"Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world/Like a Colossus..." ~Shakespeare
Al Gore might not be the next Julius Caesar, but his influence over the Democratic Party at this point certainly parallels that of J.C. over the Roman Republic.
If Gore decides to run in 2008, Democratic voters have a counterbalance to their party's most visible current candidates: Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards. More than any other candidate, Gore would remind the Democrats that they have "unfinished business" ... a reckoning with the Republicans after the Supreme Court decision Bush v. Gore gave the presidency to George W. Bush in 2000.
The Democratic debaters on Monday night realized this. Only Sen. Joe Biden responded to a two-person question sent from Murfreesboro in Gore's state of Tennessee.
"This here question's for all you candidates," the Volunteer State duo said. "Mainstream media seems awfully interested in old Al Gore these days. Is he losing weight? What's it say in his book? Is he still worried about all the ice? They interpret all these as signs that he may or may not run. They really want to know if Al Gore's going to run again. Yes. Well, what we want to know is does that hurt you-all's feelings?" (Biden said it hurt Tennesseans' feelings.)
Even if Gore does not run, he can relish in establishing an "electoral footprint" on the candidates. For they are sounding increasingly more liberal and less Republican-lite. Their comments reveal this. Clinton said that "we haven't really seriously addressed this incredibly important issue of global warming and energy efficiency."
Edwards told a different questioner that "We need to find fuels that are in fact renewable, clean, and will allow us to address directly the question that has been raised, which is the issue of global warming, which I believe is a crisis." And Obama's proposals ranged from exploring nuclear power to developing solar power to "drastically increasing fuel efficiency standards on cars."
Gore's heirs are sounding more faithful than Mark Antony ever did. Perhaps that sigh you just heard from Gore is one of contentment.
Reader Comments ( Page 4 of 6)
46. Al Gore is the absolutley right person for these times- no one else comes close. I would work my butt off for him!
Barbara Upton at 1:00PM on Jul 29th 2007
47. A third party ticket of Kucinich and Paul is laughable. America needs a grassroots third party movement with candidates at the state and federal level. Who cares about the ticket itself if the Republicans and Democrats still control the House and Senate. Both Paul and Kucinich have always been on their party's fringe. They speak for a tiny constituency and are destined for the history books and nothing else
Alistair at 1:41PM on Jul 29th 2007
48. I think Gore should run for president - something needs to be done about this war and the environment.
Catmehitable at 1:53PM on Jul 29th 2007
49. all the friends i have dont care for the ones running now. but we all talk about al gore and how he is the best
hadrian89 at 2:14PM on Jul 29th 2007
50. IF AL CORE DOESN'T RUN THIS TIME, TO SAVE UNITED STATE OF AMERICA. HE MUST BE THE SHELFISH MAN ON EARTH, AN WILL NEVER FORGIVE HIM.
JULES at 2:36PM on Jul 29th 2007
51. When did Al Gore become cool ????
You Dems are so funny.
Rob at 4:08PM on Jul 29th 2007
52. As an attorney suing large corporations in Florida, my checkbook is ready for a Gore candidacy. I am ready for another pre-election day South Beach party. BRING ON AL.
David K in Miami Fla at 5:06PM on Jul 29th 2007
53. Al Gore has been accused of anti-Bush sentiment by alaming the world to the danger of man made climate change. What's humorous is he has 120 countries around the world agree with him just to make Bush look bad.
fltz24 at 7:20PM on Jul 29th 2007
54. I agree, this country (and the world) NEEDS Al Gore. If the climate crisis is not seriously addressed SOON, it will exacerbate all the other problems this country and the world are having. I won't be surprised if he runs but when should he jump into the ring? The election's only 14 months away? I saw him on Larry King not too long ago and was amazed at the different take he has on solutions to some of this country's major problems. He is brilliant. Al Gore for President!! and Barak Obama??
jackie at 8:41PM on Jul 29th 2007
55. I can not vote for Gore. I am a farmer and he is to green for me, North Dakota Farmers
Roger Branning at 9:51PM on Jul 29th 2007
56. Gore/Richardson....I like it!
PH at 9:49PM on Jul 29th 2007
57. It is still impossible to accept that Al Gore, an intellect for our time, was beaten by somebody as flat-ass dumb as George W. Bush. Obviiously to all now is the Supreme Court's disgraceful entry into the case. We need Al Gore. He is one of the few thinkers who truly grasps the problems of our time.
Gore also has withstood all the garbage and the slime that the Republican playbook has thrown at him, and we all know they are ready to assault him again.
But for the sake of America and America's future, I hope when the time comes, Al Gore announces he will run.
JayMagoo at 9:04AM on Jul 30th 2007
58. I have never been a real Al Gore fan,but I feel very strong that if he ran he could be our next President
K Kleiner at 7:48PM on Jul 30th 2007
59. Al Gore is a joke. So is Global warming. Do your own research and you will find many scientists who disagree with his premise on Global warming. Mark my words. If a Democrat gets in you will see your taxes go up and your pay raises be nothing. I don't always agree with Bush's policies but I am not looking forward to having to pay almost $2,000 dollars more in taxes if the Democrats have their way.
Funny how soon people forget all the things Clinton did wrong during his time. No president is perfect. But the economy is strong, I have more money in my pocket and I hope you folks wise up before it is too late and you have to wait for months to get an appointment with your doctor, (If they have not stopped practicing)
Dave at 10:57PM on Jul 30th 2007
60. I REALLY do hope Al Gore runs. NONE of the other candidates ( Repubs and Dems both ) have the experience, statesmanship and worldwide respect and recognition he does. It would be a welcome change to go from Bush to Gore. From idiocy and insanity to inteligence and calm reasoning.
JaimzOfNapa at 2:48AM on Jul 31st 2007