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Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run

By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Tue May 30, 2006 at 08:11:03 PM EST
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Al Gore told the Guardian the Bush administration is a band of right-wing extremists. He also repeated his now familiar refrain that he is a "recovering politician." Yet when the Guardian pressed him on a 2008 run, he gave non-definitive denials.

My prediction remains that he won't run. Here's more from the Guardian:

At the weekend, Time magazine reported that he was telling key fundraisers they should feel free to sign on with other potential candidates. The magazine quoted unnamed Democratic sources as saying that the former vice-president had also been asking the fundraisers to "tell everybody I'm not running".

Mr Gore would not find it difficult to raise millions of dollars, if he did decide to run. But while public denials might prove a wise campaign strategy - not least by prolonging the period of positive attention Mr Gore is now receiving - actively turning away fundraisers does suggest a firmer resolve not to re-enter electoral politics.

Message to Al Gore: Jump in or give a final signal you are out. The time is now. Whomever the Democratic candidate will be in 2008 needs to muster all of our support at the earliest possible moment. We can't provide that that so long as we are waiting on you. A simple yay or nay will do it.

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    Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run | 28 comments (28 topical)
    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#1)
    by aw on Tue May 30, 2006 at 08:52:10 PM EST
    I agree. If he's not fired up to run he should say so. Maybe he'll do more good by pushing Democratic candidates to stand up for what's right simply by being able to speak freely.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#2)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue May 30, 2006 at 09:44:58 PM EST
    Good you keep tellin' all the ReThug smear merchants and Rovian operatives that Gore ain't a gonna run. It's waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to early for him to anounce. The guy has forgot more politics than most of us in the blogosphere will ever know and I trust his judgement that it's too early. Why paint a target on his back now? What...you're gonna support Hillary-the-fool if Al doesn't declare until next year? I think not.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#3)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue May 30, 2006 at 10:18:52 PM EST
    I'm really worried about 2008. As it draws nearer, we'll see what Gore's intentions really are. I personally hope he decides to run. He'd pull in the young Deaniac crowd from 2004, as well as older Clinton Democrats and heck, I even know some radicals who'd vote for him because of his passion for environmentalism.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#4)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue May 30, 2006 at 10:24:12 PM EST
    A. Citizen, I hope he does run. But I'm worried that he has no intention of running and is taking time away from other candidates who could be signing people up now as organizers, volunteers, etc. It's not too early for Hillary, look at her campaign chest. And no, I don't think Hillary is an ideal candidate for the Democrats.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#6)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue May 30, 2006 at 11:47:45 PM EST
    and ive just killed another thread....

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#7)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed May 31, 2006 at 01:36:44 AM EST
    Hmmm...afraid I don't share your optimism. Saw an interview he did here on TV a couple of days ago and there is something about the guy that's not right. From insipid answers to some very insightful questions to his vague, but no doubt calculated references to Churchill and Chamberlain, I came away from it all very unimpressed. People, especially Americans are obsessed with "comebacks". The media always, always tries to sell this; sometimes they succeed (Al Gore, Kate Moss, etc), and sometimes they fail (Prince at grammys, anyone?) Someone said on another thread that he is that old boyfriend who looks good with age. Well, most people are aware that as soon as one gets back with their ex, the reasons why they split up the first place re-surfaces and causes another break-up. I don't have anything against Gore (Well, other than he lost a slam-dunk election), but he just doesn't do it for me.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#8)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed May 31, 2006 at 05:15:03 AM EST
    Jeralyn, I hear your frustration at Gore's refusal to get back into politics. BUT from my (external) vantage point, it looks as if Gore is playing it one day at a time. His over-riding priority right now is to move American public opinion (he pretty much already has the rest of the world) on climate change. My sense, from watching him closely over the last few months, is that he has not discounted running for the presidency, but will only cross that bridge if, by doing so, he finds a way to advance his over-riding priority. The way I see it, jumping in now would a) distract him from his over-riding objective, b) give the Right and their business allies far too much time to "frame" him (litterally) and c) rob his message of its maximum impact at a time when we can't afford not to hear it. I believe that if he feels a real wave of support building, that has enough depth and breadth and staying power to sustain a campaign and carry him to victory through the long nightmare the Right is bound to unleash to stop him, then he WILL serve. The dead give-away for me was when he said recently in a speech (I think before a New York City audience that included Chelsea Clinton, if my memory serves) that he understands full well what power a U.S. president has to change the world. But my reading of him is that he's decided it has to come from the people themselves. If he finds himself at the head of a movement and truely believes he may be given the opportunity to address the climate crisis in a profound and lasting fashion, and that it is the best and most effective way for him to serve, then he will. How could he not, if he really believes what he is saying about the catastrophe he sees unfolding? I really believe that to him, this is not about him, and cannot be about him (which it would immediately become if he were to declare that he is even thinking of jumping in -- I see his release of the bagmen as an astute move, designed to take the pressure off until Gore himself decides it's time). As for those on the Right already marshalling their forces against him,, methinks, like any good guerilla leader before him, he'll wait til he sees the whites of their eyes before engaging them.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#9)
    by lilybart on Wed May 31, 2006 at 05:35:48 AM EST
    We are starved for leadership. NOT the kind the Decider fakes, which is not leadership, it is unilateral decision making with complete disregard for the people. So, we see Gore who took the lead on what may be the most important global issue in this era. And we feel inspired by someone who has a clear mission and is not afraid to say it. A mission that will help the planet, not destroy it, like the mission of Exxon. But the press is already swiftboating him and I am not sure he deserves this treatment again. He may do more good for us and the world by working with the best minds to solve this climate crisis.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#10)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed May 31, 2006 at 06:00:05 AM EST
    What's with the graphic?

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#11)
    by Slado on Wed May 31, 2006 at 06:10:20 AM EST
    I just listned to his interview with Terry Gross on "Fresssssh Aiiiir" and he said 2 or 3 things that were either gross exagerations or outright falsehoods and my commute is only 20 minutes. I honestly don't know what Groe is up to. If he is going to run he's pretending he's not so he can take cheap political shots at the president and not have to answer real questions because he's not a canidate. Once he declares though he'll be held to account for his statements and he'll become the same old boaring Al Gore who won't win a single southern state and probably won't make it past Iowa. My favorite line was asked about what he's been doing he said (parahprased...) "Sitting on some boards, doing a little teaching and going around giving my slide show". As far as the graphic is concerned that looks like Gore sitting back at the family farm that was in his home county and state that he couldn't win and cost him the 2000 election.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#12)
    by jimakaPPJ on Wed May 31, 2006 at 06:17:52 AM EST
    Gore would be President now if he could have carried his home state. That he couldn't speaks volumes about his inability to carry the South and the Nascar voters, something he didn't do, and something he won't if he is the Demo's man in '08. Global warming plays to the Left, but only adds to his already high negatives. Worse, the base he is playing to, the young, don't vote. I would guess the Repubs would like to have a rematch. I can see it now. "Want $8.00 gas? Vote for Gore." Hillary, despite her negatives would be a stroner candidate and sends shivers of fear down the backs of the Repubs. She would carry all the major urban areas of the South, the Black vote will remain solidly Demo, and she should pick up enough suburban working Mom's votes to put every southern state in play. The Repubs. at present, have no candidate, but do have pretenders. McCain can't win because he can't energize the base. Rudy might be their best hope, but I'm not sure he really wants it.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#13)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed May 31, 2006 at 06:49:20 AM EST
    Slado, Al Gore's "homestate" is Washington, DC, where he was born and raised and where he has spent almost his entire life. But even if you are right, why the suit?

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#14)
    by orionATL on Wed May 31, 2006 at 06:49:45 AM EST
    the carpetbagger has a thoughtful piece on whether gore will run or not. it has some useful detail on the issue.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#15)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed May 31, 2006 at 06:57:19 AM EST
    PPJ, if the Republican war with Iran continues on schedule, people may be dreaming of $8 gas by 2008.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#16)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed May 31, 2006 at 07:12:04 AM EST
    raul, Kwame? Holy crap! Don't scare me like that!

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#17)
    by Peaches on Wed May 31, 2006 at 07:42:33 AM EST
    But I'm worried that he has no intention of running and is taking time away from other candidates who could be signing people up now as organizers, volunteers, etc.
    I wouldn't worry about that. I am not sure what Gore is thinking in terms of running, but lets say he has no intentions of running at all. I think it would still be mistake for democrats for him to make an anouncement now that he doesn't intend to run. Gore represents a hope for Democrats who are uncomfortable with moderates like Hilary. He gives them at least a reason to stay interested. Later on, when he says he is not going to run and Hilary and he show up somewhere hand in hand with Bill off to the side, Hilary will benefit from Gore's indecision for so long. THe ones who are concerned about the war and the environment are not going to go out and organize around Hilary right now. They might not believe someone like Fiengold has a chance. With Gore and all the pub is is recieving now, it keeps the base of the Democratic party energized and, with some luck, unified once a candidate is settled upon.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#18)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed May 31, 2006 at 09:23:09 AM EST
    'The guy has forgot more politics than most of us in the blogosphere will ever know and I trust his judgement that it's too early. ' No doubt that judgement accounted for his resounding victory in 2000.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#19)
    by Al on Wed May 31, 2006 at 10:08:07 AM EST
    I think Gore will decide based on the reaction to his new public persona. It's a smart move; instead of just ranting against the current administration, he takes the lead on a vital issue that other politicians in both parties are reluctant to broach. In the process, people perceive Gore as different from his old image, fabricated as it was by his handlers and by the opposition. Even Ralph Nader will have a hard time making the argument that Democrats and Republicans are indistinguishable if Gore is a candidate. I think Gore is measuring public reaction at this time, and is yet undecided. Also, Clinton is getting a lot of negative reactions as the "default" candidate.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#20)
    by Andreas on Wed May 31, 2006 at 12:12:51 PM EST
    On Al Gore's politics: Al Gore and the politics of oligarchy By Barry Grey, 21 December 2002 Al Gore backs Bush's war plans By Patrick Martin, 20 February 2002 Gore concession speech: Democrats capitulate to right-wing attack on voting rights By Patrick Martin, 15 December 2000 Al Gore's campaign: the death rattle of American liberalism By David North, 6 November 2000 Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore pushes "law-and-order" agenda By Shannon Jones, 2 August 2000

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#21)
    by cpinva on Wed May 31, 2006 at 12:44:47 PM EST
    TL, perhaps you need to get out more. i sincerely hope al gore doesn't run. not because i don't think he'd make a good president, but because i am 150% certain he can't/won't win. again, it's people like your buds, frank rich and maureen dowd, the so-called "liberal" columnists for the so-called "liberal" nyt's who will do him in, not the republicans or right wingnuts. maybe you hadn't noticed, but they've already started with mr. gore, raising the same inane lies that they raised in the 2000 election: his clothes, naomi wolf telling him how to be an "alpha male", he claimed to have "invented the internet", he and tipper were the models for "love story", etc, etc, etc. so, if you really, truly, in your heart of hearts, want a democrat in the wh in 2008, pray that mr. gore stays a "recovering politician", and lets hillary do the dirty work.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#22)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed May 31, 2006 at 01:56:05 PM EST
    Gore is better in the bully pulpit now. He has nothing to lose by standing up and keeping the truth in front of voters. What's the worst the RNC can do? He's not running for office, so they'd have look for other ways to take him out -- ways that would make them look more churlish than they already do.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#23)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed May 31, 2006 at 03:26:56 PM EST
    cpinva, you have a point, but what Democratic candidate would that not be true for? The media did essentially the same thing with Kerry. They are not going to be our friends. And what on earth makes you think the media will treat Hillary well? The New York Times has already run a front-page in-depth speculation about how often she and Bill have sex.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#24)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed May 31, 2006 at 03:35:19 PM EST
    he is dishonest saying bush is some right winger. bush is a northeastern liberal he is a fake texan and no conservative

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#25)
    by Slado on Wed May 31, 2006 at 04:15:59 PM EST
    justpaul you are correct Gore's home state is DC but he "claims" to be a man from TN where his dad was a senator forever. The good people of TN are smart enough to know he's a boob and a sellout. Thats why no one showed up when he was supposed to be celebrating his win in Nashville. I love knowing that my vote and the millions of other votes that were cast in TN in 2000 cost him the election. The FL debacle was just icing on the cake. Cheney 2008

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#26)
    by Sailor on Wed May 31, 2006 at 04:37:00 PM EST
    uhh, Gore won the popular vote, and only the 5/4 supreme court installed bush. cheney has lower numbers than bush, and gore polls higher than both of them.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#27)
    by Sailor on Wed May 31, 2006 at 04:42:27 PM EST
    BTW, Connecticut is bush's home state. All hat and no cattle.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#28)
    by jondee on Wed May 31, 2006 at 04:51:46 PM EST
    Cheney 2008 - He comes with a four year supply of embalming fluid.

    Re: Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run (none / 0) (#29)
    by Slado on Thu Jun 01, 2006 at 01:38:35 PM EST
    Sailor. I'll conceed your point that Dems are good at polling and almost winning elections and Republicans are good at actually winning elections.

    Gore Slams Bush, Plays Coy on 2008 Run | 28 comments (28 topical)