Why won't Al just say the 5 words...."I'm not running for president"?

[ourbluenation]

maybe it's because he actually is planning to run...why else wouldn't he just come out and say it since so many people ask him about it all the time.

friends...1 + 1 = 2

[aquart]

1. Because he's making us and the media listen

And he's got something real to say. If he opts out of the election...much of the media coverage will fold.

[Pale Blue Dot]

7. Exactly.

Keeping the hope alive is making him one of the most influential vice-presidents in history. All of the speculation is being cleverly tied to the movie, and now, his book. He's played this beautifully.

His book, by the way, could just as easily have been called "Why I Am NOT Running For President". I have a hard time believing that anyone who has actually read the book would still think that there is more than a snowball's chance in hell that he's going to run.

[ourbluenation]

8. I see - so we're all being "played" beautifully by Al.

I haven't read the book yet, so I'm giving myself a big fat pass on your "anyone who's read the book" comment.

[Pale Blue Dot]

15. Then read it.

Do you think Gore himself would be happy knowing that you're championing his cause when you haven't even read his book?

I read it. It's a brilliantly written synthesis of the issues we talk about on DU everyday. I think it's highly doubtful that Gore would have gotten the needed publicity for it (or for the movie) if the press wasn't speculating on his possible run for the Presidency.

I respect Al Gore. At this point, I would vote for him if he ran. He is NOT going to run. Everything he says in his book points to that conclusion.

Hell, I'll wager you a $10 donation in your name to DU that he won't run. Will you take the bet, or will you actually read his book first?

[ourbluenation]

17. I plan on reading it. Looking forward to it. And yeah, I'll take that bet, Finn

Here's the deal with me and the book. I've got a full time job, kids in school, sports, I volunteer for a few local agencies, etc...My husband has two jobs so I don't get a lot of help at home with dinner, cleaning, etc. when I drop into bed I read about 2 pages of whatever and I'm out like a light. Right now I'm reading Omnivores Dilemma. Since December. Are ya getting the picture? But sure - I'll take that bet. In the end DU wins so I'm down.

[Pale Blue Dot]

20. I got the audio book.

I listened to it to and from work and school for a couple of weeks. It's really nothing that we don't already know, but Gore is obviously a brilliant man who can talk intelligently on any number of subjects. I think he might be a walking encyclopedia.

I've bookmarked the thread. You're on for the bet, and I honestly will say I hope I'm wrong.

[Milo_Bloom]

32. I read it... The man is clearly running for office.

[sweetladybug]

34. Finnfan, I'll wager you a $10.00 donation in your name to DU that

Gore will run for re-election in 2008. Will you take the bet?
Gore 2008!!!!!!!!

[Pale Blue Dot]

37. Yes.

Note to all other potential gamblers: I've now got $40 invested in this, which is about the limit of what I can do without my wife sharpening the knives. :scared:

[melody]

14. Because, in that same book, I saw all the reasons he IS running for President

And, as I said, reinventing the structure of "politics" as it now exists.

[Pale Blue Dot]

16. In order to run, he would have to do all of the things he is railing against.

Running would make him a hypocrite. I think he is doing more to reinvent the structure of politics now than he could with a run for president. I believe, based on what I read, that he knows that too.

Would you like to take my $10 wager?

[melody]

27. Running wouldn't make him a hypocrite at all

Especially in that he's trying to forge a new non-traditional political environment in which
we elect our Presidents.

I'll bet you $20. :) That's how sure I am of this.

[Pale Blue Dot]

29. You're on.

:thumbsup:

[melody]

33. okie dokie

:thumbsup:

[zabet]

23. I agree, I also think he is re-inventing the way a campaign is run.

He has stayed out of the current race to stave off negative press.
Al early on recognized the power of the internet in getting his message out.
If he does run, he will have run the smartest campaign in political history.

[melody]

28. exactly n/t

[CreekDog]

35. And Al Gore could reinvent politics even better than Obama

Gore's been played and played and played and he is nobody's fool anymore.

My favorite all along. And Dean should be #2.

[MADem]

2. Naaah. He'll only run if the front runners IMPLODE.

He's not "planning to"--he's just "not ruling it out."

IMO.

[SammyWinstonJack]

13. I think that is true.

[C_U_L8R]

3. I'd prefer to hear four words from Al

[Xipe Totec]

4. Maybe,

or maybe he just likes to keep his options open.

or, maybe he wants to be king maker and throw his support to the candidate that's willing to endorse his agenda.

Or maybe he just likes the attention.

[NaturalHigh]

5. I thought he had already said them...

just last week, in fact, after his son was arrested. Was I wrong? :shrug:

[ourbluenation]

6. I didn't hear that. but I was on the road.

[Phredicles]

11. I'm sure that was his standard "not *planning* to run";

I realize I'm thinking wishfully, but until he says something along the lines of, "Look, dammit, I'm totally not running, so get the hell out of my face", I will continue to hold out hope.

The only alternative is for one of the declared candidates to impress me as much as he does. So far, that just hasn't happened.

[PetrusMonsFormicarum]

9. Keep 'em guessing Al!

I agree with a poster from a few days back (and a few threads over--sorry I don't remember who!) who said that the presidency would be a prison for Al. Think about it: this guy has accomplished more in the past 8 years than he ever would have as Prez. We all want him in there because he was cheated out of the job, and because we know that he is an intelligent, compassionate person who'd do much to restore citizens' faith in this country, and help restore our once good standing around the world. But facing facts, a loaf of day-old sourdough would make a better prez than W.

whoever the hell gets the Dem nomination (and likely the next presidency) has a huge pile of shite to shovel. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy (well, maybe Shooter! Imagine if that drunk assclown was running!)

[melody]

10. Because he is and, meanwhile, reinventing the political dialog n/t

[ourbluenation]

12. I like the way you think. Gore/Clark 08 n/t

[MonkeyFunk]

18. Because he gets

more media attention this way.

But he's not running.

[jpgray]

19. Yep

[ProgressiveEconomist]

21. IMO the media would hear "Please cut my global-warming publicity blitz by 99

percent in a Presidential news season" if he said those five words.

IMO much of the media is there at every Gore event in large part on the off chance he'll hint something about maybe throwing his hat into the ring again.

[Dogmudgeon]

22. "He'll have to EARN my vote! Harrumpf!"

After the way we (mis)treated him in 2000, he's got carte blanche as far as I'm concerned.

--p!
We got our beer-drinkin' buddy, all right.

[Az]

24. He is able to do more good as a citizen than he is as a politician

I love what he is doing and I do not want him to run. Yes I think he would make a wonderful president. But what he is doing now is more important.

If he were to enter the political arena once again he would be "handled" by marketers and consultants. The strength of his message would become silenced. The taint of politics would further corrupt his actions by every one pointing to political asperations as the reason behind his rhetoric.

Let the man do his thing. He is currently the single clearest voice for reason out there. And he is a champion for reason and it is working.

It is ideas and thinking that has to change. Not politics. If the ideas in the society change then the politicians will be forced to fall in line. Even the corporations will have to heed the voice of the people if we wake up and speak clearly enough. And Al Gore is sounding the wake up call. And I don't believe it can be done from within the political arena.

[ourbluenation]

25. He'd only be "handled" by consultants if he lets them. After all this time

and what's he's been through I don't see that happening. As the POTUS, especially in these dark times, he would be the right change agent at the right time.

[Contrary1]

26. I would love to see Al Gore run...

I believe that he is the answer to what ails this country.

And, if he chooses not to run...well, I will still respect and support him for what he is doing right now.

Either way, he represents me.

[RestoreGore]

30. How about more people saying these words...

I'm answering the call. HE already has.

[Frogger]

31. I thought that he had??? n/t

[Prophet 451]

36. Because he hasn't decided yet?

Obviously, I doubt he'll run unless he thinks he can win so I think he's holding the option open until as close as possible to the final date to declare, then he'll look at his chances, weigh up the odds and make his decision. I honestly don't think he's made a concrete decision either way.

Plus, his current "maybe-maybe not" status keeps him in the spotlight which he can then use to direct attention to the things that matter to him.

[CreekDog]

38. Understand also that Al is not about personal pleasure

When it gets asked, "why would he do it?" or "why would he put himself through it?"

Look how he's used his time --for the benefit of things he cares about, not for his own benefit.

When he comes to the conclusion that his service as President will be the most effective thing he can do for the causes he cares about --Gore will be in the race and he will work harder than any other candidate out there now (and many of them work quite hard).

And if Gore thinks he is doing the right thing, it won't matter if it's hard or unpleasant, he will do it anyway.

I remember watching him in 2000, and thinking nobody will work harder for the American people than Gore.

Ok, I'm biased, I'm a fan. Even in 1988, when I was admiring Reagan and volunteering for Bush, I wished for Gore to run (I used to see Clinton on the teevee and also think, man that guy should run too). In 1992 as a newly registered voter and Democrat at that, to my amazement, I saw them both run.

But I see Gore now as better than ever, more idealistic, more committed and more savvy about what he cares about.