'Draft Gore' Movement Makes '08 Pitch

[sabra]

Source: ABC News

ABC News' Nitya Venkataraman Reports: Grassroots organization DraftGore.com pleaded with former Vice President Al Gore to enter the 2008 presidential fray via an "open letter" in the New York Times.

Written on behalf of volunteers and petitioners behind the DraftGore movement and addressed to Gore, the full-page ad in the Times' A-section says:

"You say you have fallen out of love with politics, and you have every reason to feel that way. But we know you have not fallen out of love with your country. And your country needs you now -- as do your party and the planet you are fighting so hard to save."

...

DraftGore.com Treasurer Eva Ritchey told ABC News the ad cost them nearly $65,000 and ran on stand-by, meaning the ad's run date could not be guaranteed. Though the ad has been part of the group's larger strategy since late spring, DraftGore.com founder Monica Friedlander says the money for the ad was raised in six days following an appeal about ten days ago to their 136,000-member signature base. Friedlander says most contributions came in small donations in the $20-$50 range.

Ritchey says the "ad belongs to the petitioners."


Read more: http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/10/draft-gore-move.html

---

Ad link: http://dove.he.net/~gore2008/DraftGore_ad2.pdf

[SlowDownFast]

1. Recommended.

See this also:

Al Gore's Fans Make 2008 Draft Pitch

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: October 10, 2007

Filed at 11:34 a.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Draftgore.com, which describes itself as a group of grass-roots Democrats, underwrote a full-page open letter to Al Gore in Wednesday's New York Times, imploring the former vice president to enter the presidential campaign.

The ad, which says 136,000 people have signed Draftgore's online petition, was published two days before this year's Nobel Peace Prize is expected to be announced. Gore has been nominated for the prize because of his campaign to bring attention to global warming.

''America and the Earth need a hero right now -- someone who will transcend politics as usual and bring real hope to our country and to the world,'' Draftgore's letter said.

Monica Friedlander, founder and chair of Draftgore.com, said the timing of the $65,000 ad was a coincidence and not related to the prize.

''All we're trying to do is persuade him that it's a moral imperative for him to be a candidate,'' said Friedlander, 47, a public relations specialist in Oakland, Calif. She said the group raised the money for the ad with an e-mail solicitation sent out last week, receiving more than 2,000 donations.

more:
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Draft-Gore.html?_r=1&oref=slogin



Run, Al, Run!!!

[ooglymoogly]

14. For earths sake Al, put us out of our misery and run!!! kr

[Purveyor]

59. I thoughts exactly... Now Al...NOW!!! eom

[eowyn_of_rohan]

73. link to CBS poll - "Do you want Al Gore to run"

Do you want Al Gore to run for president in 2008? Vote yes or no.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/10/politics/main3355237.shtml?source=mostpop_story

[crispini]

2. Niiiiiiiiiiiice.

:kick:

[Patsy Stone]

3. K&R

Hey, girl! How are you?

[crispini]

46. Hey, girl! Doing OK!

I only stick my head into DU every now and then these days. I need to come by the clubhouse and say HI! :hi:

[Patsy Stone]

48. The other kids would love it

I miss ya. :hug:

[crispini]

49. Awww. You guys rock.

:hug:

Would you believe, I DON'T HAVE CABLE anymore? Long involved story about Me vs. Cable Company -- end result -- I am waiting for AT&T to wire my 'hood for fiber optic so I can get digital all in one .... if they don't get it in the next month or so, I may have to cave and call the cable company back..... LOL.

[Patsy Stone]

50. Wow!

No talking heads. Life's probably better that way. :)

Did you ever move east?

[crispini]

67. No, I get up there every couple of months for work though.

I should try to ping Bunny next time I go up to the big NYC. :) How's stuff with you?

[Voltaire]

4. Here's to hoping this draws him out somewhat

If not, I will have to write my own name on the ballot for President. Because there is no way I will submit to having Hillary Clinton shoved up my ass.

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

6. What's Your Name?

I'll vote for ya over Clinton Monarchy Part II.

[Samantha]

18. I'll second that

except I was going to write-in Al Gore for President, but if you are successful in acquiring his or her name, I will write that name in as Vice President.

[SoFlaJet]

7. which is

exactly what seems to be happening to us Volaire. I don't get these polls-nobody I know likes her-no one on here or any of the other sites I go to seems to either-how is she leading in these polls?

[Voltaire]

12. Is another Clinton the best we can do?

More triangulation? Even less conviction? A steady beat of Bush - - Clinton - - Bush - - Clinton? With all that needs to be fixed, is she the best we can do?

Remember the LAST person we nominated because they were electable? Turned out really well didn't it??

I do not understand why people give her the time of day. I really don't.

But if it must be her. . .

then. . .


VOLTAIRE FOR PRESIDENT 2008!!! Can't Buy Me!

[mod mom]

53. I'm writing AL GORE if Hillary is the nominee. I'm stganding up to the party on

principle. I believe since I am technically voting for a Democrat (and the most qualified one at that) I won't have to leave DU and I still remaining loyal to the party.

[rayofreason]

61. That will be too late.

It is probably too late already. Hillary has it in the bag.

[RoccoR5955]

5. K & R Run Al, Run. We need you! nt

[JNelson6563]

8. If nothing else this campaign

will certainly convey the message that a great many of us hold him in the very highest regard. Small reward for all he's done (and will continue to do) but it still has to feel pretty good.

To President Gore! :toast: :patriot:

Julie

[Le Taz Hot]

71. Wouldn't you just LOVE

to be a fly on the wall in the Hillary camp after they read that ad? :popcorn:

[RestoreGore]

9. The timing of this ad was a coincidence?

"Monica Friedlander, founder and chair of Draftgore.com, said the timing of the $65,000 ad was a coincidence and not related to the prize."

What bull. As if they didn't know it would come out today. They can't even allow him to enjoy this. They even have to try to overshadow the Nobel Peace Prize announcement to get their names in the paper. And 65,000 dollars for an ad? And to a newspaper that on more than one occassion trashed his work? What a waste when that money could have gone to something to actually do good for this planet. I still wonder how many of those who supposedly signed it also signed the Live Earth pledge to really help Mr. Gore. I think this was done to actually publicly put pressure on him and embarrass him. I don't see anything noble in it at all, and I don't care what anyone thinks of that.

[Subdivisions]

10. So what if they timed it to coincide with the Nobel announcement.

What better time to make the pitch? The fact is some of us want Gore to be president and I don't care what it takes to get the ball rolling.

[RestoreGore]

11. They you're living in denial

Because according to reports I read today, his spokesperson already stated that he appreciates the sentiment behind the ad but he has no intentions of running for president. So at what point now do you think this now borders on harrassment? And timing this ad deliberately with the Nobel announcement was rude to the extreme because it makes it political and puts pressure on Mr. Gore he should not have to bear. And yes, I know you don't care as, that has been evident here by the comments of many for months now. You don't care about his organizations, his work, or what matters to him. That is crystal clear now.

[jaysunb]

20. link to that report...please.

I need to see that.

[RestoreGore]

22. Here you go

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=amw.PUfLC6Og&refer=home

[jaysunb]

44. Well, I guess that does it...

:evilfrown:

[orleans]

27. (don't restore gore?)

[Stuckinthebush]

33. Yes, it's an ironic name isn't it

RestoreGore is very active in the Let's Not Restore Gore movement.

[RestoreGore]

37. You got your answer before

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2001272&mesg_id=2012366

Live with it.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

66. Are you here for amusement? I quote:

"... Now everyone is so gung ho on "restoring" something they let slip away and I find that to be actually amusing...."

[SlowDownFast]

55. Dayum. Ignored is all over this thread, ain't she? n/t

[Stuckinthebush]

68. Yup

;)

[orleans]

64. .

:headbang: yep.

[snappyturtle]

28. Gore's a big boy and he has withstood far worse than an

advertisement wanting him to run for President.

The reason many, if not all, of Gore's supporters want him to run is because they are behind him in combating climate change! To say those who signed the draft (in your first reply) probably didn't sign the Live Earth pledge is gobble-dee-guk! What???????????? I'd like to know how you are so sure of yourself....do you have numbers you haven't shared? What does RestoreGore mean if not to the Presidency? I'm sorry but I truly don't understand your position.

[RestoreGore]

31. Really? Then why wasn't that 65,000 dollars donated to his organization?

"I still wonder how many of those who supposedly signed it also signed the Live Earth pledge"

And that's what I typed. I didn't state they didn't I stated that I wonder if they all did. And if I wish to doubt it that's my prerogative. And Mr. Gore understands my position, and that is all that is important to me.

[Stuckinthebush]

34. It's a better investment that's why

This group believes they can influence him to run (even if you don't). Given that belief, then the 65K will go much farther in protecting this planet by helping Gore get in a position of power where he can actually do more for the environment than in giving it to his organization where its impact will be minimal in comparison.

[RestoreGore]

36. What roundabout BS

"than in giving it to his organization where its impact will be minimal in comparison."

Really? And on what facts do you base that observation on? Another veiled insult to the man. And you won't help him do anything he can't do himself. God some of you really are full of yourselves here.

[Stuckinthebush]

40. Pot...kettle

Full of ourselves? Jeez RS you are the one who constantly slams everyone who even mentions Gore's name. It sounds like you are the one full of yourself. If only the rest of us would understand how misguided we were in wanting to restore Gore, huh?

How is it an insult to say that Gore would have much greater impact on positive global enviromental progress as the President of the US than as a celebrity? That is fact. Power is useful.

[RestoreGore]

41. You think him a "celebrity"

That is a huge insult to the man and the fact that you can't even see that is very telling.

[Stuckinthebush]

45. You don't?

THat's an insult. You don't see him as celebrated?

God, how insulting.

[RestoreGore]

69. I see him as a visionary statesman who is celebrated, but not a "celebrity" the way you phrased it

You know damn well what you meant and the connotation of it and he far surpasses it. And the constant belitting of his work and organizations by people who seem to me just a little too gung ho with the political pushing is beginning to look suspicious. I wonder how many freepers have infiltrated the Draft Gore movement, because it seems to me that they would actually salivate to see him pushed out into this mess to battle Hillary Clinton and give them the distration and excitement they are looking for. Wanting him to run is one thing... but the incessant OBSESSION is again, getting suspicious.

[stlsaxman]

47. I signed both.

:hi:

[JMDEM]

15. Man, you are right on top of every post about Gore

Do you have to work for a living, or is this your job?

[RestoreGore]

23. Is it yours?

You're always here and my personal life is none of your business.

[Stuckinthebush]

35. RestoreGore is like clockwork on these things

It's the "let's not restore gore" movement. I'm sure it takes a lot of time and effort to keep up with all the Gore posts.

[RestoreGore]

38. About as much as it takes for you to follow me around in them

To say nothing.

[Stuckinthebush]

43. Kinda hard not to find you on these things

Saying nothing.

[kimmerspixelated]

30. I see a pattern in that

you don't seem to find a lot of good in anything.

[RestoreGore]

32. I find good and hope in his work now

Too bad you don't.

[JMDEM]

74. RestoreGore -- you are truly spooky

Obviously it is your intention to make sure Gore doesn't run. You seem to try to stamp out all enthusiasm for such a run on this site.

But why? Gore seems to be quite capable of making up his own mind. Why do you have to be the "guardian at the gate".

To be quite honest, there are only two things that make sense to me:

1. You are employed by quite "Anti-Gore" people to keep up this effort

or

2. You have an extremely unhealthy obsession with the man himself, and somehow want him all for yourself. You veiw his becoming President as taking Gore away from you in on sense or another.

It's truly spooky, either way.

[Duncan]

13. Please defend Gore

Please go make a comment at this Wired article:

http://www.wired.com/politics/law/news/2007/10/gore?showAllComments=true

The comments need help badly. 1 pro-Gore, 3 Gore-bashing.

[Pastiche423]

17. Thank you for the link

It is now 2 pro Gore.

[Akoto]

16. I really think he needs to be left alone.

He is an intelligent man who is fully capable of making the decision himself. If he has decided to run, I'm sure we'll hear about it. I'd love to see him enter the race as much as the next guy, but he's repeatedly stated that he has no plans, and I would hope that people would respect that.

[sandyj999]

21. I really agree with you. This country doesn't own him. n/t

[RestoreGore]

39. I agree.

[Mister Ed]

54. To make that decision for himself, he would surely need to guage the level of public support for him

What's happened here is that a bunch of people banded together to voice their support. I can find nothing wrong with that.

One of the most important things a person would have to ask himself when trying to decide whether to toss his hat into the ring is: "would the people want me?" I'd hate for him to be unaware of the widespread approval he enjoys. Why would anyone want him kept in the dark about that?

[jaysunb]

19. My money was well spent !

Please Al....JUST DO IT !

[sarcasmo]

24. Kick for a REAL Democrat, not one posing as a Democrat.

[Kurovski]

25. K&R. (nt)

[orleans]

26. full page great ad--with nice pic of al, profile, hair blowing in wind

i heard randi say the ad was out today so i ran out and bought a copy of the new york times. it's a keeper!

[dickbearton]

29. K&R.

[deacon]

42. k + r Let's do it Al - run!

[rosesaylavee]

51. Recommended. n/t

[NastyDiaper]

52. NYT Page A15!

It's really worth subscribing for delivery.
Frank Rich Sunday is a must-have.

[garybeck]

56. Link to actual ad?

n/t

[usregimechange]

57. kr

[Politicub]

58. I'm growing weary of the draft Gore movement

Of course, I would support him as the dem nominee, but I'm not unhappy with the other dems who are actively running.

If Gore is mulling a run, I wish he would shit or get off the pot, as they say.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

60. K&R The ad looks great

and the last paragraph of the letter said it all for me:

Mr. Vice President, there are times for politicians and times for heroes. America and the Earth need a hero right now - someone who will transcend politics as usual and bring real hope to our country and to the world. Please rise to this challenge, or you and millions of us will live forever wondering what might have been."

[SheilaT]

62. What bothers me so much

about this is that all the time, energy, and money that's being put into the Draft Gore movement would be better spent in either supporting one of the many who are actually running, or by pushing the Democratic leadership (including all those who are running) to understand to what extent the vast majority of Americans oppose the war in Iraq, want some kind of universal health care, want our Constitution restored, and, oh, I can't even begin to enumerate all the other issues.

Instead, good people, sincere Democrats are wasting everything in the futile hope that Gore can be persuaded to run. I'm so afraid that we'll wind up with Hillary, who is Republican Lite at her best. And we'll wind up with her for many of the same reasons we wound up with Kerry in '04, who was, as I kept on telling everyone who would listen, was the worst possible candidate. And I turned out to be right.

What we need to be doing is holding everyone's feet to the fire, making it clear that we will NOT support anyone who supports staying in Iraq, who doesn't understand that every single citizen deserves health care, that our Constitution needs to be upheld.

Oh, yeah, and I am another one who can't quite figure out who it is who's saying they'll vote for Hillary.

[harpboy_ak]

63. None of the above...

What bothers me so much about this is that all the time, energy, and money that's being put into the Draft Gore movement would be better spent in either supporting one of the many who are actually running

Sorry, but right now I'd vote for "None of the above". Seriously, none of the candidates running are anyone I want to see in the White House, especially Corporate Queen Hilary, who now wants to shove 401Ks down our throats as well as mandatory payments for health insurance to the slimeball insurance companies that won't let folks like me with pre-existing conditions buy insurance unless we can get it through our employers, and then deny claims anyway.

If Al will back single payer national health care, I want him to run, but none of the current candidates. I had hope for Obama until he started refusing to take stands and showed NO leadership on the war. We need leadership, not leadersheep, and Gore is the only one that can do it. After all, he WAS elected once before.

[Le Taz Hot]

72. Oooh!! "Leadersheep!"

I'm SOOO gonna steal that. :evilgrin:

[Apollo11]

65. Al Gore is the best person for the job. Period.

The DraftGore ad is a very well-written letter that will contribute to raising awareness about all the issues we care about, while at the same time showing Al Gore and the Democratic Party as a whole just a tiny glimpse of the kind of high regard and respect that we have for OUR PRESIDENT - THE MAN WHO WOULD BE PRESIDENT RIGHT NOW IF ALL THE VOTES IN FLORIDA HAD BEEN COUNTED. B-)

At worst - the ad is harmless. If Al Gore's spokesperson says "he truly appreciates the sentiment behind the ad" then it is totally unnecessary to make unfounded claims that people are harrassing Al Gore or trying to embarrass him or are taking any attention away from his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.

I think one of the most important points here is that IT DOES MATTER WHO WILL BE PRESIDENT OF THE USA FROM JANUARY 2009 THRU JANUARY 2017. I get the impression that some people here don't think it is all that important. Better to have a Democrat in the Whitehouse than a Republican, but apart from that - it won't make all that much difference to the country and to the planet.

I STRONGLY BELIEVE IT DOES MATTER WHO IS THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE USA - for the future of the country AND for the future of the entire planet.

I ALSO BELIEVE THAT AL GORE IS THE BEST PERSON FOR THE JOB. I'm not saying that nobody else could do the job. Just that none of the already-announced candidates is as well-qualified as Al Gore.

If Al Gore believes that one of the already-announced candidates has the courage and determination to do what is necessary to provide leadership to the world in addressing the Climate Crisis and its consequences, then I think he should publicly endorse his preferred candidate.

But if Al Gore cannot honestly say that one of the current candidates is the right person for the job - then he should steel himself for the fight and jump into the race.

Of course I recognize that we can't force Al Gore to be a candidate if he really doesn't want to do it. But he wanted the job in 1988 and 2000, so maybe a small part of him still wants it now.

IN GORE WE TRUST :patriot:
www.algore.com
www.algore.org
www.draftgore.com
www.americaforgore.org

:kick:

[ecstatic]

70. I must say, this was a brilliant plan & I can't believe it's actually getting MSM coverage

Also, it builds up Al Gore's cred, should he get in the race. Good job. I'm not a supporter, but I'm happy because I think our side is starting to do a great job of getting our ideas-whatever they may be- out there.