Al Gore says he can't imagine running for the White House again. But Hollywood disagrees

[Flabbergasted]

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article2296837.ece

Here's a scenario that sounds like it could only be invented in Hollywood. Al Gore wins an Oscar this weekend for his documentary An Inconvenient Truth. Later this year, he is the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to raise awareness of global warming. At which point, why shouldn't he also run for president?

It's a scenario that has crossed more than a few minds in Hollywood this week, not only because of the Academy Awards on Sunday but also because the two current Democratic frontrunners, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, have already come to blows on their respective first big tours of the Hollywood fund-raising circuit.

For the moment, the former vice-president, who came maddeningly close to clinching the presidency in 2000, has ruled himself out about as categorically as anyone can. "I have no intention to run for president," he told the BBC last week. "I can't imagine in any circumstance to run for office again."

That, though, hasn't stopped some of his supporters, especially in liberal bastions like Hollywood, from imagining a scenario in which, later this year or early next, Senators Clinton and Obama have beaten each other senseless and Mr Gore is pressed into service in extremis as the voice of experience with the right issues on his side - starting with global warming - and plenty of public goodwill left over from his non-victory in the bitterly contested 2000 presidential election.

[ClintonTyree]

1. Works for me...

whatever the reason, RUN AL, RUN! :)

[FARAFIELD]

2. GORE ISNT NOMINATED

So he isnt going to win, he is a presenter tonight, I mean call me a stickler for the truth, but Im not sure where this myth about him being nominated came from, In the DOcumentary Feature, it is the Director that wins. I love AL, but dang, but im also an Oscar trivia guy and I wish I had a dollar for evertime Ive seen a story about him "winning" an Oscar he isnt up for. I think Shareeka Epps was great in Half Nelson, but she isnt going to win tonight because she isnt nominated. Im just putting that out there for all the people that might watch tonight expecting to see him win and letting them know it wont happen.

[Flabbergasted]

3. Yep he's not running. I don't get it either. nt

[jakem]

4. You're all missing the point!

If he can win an oscar for which he is not nominated...

then he can win the presidency without running!!!

[AtomicKitten]

5. It is clear after watching the Oscars

that Hollywood would open their arms, hearts, and pocketbooks for the man.

It is his for the taking.

[Apollo11]

6. Al Gore was looking great last night!

He looks like he is ready to keep working and keep contributing over the coming ten years.

Maybe he will keep doing what he is doing right now (raising awareness through books and speeches, working in an almost "non-partisan" way). Or maybe he will change his plans depending on changing circumstances (and I think all of us know that plans can change when our circumstances change or when new opportunities present themselves - so I hope nobody will try to fight me on this "undeniable truth").

I think Al Gore is keeping his options open right now, watching how the "pre-season" goes. I don't think he yet knows what he will do in 2008.

There is no hurry for Gore to enter the race for 2008. He is doing a great job raising public awareness about the climate crisis. He will testify at a Congressional Hearing in Washington on March 21st.

Gore is also busy working on his next book "The Assault on Reason" - to be published in May. The theme of this book - why we need better decision-making in government - is very timely (whether he runs or not).

Depending on how things pan out, and the reaction to his book, Gore can consider his situation over the summer and announce his decision (or if you prefer - "change his mind") sometime in the fall.

Don't forget that Bill Clinton did not kick-off his campaign until October 1991. But Al Gore already has nationwide respect and name recognition that other wannabees can only wish for!

And by the way - Gore is younger than Hillary, Clark, McCain and Guiliani (I'm not saying age is the most important factor - but you should be ready to serve for a full 8 years).

Unless and until Gore endorses another candidate, we have to assume that he is keeping his options open. So it is too soon for those of us who prefer Gore to switch our allegiance.


Let's all find ways to show our support for Al Gore! :patriot:

Read Rolling Stone magazine: WHY GORE SHOULD RUN -- AND HOW HE CAN WIN
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/13248532/why_gore_should_run__and_how_he_can_win

Get ready for Al Gore's next book - The Assault on Reason - out in May!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/16/AR2006091600877.html

Visit the following websites:
www.algore.com
www.algore.org
www.draftgore.com - Sign the petition! :)

:kick: