Do you think Gore won't run in '08 because of Hillary?

[WI_DEM]

I like many people here would love to see Al Gore run again in 2008 and claim the prize he won in 2000 only to have it stolen from him. I've thought that he might emulate Nixon who lost in a squeeker in 1960 and them came back in '68 to win the WH. But Gore continues to say he isn't interested and isn't going to run.

Is it possible that one of the reasons is that he doesn't want to run against Hillary Clinton? At one time the Clinton's and Gore's were good friends though I understand that in '00 there were some hard feelings because of Gore's decision not to use Clinton in as he tried to establish his own identity and was afraid that Clinton's scandals may turn off Independent voters.

Is it possible that he doesn't want to get into a slug-match against the Clinton machine?

[SaveElmer]

1. I don't think it matters...

I don't think Gore will run again no matter who is in the race. I get the sense he is enjoying the freedom to say what he likes without worrying about the partisan politics involved.

[BattyDem]

7. Exactly! Gore has risen far above ...

the Democratic Party as a whole. He is no longer a mere party member - he is a beacon of light, showing us the way out of the darkness! :patriot:

Let's hope Americans open their eyes to see it.

[lvx35]

9. Good point

True too...Its a good thing to remember that everybody has their calling, and you can do a lot of good doing it...I think its true that Gore does more good "outside" of politics than he does in them, he does more good for everybody.

[lvx35]

2. Well, if you take his own words, he's a "recovering politician"

Or rather, he doesn't like being a politician, he'd rather interact with people and have some fun, like the TV channel and other stuff he was working on. It may just be that he's telling the truth; I mean, would you rather be a politician under constant attack, watching all your words, or going out having fun doing whatever?
And I do think Hillary would beat him.

[BattyDem]

15. I don't think she would beat him

Gore is no longer playing politics - he is simply saying and doing what he thinks is right. I think this country is fed up with the corruption and self-serving agendas of politicians and Gore is the perfect man to tap into that frustration because he's been "out of the loop" since 2000. His biggest mistake in 2000 was that he tried to be all things to all people instead of just being "Al Gore." Today, he's very much his own man and he in not the slightest bit afraid to speak truth to power. As Americans are slowly waking up to the lies, truth will become more and more appealing. JMHO

[lvx35]

16. I hope you're right

but I've seen polls that indicate that the opinion of Hillary on DU is just held by the minority whose really in the loop, while most Americans think she's the best candidate to run against Bush. However, I think you're basically right, and the majority does tend to catch up with the well informed minority over time...And there is still two years till 2008!

[BattyDem]

18. That's true, but ...

I would trust those polls a lot more if they didn't always seem to favor the GOP perspective. After all, it's the Repugs and their media hacks who have been "talking up" Hillary for the last couple of years, not the Dems.

I wish we had a poll that we KNEW was trustworthy. :-(

[lvx35]

20. well, we'll see lots of polls coming out in 2007/8

Most people haven't started thinking about it yet, so the real info will come out later. I have a feeling you're going to be right, but we'll see. But there is also a really strong sense that we can "avenge Bill Clinton" by putting Hillary in the Whitehouse. We'll see if that vengefulness takes a place in people's minds over issues.

[helderheid]

3. perhaps it would be a good ticket - Gore/Clinton ?

[Sydnie]

5. No - don't even say that.

She should not be anywhere NEAR that race in 08. She is too dividing of our own party for me to even consider that as a posibility.

[helderheid]

13. If it would be a pragmatic move, I'd be all over it.

[lvx35]

6. hehe. I just had that thought.

But then I decided that I wouldn't like it, I want to see some new blood on the ticket with the old. Something like Clinton Clark, or Gore Dean (not gonna happen) would be better than two old ones or two new ones to me.

[BattyDem]

12. Gore/Dean is my dream ticket ...

though I know it'll never happen. However, Gore/Clark has a nice ring to it ... as does, Gore/Conyers, Gore/Boxer and Gore/Feingold. :bounce:

[lvx35]

19. Yeah, that would be a great couple of people.

But of course Dean is wrapped up in the DNC. I understand why people want Clark, because Bush made military issues something we're going to have to deal with for awhile, so we need somebody with experience.

Interesting note. I thought Gore had no military service for some reason, then I looked him up on wikipedia:

Gore stated many times that he opposed the Vietnam War, but chose to enlist anyway. Some observers have noted that Gore could have avoided Vietnam in a number of ways. Gore considered all these options, but said that his sense of civic duty compelled him to serve.

It never ceases to amaze me how much better our guys are than the chickenhawks.

[BattyDem]

21. Yep, he served ...

but because he was "only" an Army journalist, his service was not good enough for the GOP chickenhawks. :eyes:

[0007]

4. Way to early to make any predictions, wait until after the 06 elections.

'Tis not craved in stone that Gore won't run in 08.

[napi21]

8. I doubt his decision has anything to do with whe else is running.

After watching the last 2 campaigns, AND watching the West Wing campaign, I can only imagine what a personal trauma it has to take on all the candidates. Constant badgering, defending lies, arguing with the media, and all the rest...I question why ANYONE would even want to run for President, let alone do it TWICE!!!!

I think he still wants to voice his opinion, and say the things that need to be said, but doesn't want to get into the gutter and roll in the slime anymore. Can't say that I blame him either!

[Zen Democrat]

10. This did it today. Gore's our man in 2008. He has it exactly right.

Not to mention that he was denied the presidency, in spite of receiving the most votes, in 2000 by a strange action of the Supreme Court (not to mention the theft of the Florida electors).

Al Gore has the name recognition, the background, and he has the big picture of what's happening to America under Bush and Cheney.

I don't think there's love lost between the Clintons and the Gores. I may be wrong, but they haven't been close since leaving office.

Also, the bullshit that the media pulled on Gore in 2000 won't work anymore. The shelf-life of those lies has expired.

I think Democrats should work to draft Al Gore for president.

Vice president? Why, Wesley Clark, of course.

[lvx35]

11. I would LOVE that combo: Gore Clark

I couldn't ask for a better one.

[azmouse]

14. I don't want Hilary to run.

She couldn't win.

[DanCa]

17. Unless President Gore wants to run to stop a senator clinton ticket.

Just food for thought.

[ScreamingMeemie]

22. "many people here"...that's the important part of your post.

My husband, and many people like him, were left with a very bad taste in their mouths after 2000. While many people here (and I would force my husband ;)) would vote for Mr. Gore...many people would stay home for lack of a candidate they were happy with. I think Gore backing someone wholeheartedly, now that he is actually speaking out, is the way to go. :hi:

[Adelante]

23. I'm with Mr. Grumpy

I would never support Al Gore in a primary race, although I would let you force me to vote for him in a GE, natch. :)

[ScreamingMeemie]

24. I wrote your name down...Just in case I have to use the Grumpy

mind meld on you. :) :hi: