Gore will consider entering the race—if an opening presents itself—in September.(NY Observer)

[kpete]

Why Al Gore Won’t Let the Rumors Die
By Steve Kornacki



Hai Knafo
Al Gore.
It’s too much to say that Al Gore has decided to run for President in 2008.

But it does seem that he wants to preserve the option.

Certainly, the recent buzz about a possible Gore campaign in 2008 doesn’t seem to be spontaneously generated. According to one influential Democratic insider, close associates of the former Vice President have communicated to him and other prominent fund-raisers who are uncommitted to the other ’08 candidates that Mr. Gore will consider entering the race—if an opening presents itself—in September.

Ask Mr. Gore’s spokesperson about the rumors, and the response is the same sort of mushy non-denial that Mr. Gore himself has become expert at serving up. “Obviously,” said Kalee Kreider, “he appreciates the sentiment from folks who are interested in this, but really, his efforts are focused on global warming.”

more at:
http://www.observer.com/20070219/20070219_Steve_Kornacki_opinions_wiseguys.asp

Narrowing fast: Hillary holds just 7 percent lead over Obama in new Dem poll... Gore at 26% without running: Developing...Raw Story

[dogday]

1. Now that makes my day

Wonderful, I am so hoping he will enter the race...

[zanne]

2. For chrissake, kpete...

What did you do to get all those hearts? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm?:evilgrin:

[Why Syzygy]

3. Wouldn't it be GREAT

to watch him debate? Not to mention take the Oath of Office!!! (heart beats faster)

[wtmusic]

4. please please please please please please please

would there be anything left to argue about here? :P

[Horse with no Name]

5. Be still my heart

September will be a grand month!

[shireen]

12. September is 7 months away!

Should he wait that long? That doesn't make any sense.

[Horse with no Name]

15. IT makes lots of sense

Some of the fluff candidates will have burned out by then.

[JackRiddler]

20. Do you remember an age before the media corps took over the collective mind?

Odds are better than 50-50 you were adult at a time when a Ross Perot could enter in the February of the election year itself (gasp!), drop out, re-enter in July, and get the highest total of any 3rd party candidate since the early 20th C. Money sure helps, doesn't it?

You might remember when an RFK could announce his candidacy after several primaries had already been held - and win enough delegates to take the nomination. That was back when a limited form of democracy was still taken seriously. (The desire of certain people to put an end to that may be why he was shot in the same hour he clinched.)

Sadly that's changed, and the media corps force product launches on the prospective Saviors of America who bring Hope and Change two years before an election. And they make them engage in Ultimate Fighting Deathmatches, at any rate the verbal equivalent. And you see these hairdo phantom politicians rush to line up for the abuse.

Even in that context, someone of substance, someone who might have three or four things worth saying, is best off skipping it. The right strategy for a Gore (who is already known and will have no trouble raising tens of millions in funds within the first days of an announcement) is not to even have his name *mentioned* as a candidate before September, unless it's for the Oscar and the Nobel Prize.

Note: The Observer is a newspaper of the genus Snarky Right-wing Insider Gossip Sheet.

[NYCGirl]

22. Re: your note. You might be thinking of the New York Sun. The NY Observer

employs Joe Conason, so it is NOT right wing.

[JackRiddler]

26. I find the Observer leans overtly right, not as much as the Sun

The Sun's the fully whacked-out one, yes. Conason is one columnist.

[NYCGirl]

32. I don't see them as right-wing —

The New York Observer is a weekly newspaper first published in New York City on September 22, 1987 by Arthur L. Carter, a very successful former investment banker with publishing interests. The Observer focuses on the city's culture, real estate, the media, politics and the entertainment and publishing industries. It covers the rich and powerful of New York with an unusual depth of coverage although has been criticized for its narrow focus on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and its liberal political perspective.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Observer

[JackRiddler]

36. An accurate description except perhaps for one word...

Yeah, it's a relatively brainy gossip organ for the rich, the Manhattan-glamorous and their concerns... "Upper East Side of Manhattan and its liberal political perspective." I guess that depends on what liberal means.

[shireen]

27. ok, i understand

i just worry that other candidates would have sucked up financial resources by the time Al enters the race. He needs the best people running his campaign, he needs the best campaign staff. I worry that they'll be committed to other people by the time he enters the race. Recruiting volunteers will be an issue too -- would they abandon their candidates for Al?

[frogcycle]

104. the smart ones will

[Exultant Democracy]

65. Great call n/t

[Cha]

75. And show up as a surprise presenter at

the Grammys with Queen Latifa to present the best Rock N Roll Album of the year that was won by The Red Hot Chili Peppers who had just performed and the confetti was still flyin'! B-)

[kath]

92. Thanks for your post, which really helps put things in perspective. The primary

process is a joke these days. And it's ridiculous beyond words that the media starts hyping all the candidate crap TWO FOKKIN' YEARS before the actual election. :puke: :puke: :puke:

[liberalla]

41. I think waiting is very wise.

He should wait until after the Oscars (his movie has been nominated you know),

He should wait until after his book, Assault on Reason is released in May,
http://www.amazon.com/Assault-Reason-Al-Gore/dp/1594201226/sr=8-5/qid=1171467860/ref=pd_bbs_sr_5/102-6903128-1024946?ie=UTF8&s=books

and he should wait until after his huge summer concert to promote global warming awareness in July:

"Al Gore has just announced ambitious plans for a rock and pop concert to promote global warming awareness.

The concert is set to take place this coming July 7th in London, Washington, Shanghai, Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town and, of course, Kyoto. The estimated global audience is projected to be 2 billion people.

Gore and co-organizers are boasting that their line-up of artists will "dwarf" other global charitable events like Live8 and Live Aid concerts."

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/2/14/030944.shtml

Then he should rest up and enjoy the rest of the summer before his September debut/re-entry in the Presidential race (fingers crossed), because as Andy Card explains, "you don't roll out new product until after labor day", or something along those lines.

It's not like he'll hiding or anything. He's going to be getting a lot of press around each of these events. He's going to be very much in the public eye, and the buzz around an Al Gore campaign will only build. By the time he announces, 75% of America will be clamoring to "Draft Gore"! The energy and enthusiasm will be keepin' on.



PLUS, in October, it may be announced that Al Gore has been selected as the Nobel Peace Prize winner for 2007. What a great start for his campaign (or should I say restart).

I think waiting is VERY wise. IMHO. :thumbsup:

[Ignacio Upton]

46. He can do it

Unlike Clark in 2004, Gore has the name recognition, campaign experience, and could easily muster the netroots to support him in a unified way (Clark was good with the netroots, but they were divided mostly between him and Dean...with Gore, he would sap away much of the netroots support for Obama, Clark and Edwards.)

[A Brand New World]

6. I SO want President Gore to take his rightful place in his house.

That would definitely take some of the pain of the past 8 years away. Please run President Gore!

[blm]

7. He will do it for his country if the other candidates fall short - and I suspect

they will.

[MiniMe]

30. I think he and Newt are using the same strategy

Waiting to be drafted to run and then announcing. Gore is playing it much cooler though. Newt is practically begging people to draft him to run in the fall, not in so many words, but it is out there. I think Newt "told my wife I wanted a divorce while she was in the hospital" has almost as much baggage as Giuliani.

Gore has never ruled out a run, he says things like "I don't anticipate running at this time". Personally, I think it is too early for all that is going on. We just got finished with an election a few months ago. Let the others argue and fight amongst themselves and the media right now. The fall is soon enough, if he should decide to run.

[Neecy]

8. Run, Al, run!

Our country will be so far down the crapper in January '09 that we'll need someone who can take over and run the joint from day one - and he's uniquely qualified to do this.

I was pissed he didn't run in '04, but I'm willing to forgive...

[Benhurst]

9. Link?

[shireen]

10. if an opening presents itself?

what does that mean? I'd like to see that opening happen, whatever it is!

[frogcycle]

14. Well, I think that is another way of staying noncommittal

if the story is true, then that statement IS a declaration. The opening is, will be, and always has been there.

He is so much more qualified than anyone else, and I think he knows it, that the "opening" is a given.

The only thing that would squelch it is some sort of resurgence of our home-grown insurgency in the person of lamebutt, et al combined with a miraculous turnaround in Iraq enabling the current occupier to preen and say 'see, I told you". But it would require the full monty - they'd have to be fulfilling cheney's wet dream spreading flowers in our path. Even that would not negate his pre-eminent superiority for the job, but it could embolden our domestic terrorists to the point where an election would just be a purple-finger exercise.

[marmar]

11. Tres bonne!

:woohoo: :applause: :bounce: :yourock: :headbang: :) :applause:

[johnnie]

13. It's a tough call for me

I would love to see him join in the race, but his work that he is doing now is so important and he is doing a hell of a job at it. I would hate to see him have to spend his days in office cleaning up bush's fucking mess and not being able to do what he loves to do.

Don't get me wrong, I like Gore and would love to see him run. It's just that whoever we choose to take office is going to be spending 99% of their time cleaning up the fuckwad's bullshit he will leave.

[frogcycle]

61. and we desperately need Al to do that

not another contender comes close

[Turn CO Blue]

16. Oh, oh, oh -- let it be so.

[NYCGirl]

17. What a great Valentine's Day present! NT

[Nickster]

18. OH BOY! Please let this be true! n/t

[jannyk]

19. Just give us the nod Al, we'll create the opening! n/t

[SammyWinstonJack]

21. WooHoo!

:woohoo: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce:

[Rosemary2205]

23. Al Gore is not a liar - he won't run.

I know I sound like a broken record. Al Gore is a man of his word and if he says he's not interested in running then I certainly believe him over "ONE influential democratic insider".

[roamer65]

25. Al will run and this time he'll be the true Al.

The country is ready for a good dose of reality, and Al will help provide it. He's just waiting for the right moment to announce.

[KittyWampus]

38. HE IS NOT RUNNING! He said as much in his book and the only reason he doesn't just say point blank

No way, no how is to use Media for attention to what he is doing on global climate change.

[Warren DeMontague]

50. If you say he's not running

That's good news- he probably is.

[KittyWampus]

63. I defended him on this fucking forum when a large segment was trashing him years ago

[Warren DeMontague]

100. Whaddaya want, a medal? Think I didn't? nt

[mzmolly]

29. But he's never said he won't run. He's said he has no intentions "at this time."

Very carefully and politically worded. ;)

[KittyWampus]

42. he is only using the media to create buzz for his work on global climate change

[ProgressiveFool]

83. not to mention that odds are

that "influential Democratic insider" was probably Donna Brazille, who just wants a job.

That said, I'm still saving myself for Gore :)

[RestoreGore]

89. I agree

He is a man of his word, and for me to think he is doing all of this as a deceptive ploy (as these articles certainly suggest) is just not something I will ever believe. The global climate crisis is his passion now, and I for one am very happy to have him out here on our side to face it and to do what he can on all levels to address it now.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

24. Good news, if true

"Gore / anybody in '08"

An unbeatable ticket, no matter what name is picked for veep.

[Mass]

28. Is it true or is it another Hillary dirty trick to make sure people wait to commit on

somebody else than her?

[ronnykmarshall]

56. Yeah .. it's another "Hillary dirty trick".

:eyes:

[mzmolly]

31. September?

Why September? Is that the deadline for announcement?

[Bake]

33. And my birthday is in September!

THAT would be a great birthday present!

Please please please, Al: RUN!!!!!

Bake

[cascadiance]

47. So's mine, was thinking of a similar post before I saw yours here..

Happy birthday to both of us then!

Perhaps with the anniversary of both 9/11 and Katrina then. Especially Katrina, with his emphasis on global warming, the timing of looking back on that tragedy, and all that this government has NOT done since then to correct both the effects and causes of that disaster, he'd be a welcome "solution" to that sort of thing in the future then, which would be a good time for him to announce running as that solution.

It could be another big hurricane hits us then too, which might make finding a solution to global warming that much more important to the American people, but I'd like to think he's not waiting for something like that to happen just to run for president then.

[vote 4 democracy]

94. me too! I was thinking the same n/t

[InvisibleTouch]

34. The mixed messages are starting to drive me nuts!

Just 2 or 3 days ago there was an article on Yahoo in which he said he's definitely, 100%, not running in '08. I didn't see one reference to it here on DU - just a bunch of hopefuls and teasers and if-onlies like this article. I'd like nothing better than for Gore to run (he'd win - again!), but I think we're deluding ourselves, quite honestly.

I've been wavering for months between hope-against-hope and not getting my hopes up. I've come to the conclusion that it's best for my own sanity to believe that he's not running (as he has said numerous times!), and then if something changes, it's a wonderful surprise. Meanwhile I'm leaning toward Kucinich as a candidate.

[Warren DeMontague]

49. I think the article in question involved an AP reporter taking what Gore said in Japan recently

and translating it into "he's definitely, 100%, not running in '08.". When in reality, he said no such thing- he said what he's been saying all along.

While there are clearly many in the Corporate Media who would LIKE to take his name out of speculation, he has not said he is "definitely not running".

[Pirate Smile]

52. A reporter who was obviously clueless about politics screwed up the article

It was wrong and they had to correct it.

Blogosphere Forces Reuters Into Gore Correction
by Chris Bowers, Tue Jan 16, 2007 at 04:02:21 PM EST

Big hat tip to MyDD diarist abc. It appears that Reuters didn't actually quote Gore after all. After reporting yesterday that he said the following:

Al Gore says that he will not run in the 2008 election, saying he was involved in "a different kind of campaign."

Now they write the following:

The one-time presidential candidate did not answer questions from the media on Monday. None of the business executives at the event asked him about rumors that he might build on the higher profile created by his environmental campaign to stand for the presidency again.

Basically, they just made the whole story up. They put words in Gore's mouth and then ran them as a headline. Clearly, with this information and based on his other recent statements, Gore has not thoroughly ruled out a run in 2008.

This isn't the first time this has happened to Gore. For years, many in the media have falsely reported that he once claimed to have invented the Internet.

If this story had not been debunked, I have little doubt that if Gore eventually decided to throw his hat into the ring, a large number of right-wing pundits, and eventually a large number of journalists, would have said Gore was going back on his word. It is in this way that failure to debunk this story would have led to yet another attack on gore based on falsehoods. Instead, intrepid blog commenters kept not only Reuters, but also me, on my toes, and prevented that from happening. Now, hopefully we can develop a narrative about the media regularly putting words in Gore's mouth, or otherwise falsely attributing quotes to him. This is the sort of thing that can help change the way the establishment media covers both Gore and indeed all leading Democrats.

A seemingly small victory, but one that can help us achieve large, positive consequences. Well done to diarist abc, all those who contacted Reuters, and all those willing to speak truth to front-page bloggers such as myself.

http://www.mydd.com/story/2007/1/16/16221/4679

[Kolesar]

53. thanks for noting that story on Reuters backpedaling...eom

[Guaranteed]

35. 26%? Sweet.

Not even running. Yet.

[ourbluenation]

37. Gore/Clark 08

:)

[CabalPowered]

57. Dream ticket!

:)

[A Brand New World]

90. My dream ticket too!

nt

[Rob H.]

39. After being savaged by the press back in 2000

while Bush was essentially given a free pass, I can understand why he wouldn't want to run again. That said, I really hope he does, especially in light of what an ongoing catastrophe this current adminstration has been--I'd be happy to vote for him again. :)

[tex-wyo-dem]

40. Please, Al, run! The world needs you!

It's yours for the taking...

Three unstoppable tickets -

Gore/Obama
Gore/Clark
Gore/Edwards

[William Bloode]

43. PLEASE AL!

I wish it whole heartedly.

[shadowknows69]

44. An opening?

Al its yours for the taking man. Make the opening. Don't let Hilary preemptively out spend you.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

45. I think it's a great idea.

Between now and September the msm will have scrutinized every irrelevant piece of crap about the current contenders, right down to the exact count of pubic hair. We'll be sick and tired of them all. And then Gore can announce and have plenty of time to run a strong solid campaign on the meat and potatoes issues.

[SharonRB]

48. Great news!

I just don't know if I can stand waiting until September!

[Edweird]

51. That's Awesome!

Gore/Clark
Gore/Edwards
Gore/anybody

[Kolesar]

54. Al Gore would pull the whole Democratic ticket up if he ran

The rallies and buzz would be hard to counter by the party of the Klan and oil money.

[Counciltucky]

55. A buddy of mine is absolutely convinced Gore is running.

He says he knows a bit of inside info, and I'm inclined to believe him when he speaks.

I wouldn't have thought Gore would run, but I'm now seriously doubting myself.

[Rainscents]

58. I HOPE HE'LL RUN!!!!!!!

[WI_DEM]

59. What does that mean "if an opening presents itself"? What kind of opening?

[frogcycle]

60. see attached

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=207545&mesg_id=207710

[Briarius]

62. He's playing this all very well

I hope he will announce, but not hurry too much. I think he can generate a great deal of buzz and if nothing else, take the debate away from the 'terra' subject.

[robinlynne]

64. yes yes yes!!!!!!!!! Gore/Feingold sure sounds good. nt

[sellitman]

71. Wow.....

just wow.

My dream ticket!

[robinlynne]

79. or Gore/Conyers, Gore/Obama, Gore/Clark. They all sound damn good....

[hippiechick]

105. oh hellz yeah !

:applause: :applause: :applause:

[malaise]

66. Great news

Go Al!!

[Control-Z]

67. As long as there's a chance

that Al will run I can't get behind ANY other candidate. He is my man. I will pound the pavement for him if he runs. Gosh, I hope he does.

[ourbluenation]

68. bump - we have a du Al Gore group. Here's the link.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=260

Gore/Clark 08

[Vinca]

69. Gore could woo me away from Obama if his health care plan is right. nt

[Dean Martin]

82. No one can whither my support of Obama

However, if Obama does not get the nomination and Gore decides to run and does, I will vote for Gore. HRC's the only one I will not vote for.

[Kurovski]

88. Obama would make a great VP!

Gore/Obama in '08.

[Dean Martin]

95. Especially if he can then take over as president in 012 or 016

Although I wish he could just become prez in 2008.

[keepCAblue]

70. Run, Al, Run!!!!

:loveya::headbang::hi::bounce::party::toast::blush::applause::popcorn::patriot:




AL GORE 2008 @ Mass Madness Designs

Al Gore. Winner of the 2000 presidential election popular vote by 500,000 votes. Subject of the Academy Award nominated film, "An Inconvenient Truth." Nominated for the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. There is no wiser choice for America. If anyone can save our country--and our planet--from all the death, destruction and ill will G.W. Bush and his neocons have wrought, it is Al Gore, the once and future president.

[sellitman]

72. I hope he doesn't enter too late like Clark did last time around.

Not that I was a Clark supporter but I'd like to see a fair race with all our candidates having equal time in the sun.

Please run Al !!!!!!!

[tinfoilinfor2005]

73. Gore is vetted and pretty much a household name around the country.

I think a late entry wouldn't hurt him a bit, if anything he would avoid the yammering nit picking talking heads to his benefit.

[Cha]

76. YEah, I'm thinking Gore learned

a thing or two along the way re: punditheads and presidential campaigning. :)

[stop the bleeding]

74. Now this is some good news

thanx kpete as always :)

[Straight Shooter]

77. Gore/Wyden 2008!

My Senator is awesome, too. :P

[Klimmer]

78. Instant Karma --- Al Gore for President, John Kerry for Vice President . . .

The GOP and the Neo-con Rethug administration wouldn't know what hit them.

This would be an awesome team. They would be unstoppable. Everyone would have so much hope and energy if Gore picked Kerry to be his right hand man. WOW. Just think of it. It would be amazing.

(And it would be the other sides worst nightmare. They know it would be unstoppable.)

Justice, Karma, and hope all bundled together. This would be the dream team for sure.

[YvonneCa]

93. That's my hope...

...too ! :7

[JBear]

80. Gore/Dean......nt.

[MasonJar]

81. I have supported Al Gore since the first time he ran. No matter who

is ahead if Al gets in, he is the man.

[snappyturtle]

84. Nothing could make a better b'day gift for me! n/t

[earth mom]

85. Gore has won over so many people at this point that there is NO DOUBT he'll win!

Of course, he won in 2000 too, but this time it will be a landslide! :woohoo:

[Kurovski]

86. September? That's perfect. He can avoid wasting time

fielding all the RW manufactured swiftboat crapola and talking head horseshit.

That is, if no one else really takes off as a candidate.

I still think he'd knock them out of the running if he jumped in, even at a late date.

I guess that's what he's waiting to see. So far, no one really seems as suited to the job as Gore does, IMO.

Let the RW money folks and goons burn themselves out attempting to trounce everyone else in the meantime.

K&R

[MelissaB]

87. Champaign mind and heart kicking on Valentines Day

hoping that Gore will run. :loveya:

Drunk as a skunk, but hoping for Gore. :)

[lonestarnot]

91. September egh? Yessssssssssssssss!

[emmadoggy]

96. Be still my heart!!!

Gore/Feingold '08!!

:loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

[Lena inRI]

97. GORE = CLARK 2008

their teaming up would be the perfect combination and. . .

POETIC JUSTICE

for both 2000 and 2004 election manipulations.

:toast: :kick: :toast: :kick: :toast: :kick:

[Triana]

98. Until and unless HE (Gore) says he's absolutely running...

...the rest of this is just wishful thinking and speculation. Puh. For that reason, I tend to ignore these threads, mostly and am gonna go back to doing just that now. No offense kpete - but sitting around on DU getting all excited over what some talking head said Gore might do if the planets are aligned and the moon is full and...blah blah is just a waste of time and energy, IMO.

But - to each his/her own. It's you all's time and energy. I'll spend mine on other threads!

:)

[Pierogi_Pincher]

99. oooh

gettin' woozey again

ahm in luuve :loveya:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/algore2008/petitionsign-472.htm

P_P

edit to add: "Good Things Happen in September".

[Red Right and BLUE]

101. PLEASE LET IT BE SO. nt

[usregimechange]

102. Run.

[frustrated_lefty]

103. With his own money, he flew people out from Katrina

while the politicians haggled. I would like to see him run.

[pecwae]

106. My fervent hope!

"Gore at 26% without running."