Understanding Al Gore

[Robbien]

Al Gore gave a speech last night to the National Association of State Treasurers’ meeting in West Virginia. He spoke about the perils of global warming, and, like all his recent talks on the issue, the event was closed off to the press.

For West Virginia reporters, the slight was unconscionably painful. In his column this morning, Metro News’ Hoppy Kercheval recounts the tragedy, describing how papers were informed about the event only to shockingly -- almost cruelly -- find out later about Gore’s closed-door policy. For Kercheval, and legions of reporters like him, there’s a genuine attempt to reconcile this departure from normal press-public figure conventions.

Why, Gore. Why?

While there is certainly some merit to being upset, it's hard to dispute the logic in Gore’s move. For Gore, the media’s portrayal of global warming is a prime example of how a press, so obsessed with balance and objectivity, can be counterproductive and even perilous. Gore knows that for 99% of the scientific community, global warming is not a "debate," but a fact.

Yet, in almost every article written about the issue reporters seem to find one of those three scientists who dispute the conventional science. After all, they need to get that clutch “balanced” quote, right? But as a result, global warming is disseminated to, and thus digested in, the public as far more contentious than it actually is.

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[Minnesota Libra]

1. After 2000 is it so hard to understand why Al Gore..............

.....does not trust the media?? I haven't been subjected to their biased reporting and I don't trust the media at all. It might be easier to get his message of global warming out using the media but there is also something to be said for the slow quiet "word of mouth" approach. Personally, if I had to choose between the media and "word of mouth" I'd take "word of mouth" every day.

You go Al Gore!! We love you!!

[Uncle Joe]

2. Most excellent analysis of the situation.

The CM wants to keep playing Lucy to Al Gore's Charlie Brown trying to kick the football.

[Demeter]

3. Must I? Must I Understand Al Gore?

Must anyone? He's one man. He must understand us--if that's the job he wants to have.