GORE ON 2008: 'We'll give it some thought'

[kpete]

Gore, the 2000 Democratic presidential nominee, has returned to prominence with his crusade to address global warming and climate change.

"I'm a recovering politician. I'm on about Step Nine," he joked to the audience.

As he was leaving the auditorium, however, Gore was confronted by Cindra Zugel of Mukilteo, wearing a campaign button that said, "Al Gore for President in 2008."

She told him he has a responsibility to run for president, to change U.S. energy and environmental policy. "He said, 'We'll give it some thought,' " said Zugel, who considers Gore "the only choice" for 2008.

The GOP's Tebelius admitted that she won't be tuning out the presidential campaign for long. "I figure the day after the election, we'll be starting 2008," she said.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/289879_gore25.html

[wakeme2008]

1. IMHO he will be running and IMHO it is because of his feelings

on Global Warming.

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Last Stand]

46. "I have no plans to run"

Translated: "I'll announce plans later."

He has never said "NO" when asked if he will run. That means YES to me.

And with all the time off to think about the stolen election of 2k, I know he'll be the best threat to GOP cheating of all the candidates. He knows they stole it. He WON Florida. He shoulda been prez and we need him now.

[Wayne_in_WA_State]

73. Restore American Democracy, it's our patriotic duty

Following the day of infamy, December 12th 2000, when five Republicans on the Supreme Court selected the loser of the vote, George W Bush, to be president, we have lived under a dark cloud. A dangerous storm that is drifting our nation in the direction of fascism. The best possible person to be president is Albert Gore, Jr.

Please Al, I'm begging you, do it for America and do it for planet earth. Run for President in 2008!

[HeeBGBz]

2. Yay! That brightened my morning

I hope hope hope he runs.

[TAPat]

3. Sig line says it all -

[ThomWV]

4. At Last! A Hopeful Sign From Our Future President

I have said it a hundred times, I'll say it again. I Al Gore decides to run for President I will stop everything else I am doing and go to work full time to elect him.

[madokie]

6. as I have a lot of time on my hands I too will work my ass off for him

[ms liberty]

63. I'll be right behind you - unless I'm in front of you! n/t

[OhioChick]

5. Oh Please........

Run Al, Run!

[madokie]

7. I think Big Al is going to run if we still have elections then.

that being a big 'if' too.

[goforit]

19. Hell, I'd quit my job to campaingn for this guy!

[dalaigh lllama]

8. Best news of the week

I wholeheartedly agree. IMO Gore is not only the best man for the job, he's the only one I have confidence in his ability to clean up the mess we're in. Kick and recommend.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

9. That would be so sweet!

We need Al!

[AlGore-08.com]

10. Just thought I'd drop in here to K & R

:kick: :patriot: :kick:

[Uncle Joe]

11. Kicked and recommended for President Gore

:patriot:

[helderheid]

12. GO AL GO!!!!

[earth mom]

13. OMG! Fingers Crossed! Please Save Us Al!!!

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[progressivebydesign]

14. WAA!! Gore was in my town and I didn't know??????

I'm sooo bummed out!!! :cry:

But good news that he's thinking about 2008, if that's what he meant. Or perhaps it's an answer he's developed to stop the questions he must get a thousand times a day about running in 2008.

[mentalsolstice]

15. Be Still My Beating Heart...

K&R

[McCamy Taylor]

84. I know! Gore is such a dreamboat! The handsomest politician ever!

:loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

[RestoreGore]

16. Does anyone know what he talked about last night?

It is obvious from what gets the most recommends regarding Al Gore, that the important issue he was discussing last night once again gets ignored while the speculative political hype as always gets top billing. I bet if someone wrote an in depth post regarding what he said last night regarding this issue and the people who were there who actually cared about the environment, that it would get totally ignored. That speaks volumes about some people in this country really care about... Just using the issue of the climate crisis to hype their own political agenda. No wonder he has traveled so extensively in Europe and other parts of the world. They get the urgency of it, while so many here seem to think this is just a game.

[RestoreGore]

20. Climate change as moral challenge

http://www.oregonlive.com/metro/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1161754106145780.xml&coll=7

More | Subscribe | 14-Day Archives (Free) | Long-Term Archives (Paid)
Climate change as moral challenge

Global warming - Oregonians bring their own hopes and causes to Al Gore's Rose Garden presentation
Wednesday, October 25, 2006

PATRICK O'NEILL
Al Gore, the Paul Revere of world climate change, rode into Portland on Tuesday sounding the alarm on global warming.

He warned of rising sea levels, shrinking glaciers and dwindling wildlife habitat -- all spurred by a ballooning burden of carbon dioxide spewed into the atmosphere by humans burning fossil fuel.

The event was something of a homecoming for Gore, drawing a near-capacity crowd to the Rose Garden's 5,000-seat Theater of the Clouds. He received a standing ovation.

Gore opened his remarks with self-effacing humor, calling himself a "recovering politician." He praised Portland as an environmentally conscious city -- one that's well-positioned to be the "headquarters" of the battle against global climate change.

His message is that man-made global climate change is the most important moral challenge of the time and that it should no longer be viewed solely as a political issue. His multimedia presentation appealed to the cross-section of Oregonians attending.

Before Gore's appearance, April Wiza, 26, of Portland and her friends handed out literature promoting the vegan lifestyle. "If you eat lower on the food chain, you use less fossil fuels," she said. "I just wish that eating vegetarian was on his (Gore's) agenda."

Tadd Gestrin, 41, principal of East Gresham Grade School, said he has followed Gore since 1992 and has read all his books. Gestrin said what concerns him most is the "potential for sudden shifts in the climate and the possibility of famine."

Shiloh Sundstrom, 25, a student in the Oregon State University master's program in forestry, said he wants to know "what kind of actions I can take and what we can do as a society." He wore a bright orange T-shirt proclaiming: "We care about Mother Earth." Sundstrom is also interested in the role of forests in sequestering carbon dioxide, the most important greenhouse gas trapping heat in Earth's atmosphere.

end of excerpt.
~~~~~~
Good to see people, especially young people asking what they can do to make a difference regarding this issue, because that's what this is all about.

[civildisoBDence]

37. Starvation, drought, flood, storm, extinction...

all for a few luxuries and a terminal case of vanity.

It that ain't a the mother of all moral challenges, I don't know what is.

Gore has won me over. I think he'd stand an excellent chance of winning.

Now the moral challenge is in your court, Al.

Newsprism

[RestoreGore]

41. He's won you over to what?

Taking action yourself? Funny, I don't see much posting about that in threads like this, and that was the point of my response, because the moral challenge is in OUR court.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

48. I'm with you on that...

We can't pin our hopes on Gore to become President and Save the Planet. In fact that's his whole point: The moral imperative is OURS.

All of Gore's activism in the past several years has been to implore us to take up the cause and save the freakin' planet, not to start a "Gore in 'O8" campaign.

I adore and admire him, but I also think it's likely that he's far more effective in the role that he's in now than he would be as president.

Of course whichever Dem is elected in '08 ought to use him to drive environmental policy in their administration -- no one is more qualified -- but let's get real. This isn't about the '08 race. This is about positive, planet-saving changes we can make in our own lives (by changing our own behavior), in those around us (by educating as many people as possible), and in the world (by pressuring lawmakers to enact environmental legislation).

Gore is already a Leader, and a critical one. He doesn't need to be president.

[RestoreGore]

56. I believe he will be instrumental...

In influencing legislation on this issue state to state from out here by using the knowledge and experience he has, and now the influence he has both in the media and business worlds to make this happen. It is a perfect and brilliant strategy for a man who can still be a political force without the BS of politics, and also devote all of his time to an issue that is important and has been his heart for all of his life. I am SO proud to support this man and work with him on this, because he is truly devoted and doesn't need the selfish accolades and hype thrust upon him to do this work... and yes, it is work WE also must join him in or this will not be a success, and that simply cannot be an option.

[Castleman]

66. Yes, I know what he talked about, BUT

I think he's about the best qualified person to do the job.
Maybe he will run, or not, but as long as he keeps stirring the shit about fixing our planet, I'm a happy guy.
He brought tears to my eyes when he talked about the "Greatest Generation" and how WE need to become those kinds of people.
This shit IS fixable, so let's DO IT!
Either with President Gore or President Clark or whomever, let's get this planet going again!!!
WE CAN DO IT!!!!!

[frogcycle]

92. take it easy

There are those of us who are in lockstep with him on the global climate crisis, have been for years, and feel he is the one person capable of cleaning up the devastation to the government AND the planet.

I agree the gushy stuff about his looks is superficial, but don't assume all the enthusiasm about his running is ignoring the climate issues

[RestoreGore]

98. Prove it isn't then

I've yet to see it.

[Stephanie]

17. AL 08

Let's go Al!

[goforit]

18. Wouldn't this turn the heads of the evil DLCrs. roflmao! Go Gore!!!

[WI_DEM]

21. it's hearsay and perhaps hopeful wishing on the part of the supporter

that said I also hope he runs, but I'm not convinced he will.

[ronnykmarshall]

22. Gore's my #1 choice.

Run, Al RUN!!

[roamer65]

24. It would be great if we get a chance...

to re-elect him to the Presidency. Re-elect Gore '08.

[halobeam]

23. Man, it seems too much to hope for, but I just can't help myself.

Expect the worst and HOPE FOR the Best. IMO, too, the best would be Gore.

[etherealtruth]

25. "the only choice"

:loveya:Al Gore:loveya:

He will have my vote, my time and my $$$ if he runs!

[montana500]

26. Gore/Obama 08

nm

[byronius]

30. Now, that is tasty.

Excellent choice.

[Samantha]

43. Ahhhhhhhh ... my political dream team

[thereismore]

52. Aye Aye. The Gobama ticket.

[spooked]

76. LOVE IT!!

GOBAMA 2008!

[Mme. Defarge]

27. I will work on his campaign!

[Radical Activist]

28. At least this time

his staff won't be filled with people trying to ride the gravy train to the white house. At least not as many.

[byronius]

29. I'm counting on it. Please please please.

[elehhhhna]

31. BEST. NEWS. TODAY! K&R

[crispini]

32. When I saw him speak in my town, I wore a button...

that said "For Earth's Sake, Al Gore 2008" and it had a picture of him and the planet on it. I stood in the long, long line to get my books signed and he saw the button and commented on it! He said, That's a new one, haven't seen it before. You're very sweet to wear it.

Hee! Of course, I giggled and blushed like a silly thing. :D

[Rosco T.]

33. Say It Loud, Say it Strong - WE WANT AL!

www.cafepress.com/democatic

[stubtoe]

34. We Want AL!

Wahooo! Run Al Run!

[we can do it]

35. Go Al - Still My President

Brains and a conscience how refreshing

:bounce: :bounce:

[Warren DeMontague]

36. GORE '08

In case anyone hasn't noticed, he's the front runner. At least around here.

:woohoo:

[Auggie]

38. He's the best chance to win.

[Subdivisions]

39. IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME!!! BUT...

Can we get past this election first...ala Obama?

[greeneyedboy]

40. *so* not the time to talk about 2008.... but hooray! i hope he's in.

[ourvoicescount]

42. Just the thought of it seems calming, let's make it happen!

[lupita]

44. He said he was not running last night

My family and I went to the Rose Garden in Portland to listen to his
Global Warming message.
A guy in the audience asked him to run. He said he was not.
Watching his body language and listening to his words carefully, I believed him.

So, we have to start looking for someone else.

[Apollo11]

68. Still 2 years to go.

Gore can't be the first person to jump into the field.

He has to stay on the sidelines and watch for a while.

He doesn't have to make a decision until summer 07.

It also depends on how many people want him to run.

If most people are happy to support other candidates - like Hilary, Clark, Edwards - then it would be difficult for Gore to jump in.

But if the people are calling on Gore to run ... he will have to take the people's wishes into consideration.

In Gore We Trust :)
www.algore.org
www.draftgore.com
www.draftgore2008.org
www.climatecrisis.net

[ooglymoogly]

45. for my money its gore-clark

an absolutely sure ticket

[Lena inRI]

65. This is the powerhouse ticket. . .

as I've been realizing several times here on DU.

These two men are an

IRRESISTIBLE WINNING COMBINATION

BOTH ARE THE BRIGHTEST, MOST PERSEVERING, STRAIGHT-TALKING, "DOERS" OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

GORE/CLARK 2008

:kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick:
:loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

[Herman74]

87. The General has said he's not interested in VP...

...still, that was 2 years ago and perhaps he's changed his mind.

If not -

I like Gore/Edwards, with Clark as Secretary of State!

Although that's what my heart would like, my brain tells me that General Clark is the most likely to defeat any Repugnant if he were chosen as the Democratic nominee.

[frogcycle]

93. yep, Gore/Clark - slam dunk

Obama can take some time growing and learning in the Senate.

[HughBeaumont]

47. I don't think there is anyone out there that can beat him.

Seriously. The Teflon Monarch Bewsh couldn't even beat him.

And since America's collective IQ has increased to the realization to never let another drug-running, pro-corporate, anti-labor, evangelical Bewsh in the White House, neither Rudi nor snow nor sleet nor Maverick will stop him.

[nam78_two]

49. Run Al run

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Turn CO Blue]

50. gotta kick this one...Run, Big Al, Run! n/t

[j_gregory1948]

51. great news

you have my support and my time as volunteer. John Kerry and Hillary, say goodbye to your chances to run, which were very slim to begin with.

[tom_paine]

53. Gore: A Future Worth Fighting For

[peabody71]

54. Al in 08' - GORE/OBAMA!!

[oc2002]

55. I like Gore, but he had his shot. and lost. already.

Give someone else a chance, like Kennedy.

[JNelson6563]

57. Perhaps you missed it

Gore won FYI.

[Kashka-Kat]

59. Not unheard of for candidates to try again... and win

[SouthernBelle82]

82. But not

for guys like John Kerry right? Al Gore: SURE!! John Kerry: a loser. :eyes: Plus as in my other post on this Gore himself didn't say this in the article. It's hearsay until I hear it from Gore's mouth.

[earth mom]

80. How about Gore/RFK Jr.?!

:bounce:

Now that's the ticket!

[Mme. Defarge]

89. Pardon mon brave, mais

if I am not mistaken, he won.

[Kashka-Kat]

58. There would be a certain poetic justice to his winning that I think has great appeal

[NYCGirl]

62. Americans LOVE a good comeback story. And this would be the all-time

gold standard A#1 comeback story!

[earth mom]

79. Poetic Justice-I love the idea of that!

:woohoo:

[hippiechick]

60. Please oh please oh please oh please, Al .... DO IT !!

WE NEED YOU!!! O8)


Gore/Feingold: Leadership how it OUGHTA be! :applause: :applause:

[ms liberty]

61. Please Run Al!

I'd Recommend this, even though it's on the front page already, except that it's been more than 24 hours. It's what always happens when I take a day off DU!

[Apollo11]

64. Well alright !!!

Nobody is better qualified to be President that Al Gore.

In Gore We Trust :)
www.algore.org
www.draftgore.com
www.draftgore2008.org
www.climatecrisis.net

[RestoreGore]

78. the climate crisis site is not a political campaign site n/t

[L0oniX]

67. The Crypt Keeper prefers Gore too.

[Apollo11]

69. The Daily Show

It looks like we have a Jon Stewart fan in the house ... ;-)

[L0oniX]

70. one of thousands here

[NNguyenMD]

71. He's got my vote no questions asked, he can pick anyone he wants for VP

He can pick a ham sandwich for VEEP and deli-counter toppings for his cabinet, I would still vote for him. WE NEED HIM TO BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT!!!

[ckimmy57]

72. We NEED Al

:toast: Here's to Gore in 2008.

[Red Right and BLUE]

74. The idea of him running brings tears to my eyes.

I hope he does it.

[spooked]

77. me too...

As did watching An Inconvenient Truth...almost more for the memories of 2000 than for the environmental disaster we may soon be dealing with.

[19jet54]

75. Has been...

Forget it!

[SouthernBelle82]

81. Very interesting

Change of tune a little bit there. But is this more of a "he said" type of thing? I want to hear it from Mr. Gore's mouth personally and not from someone who claims he said that.

[McCamy Taylor]

83. GORE/EDWARDS 2008! The south will rise again. The Dems will

take back the values vote and at least half of the Christian vote. The GOP will be left without a base.

Hillary does just fine in the Senate. Bill should run for UN head.

[frogcycle]

94. Now THAT's a nice idea

"Bill should run for UN head"

[gulfcoastliberal]

85. I'm not a religious person, but I consider Gore a savior not only for

our country, but the world which we depend on for survival.

Please, Mr. Gore. You're our only hope of accomplishing something meaningful - something that's not just window dressing to the people while really doing nothing to stop big businesses poisoning and killing our world all in the name of the quick buck.

Please sir. I know it would be ugly, brutal and gut wrenching for you and your family.

But we, the people of the USA - and indeed the world, need your leadership more now than perhaps anyone, anytime else in the entire history of mankind. Do it, sir. I will work 24/7 for you for free. I'll do whatever it takes. I'm not into hero worship - but I honestly think Mr. Gore could very well be the man who saves us from extinction.

[frogcycle]

95. very nicely put

you might enjoy this:

http://www.algaeawards.com

[RestoreGore]

97. Then go to http://www.climatecrisis.net

And help him now. As the wise words of Gandhi state, "You must be thee the change you wish to see in the world." No one man can save this planet. It has to be a joint effort.

[Dr Fate]

86. I support Kerry- but I want to see Al debate in the primaries- he is great!!!

I say that he should go for it. He is terrific.

[Kurovski]

88. Please do Mr. Gore.

Some very serious thought!

[CountDmoney]

90. Al can save the world!!!

He has to run in 2008. Period.

[StellaBlue]

91. My mantra since June:

Al will run. Al will win.

Saw him in Houston giving his slideshow. He is totally running.

[RestoreGore]

96. He is running because of his slideshow?

Is that the only reason you went to Houston? Do you even remember one slide you saw and can explain its significance? See, that's why he WON'T run, because people have this "messiah complex" and think they don't need to do anything to solve this crisis because all Mr. Gore has to do is wave his magic wand and you will all be "saved."

It really is honestly unfair to the man who has had to live with expectations all of his life. Right now he is a MAN coming to the American people to ask for their HELP and ACTION on this and all most can do is the same tired old cheerleading routine that only perpetuates the toxic system we have now.

I honestly give him a great amount of credit for continuing to try to explain this urgent crisis to people, especially those with one track minds who don't understand WHY he is doing it. It is as if you are saying he is ONLY giving this slideshow because he is looking to run in a system that he himself has stated is toxic. How many times does he have to say it?

I think when the content of his slides and the relation they have to the crisis we face globally gets more sincere discussion based on reason than these political fantasies that use his conviction to validate it, he might think about it... but I am fairly sure it isn't going to be 2008. Until then, I hope not. He doesn't derserve to be hung out to dry again, especially on this issue.

[StellaBlue]

100. Uh, yeah, I remember the slides

And I went both because I am a longtime supporter of Al Gore, in whatever capacity, and because wanted to hear what the content of his movie/book/slideshow was. In fact, I bought the book, too. And, I live in a 600 square foot apartment with concrete walls where I use very little electricity or A/C and almost no heating, have no dishwasher or washing machine, ride a bike, walk to work, and am a vegetarian.

I want Al to run because I think, on this issue and so many others, he has the vision to lead. Back the fuck off.

[RestoreGore]

101. Great

And since I'm not a psychic and asked a legitimate question, why the need to be vulgar? You remember the slides? Then where did he estimate CO2 levels would be in 45 years if we don't do soemthing now? That was the slide where he got up on the hydraulic lift to expkain it. You remember that and care about this issue? Good, then let's dicsuss it... or are you going to tell me to "FUCK" off again?

[StellaBlue]

103. I guess I just don't understand why you would flame someone who SUPPORTS

Gore and his positions.

:shrug:

[RestoreGore]

104. I wasn't flaming, I asked a question

The issue of the climate crisis I admit fills me with passion and determination and I am very involved with it, as I have been regarding the environment since I was a young child. And I see that passion 1000 times exemplified in everything Mr. Gore is now doing, and I think it is wonderful that he has done this...I LOVE HIM for finally being the ONE American statesman to do something concrete about it without blowing smoke up our asses or using it just to get votes. And that is why I am frankly sick of people demeaning his conviction on this issue to continually cheerlead about him running for President without seeing any substantive conversation on all of the good he is really doing now.

The climate crisis we now face is more important than running for President. Perhaps that is why Mr. Gore just agreed to accept a post with the British government as an International Advisor on this issue, because it is real, and because people in this country don't seem to be taking it as seriously as he and some others are.

I'm sorry if you thought I was flaming you, but his running in 2008 in this toxic system isn't going to solve this problem, and he knows that and sees the bigger picture and the higher calling, and it would appear many outside of this country do as well and I join them and him. Those who say they support him I would think would do so now as well. There is now no more important issue for our future. And since you couldn't provide me with the answer to my question, it is 600PPM, which is not good. That's why he is doing what he is doing now.
Peace.

[StellaBlue]

106. I didn't answer your question because it doesn't prove anything

and you have no idea what impact seeing Gore's talk/slideshow has had on me, nor do I have to prove my creds to you or justify myself.

In fact, I did not know the answer off the top of my head, but if I was a small person I could've simply looked it up in my copy of his book which is four feet away on top of my piano. I could ask you an obscure question about a topic that you mentioned in passing was of interest to you, too, and you may or may not be able to answer it off the top of your head. Memorizing facts from his presentation was not the point for me. The point was to learn about the reality of and science behind the global warming crisis. I particularly remember being struck by the time-lapse photographs of antarctic ice shelves. Can I tell you their longitude and latitude? No. Does this mean I have no right to support Gore in his environmental endeavors or to call on him to re-enter public life because I think he is the most eloquent, qualified, and morally guided person on the political stage? NO.

I still think Gore's running. He's a patrician and a politician. I think you are naive to think sticking his toe in the political waters for 2008 was not a factor in his sudden reemergence in the M$M.

[RestoreGore]

107. Al Gore Is Not A Politician

Politicians are self serving, egostistical, corporate sellouts. Al Gore is none of those things. Even he claimed he is not a good "politician." And the point he is making is that this is a moral issue not a political one. A political campaign in this current toxic environment would suck all of the energy out of the environmental movement. Oh, and FYI, I didn't have to look in the book for that answer. I paid attention to what I was watching, because it is that important.

[RestoreGore]

102. Great

And since I'm not a psychic and asked a legitimate question, why the need to be vulgar? You remember the slides? Then where did he estimate CO2 levels would be in 45 years if we don't do something now? That was the slide where he got up on the hydraulic lift to explain it. You remember that and care about this issue? Good, then let's discuss it... or are you going to tell me to "FUCK" off again?

[NastyDiaper]

99. Hoping Al runs, but not expecting it.

[AZBlue]

105. I'd love it but am not holding my breath.

For one thing, who could blame him and his family for not wanting to go through all that again. Secondly, he's found his "groove" and may feel he can do more for the global environment out of office than in it.