has both the humility AND the certainty of purpose that are needed for greatness. He COULD do it, I think, if he was willing to offer himself on the altar of sacrifice (and my god, it would be a hell of a sacrifice, now.) And if he did, I'm pretty sure he would be running the consultants, rather than letting the consultants run him. He's got his priorities straight now, and I also think he has a certain "je m'en fiche"ism that will let him be himself on the campaign trail.

But I wouldn't do it, if I were him. Of course, I'm kinda chickenshit that way. I like a quiet life, and privacy, and all that stuff.

thoughtfully,
Bright

[KoKo]

9. The danger of the Bushies CRIES OUT for Candid Speeches! Gore

is now free of those constraints and that may make him the most honest candidate we could have for 2008. I don't know if he will run....but OMG! I am so glad he's free of his political shackles to give that Amazing Speech he gave today.

We out here are desperate for TRUTH and HONESTY...We can't go much longer with out more of it. He gave reason for hope that there will be more people who will now come forward. He "framed" what we are up against perfectly. NOW...let's see who will support him. And, anyone who doesn't make an attempt to come out in support of him will now be revealed for the spineless lot they are..

[raysr]

12. I saw Dennis Kucinich

speak once and he had the audience crying with hope.

[AuntiBush]

19. Al Gore for President! 1000%

We need him now! If we make it to 2008, he'll get my vote - period!

I most certainly hope he runs and think he just might. After all, he did win in 2000 and deserves to regain his rightful seat in the WH.

[xiamiam]

24. Gores' speech made me cry...and gave me hope...

he talked about the america that we believe in and the america which has been lost to us...what a speech...impassioned, truthful, fearless...80% are now reporting approval on the poll....why am I not the least bit surprised...

[mzmolly]

25. Means alot considering the source.

I know your a tough cookie TYL.

Thanks.

[Marie26]

26. He's one of the few willing to

say what he believes. I guess it's like that saying "freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose". He's not bound to protect some special interest or his political ambitions, so he's free to speak the truth. Gore has been absolutely fearless lately & he's not backing down.

[tavalon]

27. Only if he doesn't hire the same handlers he had before

nor the ones Kerry had.