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Gore to Endorse Obama

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:34:41 PM EST
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13 days after Hillary Clinton "ripped apart" the Democratic Party by not immediately and effusively apologizing for even running against Barack Obama and endorsing him and threatening violence against her supporters who do not vote for him, Al Gore has decided to endorse Barack Obama:

Al Gore says he is backing Barack Obama and will do whatever he can to help him get to the White House. . . . He's planning to appear with Obama at a rally in Detroit Monday night.

It is good to see Gore finally gave up his hope for a brokered convention with him emerging as the nominee. Oh wait, you mean Gore was not hoping for that? Well how do you explain his waiting until NOW to endorse Obama? You know the Media told us Gore is a big fat liar, and they always tell the truth . . .

By Big Tent Democrat, snarking for me only

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    Gore to Endorse Obama | 127 comments (127 topical)

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    How do I explain? (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:37:30 PM EST
    Like me, he didn't care who headed the ticket, as long as we get on with the job of throwing the bums out...

    You missed the snark (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:38:33 PM EST


    Parent
    No I didn't. (5.00 / 2) (#4)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:39:59 PM EST
    I make no pretense to knowing what is in Gore's head. I was snarking as well.

    Parent
    Good for you (5.00 / 3) (#8)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:42:23 PM EST
    My apologies.

    Parent
    Ask not for whom BTD snarks, he snarks for thee (5.00 / 3) (#16)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:44:23 PM EST


    Parent
    I regret that I have only one . . (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:45:13 PM EST
    Ok, enough of that.

    Parent
    been that kind of a morning (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:46:45 PM EST
    must have been that kind of a night!

    Parent
    BTW, happy Bloomsbury day. (none / 0) (#142)
    by oculus on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 07:33:53 PM EST


    Parent
    Jim Inhofe asks: (5.00 / 3) (#29)
    by andgarden on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:47:21 PM EST
    "Why won't that stupid environmentalist quit?!"

    Parent
    Happy Bloomsbury Day, Molly (5.00 / 1) (#79)
    by Ellie on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:06:51 PM EST
    Not to get too OT here, but:

    I'm observing the day having started out with the traditional breakfast of pork kidney and a Guinness and then getting riotously drunk in mortification and remorse.

    Parent

    You are the 2nd today (5.00 / 1) (#111)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:58:36 PM EST
    Thank you. I am going to pass on the mortification and remorse-done way too much of that already in my life.

    Parent
    Snarking Away in PUMAville (none / 0) (#124)
    by Spike on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:21:04 PM EST
    Isn't snark the primary commodity produced by this site now? Does it have any other real purpose? (snarkily w/a :)

    Parent
    New Politics? (5.00 / 0) (#103)
    by PamFl on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:39:53 PM EST
    Right-BO camp full of Old Politics, from endorsers, advisors, & of course, DONORS. The only thing new about his politics are unsavory associates from the seamy Chicago Machine.
    Gore sold out, not for money, but for revenge.
    Guess BO can't get elected without the "old" politicians.

    Parent
    Molly, (5.00 / 2) (#119)
    by Stellaaa on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:11:58 PM EST
    Happy Bloomsday

    Parent
    Thank you! (none / 0) (#128)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 05:01:12 PM EST


    Parent
    Which bums would that be? (none / 0) (#13)
    by Fabian on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:43:52 PM EST
    (Sorry.  I'm just playing the straight woman here.  You have to fill in the blanks yourself! ;-)

    Parent
    Oy Vey! (none / 0) (#77)
    by Molly Bloom on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:06:19 PM EST


    Parent
    I'm Sorry. I Find This Sickening. n/t (5.00 / 0) (#2)
    by creeper on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:38:24 PM EST


    Why? (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by litigatormom on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:42:45 PM EST
    Because he didn't endorse Clinton sooner?  I would have liked that, but I always thought it was unlikely.

    Because he didn't endorse Obama sooner?  

    Or because he's not running for President himself (which was my original hope, a year and a half ago)?

    Parent

    All Of the Above (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by creeper on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:45:56 PM EST
    I'm just so sick of the effing games.

    Parent
    I think Gore (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by Fabian on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:46:54 PM EST
    knows who he might be able to influence.

    Imagine McCain consorting with Gore - heads would explode on the Right and Left!  Carnage everywhere!

    (Hmmm.  But would it result in more carnage than an Barack Obama/Bill Clinton ticket?)

    Parent

    Endorsing Is A Bad Move for Gore (5.00 / 1) (#127)
    by talex on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:54:40 PM EST
    He should have stayed neutral even after the nomination process was over ( which it isn't).

    His Global Warming crusade is much more important that an endorsement. His endorsement will neither make or brake Obama so why do it. If he thinks that my support to correct Global Warming is going to make me vote for Obama just because Gore endorsed him he is dead wrong. GW and Obama are two separate issues.

    If anything Gore should have waited and then weighed in after the election in support of people whose GW legislation makes sense. Maybe that will be Obama but Gore should have waited and stuck with talking about and promoting his signature issue.

    Remember Gore said he was through with DC Politics and now look at him. Like Elizabeth Edwards and others they just can't help themselves from trying to get in the spotlight. Gore disappoints me.

    Parent

    I agree (5.00 / 1) (#129)
    by MichaelGale on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 05:05:24 PM EST
    He was above it or appeared to be.

    Now he is just a former candidate who is making an endorsement. Yeah I know, he and his friend won the Nobel.  So did Carter. Still former candidates, just like Kerry.

    Ugh!

    Parent

    Wasn't his last endorsement Howard Dean? (none / 0) (#141)
    by PssttCmere08 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 07:31:36 PM EST
    That didn't work out too well.

    Parent
    Um, sorry, I didn't get the snark in the (none / 0) (#20)
    by litigatormom on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:44:56 PM EST
    first comment.

     

    Parent

    No Snark In Any (5.00 / 2) (#51)
    by creeper on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:56:45 PM EST
    of my comments here.  Gore could've made the difference in this primary.  He has to know Clinton is the more capable of the two candidates.  And yet he played it cute.

    More games.  More effing games.

    Slightly OT, I stopped at the City Clerk's office today to re-register from Dem to Indy.  They told me I had to go to the county offices.  Bummer, but what's one more day in this godforsaken party?

    S'funny...I registered Dem four years ago because of Howard Dean.  I will switch back for the same reason.

    Parent

    Not cute at all...but I know you know that. (5.00 / 1) (#140)
    by PssttCmere08 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 07:29:38 PM EST
    Watched Recount last night for the first time and even though you know how it ends, I was crushed when Kevin Spacey got the call from Gore to pull the plug and he would concede to bush.  The looks of heartbreak on his team's faces made me cry...that and thinking about all the ugliness since bush took office.  The problem with Gore is he isn't a fighter, so I really didn't expect him to back Hillary....everything else aside.

    Parent
    Um what? (5.00 / 4) (#11)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:43:01 PM EST
    You wanted him to endorse McCain? Nader? Barr?

    Sheesh.

    Parent

    Yeah, um... how dare he? (none / 0) (#6)
    by Pegasus on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:41:35 PM EST
    Snark's flying fast and furious in this thread, I see.

    Parent
    Given what happened in Florida (5.00 / 2) (#5)
    by americanincanada on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:41:22 PM EST
    I too find it sickening and maddening beyond comprehension.

    At least he didn't endorse right after RBC (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by davnee on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:52:56 PM EST
    during the height of the steal delegates from Hillary and then burn her at the stake for having the audacity to win another of Obama's states period.  We can at least be glad he let this round of Florida vote stealing settle before playing his hand.

    Parent
    I love Al. (5.00 / 5) (#7)
    by Fabian on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:41:36 PM EST
    But I'll send money to We Can Solve It instead.

    What can I say?  I'm an issues oriented voter.  I know where Al Gore stands.  He's about as solid and consistent as they come.

    (P.S. Al?  I hope they promised you a huge chunk of change to address the Climate Crisis.  Huge.  Enormous.  Bigger than a politician's ego.)

    Al, I love ya but... (5.00 / 6) (#10)
    by madamab on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:42:54 PM EST
    another big-name endorsement isn't going to make the PUMAs vote Obama.

    Good try though.

    I agree (5.00 / 3) (#18)
    by americanincanada on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:44:35 PM EST
    This isn't going to help with Obama's electoral problems and I have a feeling it isn't going to help with fundraising together.

    Mark Halperin actually calls this part of the veapstakes.

    Good lord...would Obama actually offer it to Gore? Would he take it?

    Parent

    Heh heh heh. (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by madamab on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:45:16 PM EST
    Ya think Gore wants to be VP again?

    Been there, done that.

    Parent

    I wouldn't think so (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by americanincanada on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:47:11 PM EST
    but mark Halperin rarely says something for no reason at all.

    I wonder why he can manage to get Gore out on the trail for him but not Clinton?

    Does he really think Gore has huge sway with bubbas in Michigan?!?


    Parent

    I think Al was doing (5.00 / 0) (#35)
    by madamab on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:49:57 PM EST
    what all the Party Leaders should have done - not picking sides, knowing the closeness of the race. That's why he didn't stump for either Obama or Clinton during the primary.

    I think he is looking at the polls, and is now worried about the effect President McCain would have on the environment. That's all this is about.

    Parent

    I have more respect for Al (5.00 / 4) (#68)
    by janarchy on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:03:26 PM EST
    doing it this way than anyone else. At least he waited over a week, saw how the chips fell and then went to the presumed nominee, rather than trying to strong arm anyone or wallowing in hyperbole. He's got more class than most of the other members of the DNC put together.

    Parent
    well i noticed that the obama campaign (5.00 / 2) (#39)
    by hellothere on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:51:20 PM EST
    is saying they don't need some major swing states, so i have to wonder about internal polling. it doesn't matter if gore endores at this point. it is a matter of form and not content. no surprise and no return. cheer all ya'll want, but the pumas aren't clapping.

    take a serious look at that comment made this morning by the campaign. that is serious stuff. a real effort minus dissing needs to be used with the ones who are almost out the door. but what do we see, a play for the evangelicals who are so not there for democrats. reality check here!

    Parent

    If Gore had to choose (5.00 / 2) (#33)
    by Fabian on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:49:04 PM EST
    I think he'd rather veep with Hillary Clinton.  They are both results oriented.

    I don't see Gore veeping for anybody.  

    Parent

    I have the same feeling... (5.00 / 4) (#48)
    by madamab on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:54:59 PM EST
    but I still don't think he wants his old job back, whether it be under Clinton or Obama. :-)

    I did hope he would run for President in 2007, but...sigh.

    Parent

    Me too. (5.00 / 3) (#56)
    by Fabian on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:58:17 PM EST
    But ya know, I don't really care what Gore says.  I want to know what Obama will say.  Will he have an environmental outreach at the convention?

    Heh.

    I'm gonna milk that religious outreach schtick for all it's worth!  If Obama thinks those religious folk are sooooo important then he'd better pony up the same thing for all of my important issues - women's issues, climate crisis and I'm sure I can come up with a few more!

    Parent

    I see differently in Gore endorsing Obama (none / 0) (#136)
    by sociallybanned on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 06:36:28 PM EST
    Who has been McCain's almost right hand man these days?  Who was on the ticket with Gore in 2000?  

    Some ask why now?  I think it's party politics.  Lieberman turned his back on the party, so they say.

    Actually, I wished he would have endorsed Hillary.  Didn't Hillary support him on the "Every Vote Counts" in 2000?

    Ultimately, they want a controlled house + senate + Commander in Chief.  This is what Bush once had but I think it will backlash and if Hillary runs in 2012, I believe the country will once again want change and it won't be the Democrat party. The pundits will have a field day with that word.  

    Parent

    my point is (none / 0) (#137)
    by sociallybanned on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 06:39:20 PM EST
    Lieberman who was on the 2000 ticket with Gore has endorsed McCain and Al Gore is endorsing Obama.  

    It doesn't change PUMA followers, such as myself.

    Parent

    Couldn't disagree more. (5.00 / 0) (#53)
    by indy in sc on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:56:56 PM EST
    Gore notoriously clashed with Hillary while he was actually VP.  He already felt he was playing 2nd fiddle to her then--why would he make it official by being her VP?  I don't think he wants to be anyone's VP.  He seems to be enjoying the unofficial title of "party elder statesman and general green guru."

    Parent
    Because Gore and Hillary (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by Fabian on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:01:24 PM EST
    can work with anyone if it means getting the job done.

    Did you know that Gore actually preaches nonpartisanship?  He doesn't care who addresses Climate Crisis or who provides leadership or who gets the job done so long as It Gets Done.

    Parent

    Work with (5.00 / 0) (#80)
    by indy in sc on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:07:51 PM EST
    is one thing--VP is quite different.  I still maintain that he doesn't want to be anyone's VP regardless of who he'd be willing to work with on climate change.

    Parent
    2nd fiddle (5.00 / 0) (#96)
    by Edgar08 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:30:03 PM EST
    to the tea parties?

    Obama won.  You can stop now.  She's a delightful person to work with.  Everyone but the hateful knows this.

    Parent

    I don't (5.00 / 0) (#98)
    by indy in sc on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:35:18 PM EST
    quite understand your post.  I never said she was not "delightful to work with."  I was only referring to the fact that Gore and Hillary had clashes.  I didn't assign blame to either party for those clashes.  Maybe you should stop looking for Hillary hate everywhere.

    Parent
    were these clashes (none / 0) (#114)
    by Edgar08 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:01:16 PM EST
    did you read about them on blogs?  

    Is the "she oversteps her boundaries" meme really so precious now?  Why persist?  What do you hope to achieve by representing that working relationship as any different than any other?

    Should there have been no clashes at all?  Was she wrong to speak her mind?

    Parent

    You've clearly (none / 0) (#117)
    by indy in sc on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:08:55 PM EST
    decided to take my original comment as an attack on HRC.  I think that's a huge leap, but I won't try to disabuse you of that view anymore.

    Parent
    if you'd have just said (none / 0) (#122)
    by Edgar08 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:18:10 PM EST
    VP is old hat for the gorester and not got your dig in on clinton I'm gonna probably agree.

    I never heard of any clashes at all myself.  Maybe she did mention the tcom bill was imperfect.

    ((shrugs shoulders))

    Parent

    Is Halperin that clueless? (none / 0) (#99)
    by ghost2 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:36:32 PM EST
    How do these guys have such couchy jobs without having a clue?

    Gore will NOT be VP.  Take that to the bank.  

    Parent

    maybe the Deaniacs are finally having the... (5.00 / 6) (#34)
    by goldberry on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:49:19 PM EST
    "Oh, S%^&!" Moment.  The bounce didn't happen, the money's not rolling in and they miscalculated how much ill-treatment the Clintonistas were willing to put up with.  
    Bring out the Gore!  
    Too little, too late.  

    Parent
    Hmmm. (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by Fabian on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:51:42 PM EST
    If Obama held a rally in a city and Bill, Hillary and Al held a joint rally at the same time, in the same town - who would get the biggest turnout?

    Parent
    Whoever (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by sister of ye on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:58:47 PM EST
    wore the Red Wings jerseys.

    Parent
    Depends... (5.00 / 2) (#118)
    by huzzlewhat on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:11:25 PM EST
    ...on what band's opening for each of them. :-)

    Parent
    are you serious? (none / 0) (#112)
    by tben on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:59:17 PM EST
    I think we have ample evidence of the answer to that.

    Parent
    hehehehe (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by andgarden on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:44:00 PM EST
    Good one.

    Last time I waste good snark (5.00 / 4) (#15)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:44:01 PM EST
    on some of you.

    You're snarking up the wrong tree (5.00 / 1) (#121)
    by DFLer on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:16:40 PM EST


    Parent
    Word is (5.00 / 3) (#19)
    by indy in sc on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:44:41 PM EST
    he is going to endorse the Kerry/Edwards '04 ticket next week.

    Seriously, though, I generally agree that this is a too little too late endorsement that would have made a bigger impact months ago.  That said, knowing that Gore's endorsement of Obama after completion of the primaries was going to have limited effect, I think they are wisely maximizing that effect by having him announce this at an event in Michigan.  This is more about energizing Michigan than any wow factor that Gore has finally endorsed.

    It was good that Gore held back (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by andgarden on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:45:40 PM EST
    He got burned in '04, remember?

    Parent
    Yes (none / 0) (#30)
    by cannondaddy on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:47:44 PM EST
    second endorsement event to take place in MI.

    Parent
    Will Tipper be there? (none / 0) (#143)
    by oculus on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 07:36:45 PM EST


    Parent
    Not going to help Obama (5.00 / 6) (#23)
    by goldberry on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:45:32 PM EST
    He's probably doing it for party unity and all that crap.  But it's not going to work.  The genie came out of the bottle at the RBC hearing.  The only way to force it back in is to have a fair fight at the convention, which looks more and more unlikely.  
    So, Gore or no Gore, Obama is in trouble.  And with Gore's clairvoyant powers, he already knows this.  

    I wonder if Al (5.00 / 0) (#31)
    by madamab on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:48:01 PM EST
    was promised a Cabinet position? Secretary of the Interior?

    If I knew Al Gore was going to be in charge of the environment, that might actually get me to vote for Obama.

    Parent

    Interesting thought (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by Valhalla on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:56:47 PM EST
    Not sure how much it will help, but of course it was coming.

    I'm a little surprised about the timing, though.  I thought they should have saved it until after Obama doesn't offer Clinton the VP spot, when they'll really need it (more).

    I'm curious to see if it helps at all.  Maybe it will sway the Uncommitted (not the Committed to Neithers, but the Still Undecideds).  It doesn't seem like big name endorsements have held a lot of sway this year.  But then, I never really paid attention before the three biggest politicians in my own state endorsed against the electorate's clear choice, either.

    Parent

    Wait (1.00 / 1) (#36)
    by cannondaddy on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:50:26 PM EST
    didn't you just say "nice try"?

    Parent
    Uh, the endorsement (none / 0) (#38)
    by madamab on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:51:14 PM EST
    was a nice try.

    Guaranteeing a cabinet position is an entirely different animal.

    Parent

    Maybe... (5.00 / 3) (#37)
    by Jackson Hunter on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:51:02 PM EST
    Maybe Gore will be Obama's campaign manager in Georgia, which, haven't you heard, Obama is going to win!

    Maybe if he is really lucky, he'll get to run with Obama as VP if Obama deigns to pick him.

    That was great snark BTD.  Obviously though as you know, maybe as the one of the top Dems in the country he wanted to be, you know, neutral in a fight that wasn't his, unlike say Brazille and Dean and the rest of the Party hierarchy.  I'm just stating it for the record.

    Jackson

    I'm sorry...what did he say? (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by kredwyn on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:52:44 PM EST
    (actually I have no sense of irony or whimsy today...a stalker ex-boyfriend has decided to start emailing me again. And I'm kinda creeped out...)

    And (5.00 / 6) (#45)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:53:34 PM EST
    I hear Gore's MI appearance will be simulcast in FL.

    They must be hurting if the guy who reminds us all of voter disenfranchisment is campaigning in a state that reminds us of voter disenfranchisement.

    Good luck with that Mr Barack "Hubris" Obama.  I think you'll need it.

    insert /snark (none / 0) (#46)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:53:58 PM EST
    on my first line.

    Parent
    Count me one Detroit voter (5.00 / 2) (#54)
    by sister of ye on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:57:16 PM EST
    who's not impressed. Hope his entourage and the media drop a wads of cash at local businesses to compensate for the money the city will have to shell out for extra security.

    I respect Al Gore, and I don't suppose as a Dem he'd not endorse eventually. But it seems odd Gore would back Obama's underwhelming environmental and energy policies, and I hope he played hardball to get improvements.

    I don't suppose, with all the Secret Service, anyone will be able to throw an octopus.

    Is this the Detroit appearance (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by pie on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:59:35 PM EST
    that will be missing its controversial mayor?

    Parent
    This is old news. I read at Daily Kos (5.00 / 12) (#58)
    by Joelarama on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:59:20 PM EST
    just after Super Tuesday that Al Gore would endorse Obama.

    How many diaries? (5.00 / 2) (#67)
    by Fabian on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:02:53 PM EST
    They were calling for Gore to come and save Obama's campaign for months!  It became a joke.  

    Parent
    Sorry BTD (4.20 / 5) (#65)
    by cannondaddy on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:02:22 PM EST
    but that's good snark.

    Parent
    Heh (5.00 / 4) (#72)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:04:48 PM EST
    Agreed.

    Parent
    Too late for Gore to unify the party (5.00 / 4) (#59)
    by ruffian on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:59:32 PM EST
    He should have run this time - he would have been a shoe-in for the nonimation and we would be speculating about his VP selection.

    Um, and re-fight the battles of the 90s? (5.00 / 4) (#75)
    by Joelarama on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:05:38 PM EST
    No siree, Bob.  Gore is old news; his time has passed.  And he's from Tennessee, where there are a LOT of rednecks (just sayin').  

    His voice is like a school marm, and come to think of it he reminds me of that old ex-boyfriend from the 90s who just won't go away.

    Oh, and he claims he invented the internet.  And I'm sure he knew something about Vince Foster (again, just sayin').

    It's a new day.  The 1990s are over.  Al Gore could never have won.

    Parent

    If he had run, Obama's campaign (5.00 / 0) (#95)
    by Pegasus on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:28:00 PM EST
    would never have gotten off the ground.  Not even close.  And I say that as somebody who has supported Obama since last spring.

    Parent
    I do not agree with that. In the blogosphere, (none / 0) (#104)
    by Joelarama on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:40:25 PM EST
    maybe, but not in the real world.

    And, I do not think the rhetoric or tactics from the Obama camp would have been much different.

    Parent

    There was little enough oxygen to begin with (5.00 / 0) (#107)
    by Pegasus on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:47:27 PM EST
    with Clinton in the race.  I don't know how Obama would have managed enough fundraising (or media attention) to compete; his antiwar base would have had another option with a more familiar face, greens would have gone for Gore en masse, there would have been less available political staffing talent, etc.  And the media would have framed it as Gore v. Clinton, The Ultimate Showdown, to the exclusion of all the other candidates.  

    In other words, what happened to Edwards would have happened to Obama too, IMO.

    Parent

    Obama would have carried his campaign to the (none / 0) (#110)
    by Joelarama on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:52:15 PM EST
    convention, just as Ted Kennedy and Jesse Jackson did before him.  It is a "historic" campaign.  But unlike Hillary's equally historic campaign, the jackals would not have been braying for him to get out of the race.

    And Obama's rhetoric disparaging the fights of the 1990s, the Clintons, Clinton/Gore, and white blue collar Democrats would have been identical.  

    Parent

    Nah, he would have run for VP. (none / 0) (#113)
    by Pegasus on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:59:51 PM EST
    If he did the things you're talking about, he would've just ticked off the eventual winner and then he wouldn't have been in very good position to get the second slot.  Since there's no way he could've beaten them both, he would've cozied up for an apprenticeship.

    Blame Gore, I guess. ;)

    Parent

    Suh-NAP! :-) (none / 0) (#78)
    by madamab on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:06:37 PM EST


    Parent
    I'm not sure (5.00 / 3) (#64)
    by pie on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:02:21 PM EST
    Gore's inevitable endorsement takes away the sting of the MI debacle.

    At all.

    Come on Dalton... (5.00 / 3) (#83)
    by madamab on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:10:34 PM EST
    you think Obama being tied in the polls with McCain is winning any battle? When a generic Dem beats a generic Republican by 20 points?

    A big-name endorsement is the type of elitist solution that Obama thinks will help out his grassroots problems. Seriously, it's not going to help at all.

    Obama needs to address WHY the PUMAs aren't voting for him. Trotting out Gore ain't cutting it. And screaming "RACIST" every five seconds ain't cutting it either.

    Parent

    Ah. (5.00 / 1) (#88)
    by madamab on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:17:08 PM EST
    I think it's for Unity purposes. I don't think Al has any special magic in Michigan.

    But as BTD noted...we really have no clue, do we?

    Parent

    The Gop ads will continue to air (5.00 / 2) (#90)
    by pie on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:18:32 PM EST
    long after Gore goes back to wherever it is he goes.

    Parent
    I think you are right (5.00 / 2) (#92)
    by ruffian on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:19:11 PM EST
    about the motivation. The 50 state strategy requires taking on those states one by one.

    Didn't Edwards endorse in MI too? I guess Obama is especially worried about MI since writing off FL, OH, and MI does not work no matter whose math you use.

    Parent

    Out of the gate? (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by pie on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:15:18 PM EST
    Who cares?  The race has just started, and the unity pony has weak ankles.

    Parent
    I guess this will be the test... (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by JustJennifer on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:02:43 PM EST
    if only the early endorsers get the benefits of being part of Team Obama.  

    I am glad Gore waited too.  I heard that he didn't come out early and endorse because Tipper was for Hillary

    (btw that was a little lame snark)

    Not effective yet (5.00 / 3) (#73)
    by Valhalla on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:04:58 PM EST
    Michigan's a tough sell on environmental issues.  That's not the way their main industry lays.  And there's lots of people outside of Detroit and Ann Arbor who aren't exactly all la-la-liberal.
    Gore endorsing Obama? (5.00 / 3) (#81)
    by masslib on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:09:24 PM EST
    McCain will be devastated.

    The snarkacity of hope & change. (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by wurman on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:10:30 PM EST
    I really wish those Hollywood producer-types & Nobel Laureates could avoid thinking that some success in one field or another makes that person's political opinions valid or useful.

    Sheesh, Mr. Gore, stick to your own areas of expertise.

    By the way, that House of Representatives subcommittee that you convinced to fund the Arpanet, they could use some advice, now, on how to keep the internet & all its tubes wide open, full throttle & universal access.

    Just hoping.  Goobers.

    Oh, Gore. I thought you said GOLF. (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by Teresa on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:10:58 PM EST
    Sudden death after 18!

    About Gore, I appreciate the fact that he stayed out of the race until now.

    Neither Tiger nor (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by pie on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:16:48 PM EST
    Mediate seem to be able to put this one away.

    Hmmm.  Sounds familiar.

    Parent

    that's seems (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by pie on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:17:10 PM EST


    Parent
    Oops. I think this is it. I won't say who in case (none / 0) (#94)
    by Teresa on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:20:42 PM EST
    anyone is DVRing it but it looks like this hole will do it.

    Parent
    I wish I could get as excited (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by pie on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:34:35 PM EST
    about Obama as I do about Tiger.

    But Tiger has worked hard to get where he is today.  He won that even with a sore knee.  What a fighter.  Mediate did a heck of a job, too, though.

    Parent

    Me too. I love to watch Tiger play and I know that (none / 0) (#115)
    by Teresa on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 04:02:35 PM EST
    knee was causing him a lot of pain. I loved Rocco and if it had been anyone but Tiger, I would have been pulling for him.

    Parent
    I was thinking (none / 0) (#105)
    by oldpro on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:41:40 PM EST
    the same thing...

    ...and if Tiger had lost, was expecting someone to say..."It's a sign!"

    Parent

    Thanks for the heads up! (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by nycstray on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:18:35 PM EST


    Parent
    Really, how much does Gore's (5.00 / 2) (#101)
    by Anne on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:37:38 PM EST
    endorsement - now - mean?  What's so earth-shattering about the bandwagon stopping at the corner so Gore can hop on?  Isn't there pretty much some Democrat hailing the Obama bus on every corner from here to Denver right about now?  I guess those on that bus/bandwagon don't mind the bumps from all the people it's driving over on the way there.

    What this tells me is that Gore just wants to keep doing what he's been doing, and that he was never interested in which candidate was actually the best one.  He chose to set aside his ability to influence the nomination by staying out of it - okay - so he's doing the good soldier thing, taking one for the team, whatever.

    I look at it this way: Gore's endorsement of Kerry didn't help at all, and that was in a climate totally unlike this one.  Gore doesn't realize how much animosity there is against Obama, and how it is much more likely that the animosity may attach to Gore than for Gore's endorsement to transfer likeability and electability to Obama.

    I think it's about as anticlimactic as it could get.

    Every little bit helps Obama (none / 0) (#108)
    by oldpro on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:49:17 PM EST
    in a race as close as this one could be.

    I'm sad that he and Hillary couldn't work it out for her to nominate him and run the winning ticket, not to mention a chance to save the party.  What a shame.  

    Gore/Clinton.

    Now THAT would have been historic.

    Parent

    You said it. (none / 0) (#147)
    by bridget on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 11:55:07 PM EST


    Parent
    Well, that wasn't a surprise (5.00 / 0) (#109)
    by roadburdened on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:52:06 PM EST
    Was he not going to endorse the nominee? I'm kind of glad he stayed in the background.

    How right you are. (5.00 / 1) (#131)
    by tek on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 05:42:08 PM EST


    I still respect Gore. (5.00 / 1) (#134)
    by AX10 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 06:12:06 PM EST
    This was expected.  It won't make a difference now.
    I am still with McCain.

    Snarking for the sake of snarking. (3.00 / 2) (#12)
    by cannondaddy on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:43:29 PM EST


    Cuz it was good snarking (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:44:25 PM EST


    Parent
    Another endorsement (none / 0) (#49)
    by KittyS on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 02:55:59 PM EST
    well timed.  They know how to run an effective campaign.

    Anyone heard from McCain lately?

    Blitherati Watch (none / 0) (#100)
    by Valhalla on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:37:23 PM EST
    The Boston Globe has given the Gore endorsement a fairly small headline on boston.com -- I'm surprised since the Globe loves Obama.

    This morning they gave more prominence to possibility of Nunn as VP, which they seem rather excited about.

    Sam Nunn as VP? (none / 0) (#102)
    by Anne on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:38:56 PM EST
    Eww.  Just...eww.

    Parent
    Nunn....how does that (none / 0) (#106)
    by oldpro on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 03:45:54 PM EST
    suit the Stevenson wing I wonder?

    That would be the end of the gay-support issue, I'd say.

    Parent

    Well (none / 0) (#130)
    by tek on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 05:41:12 PM EST
    I said if Gore endorsed Obama I would be done with him forever.  That's it, he's dead to me.

    Wow (none / 0) (#132)
    by squeaky on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 05:52:15 PM EST
    Pretty silly decision, imo. Do you think Hillary is also dead because she endorsed Obama?

    Parent
    The Gore e-mail announcement/money request (none / 0) (#133)
    by rghojai on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 05:55:36 PM EST
    Less than trivial, but to these eyes, the picture of Al--with that gleaming, Hopey glow--is horrid. That's the best they could do?!

    I just read it on his site (none / 0) (#135)
    by nycstray on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 06:24:24 PM EST
    a good half of the message was begging for money!

    I've never asked members of AlGore.com to contribute to a political campaign before, but this moment and this election are too important to let pass without taking action.

    That's why I am asking you to join me today in showing your support for Barack Obama by making a contribution to his campaign today:

    donate link

    Over the past 18 months, Barack Obama has united a movement. He knows change does not come from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue or Capitol Hill. It begins when people stand up and take action.

    With the help of millions of supporters like you, Barack Obama will bring the change we so desperately need in order to solve our country's most pressing problems.

    If you've already contributed to Barack Obama's campaign, I ask that you consider making another donate link

    On the issues that matter most, Barack Obama is clearly the right choice to lead our nation.

    We have a lot of work to do in the next few months to elect Barack Obama president and it begins by making a contribution to his campaign today.



    Parent
    Careful read (5.00 / 1) (#145)
    by Valhalla on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 07:44:43 PM EST
    Yeah, a careful read of this endorsement is interesting.

    On the issues that matter most, Barack Obama is clearly the right choice to lead our nation.

    Well, now that the choice is between McCain and Obama, this is hardly ringing, is it?  Gore, a staunch Democrat, thinks Obama is a better choice than McCain.  Woo.

    Nowhere does he actually say Obama is good, or describe qualities that would make him a good President.

    As I said, interesting.

    Parent

    I read on another site (none / 0) (#138)
    by sociallybanned on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 06:45:56 PM EST
    Well I read on another site that the Democrat Party is in need of 15Million now and is desperate for that money for August Convention. So, I wonder if Obama will be assisting.

    Parent
    I heard that on the news (5.00 / 1) (#139)
    by nycstray on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 07:13:37 PM EST
    but Gore is linking to Obama. Something is odd, imo :)

    Parent
    Another possibility (none / 0) (#144)
    by Valhalla on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 07:40:11 PM EST
    Today I was thinking about the 250 or so Clinton SDs who haven't switched their endorsements.

    Maybe they dragged Al out this early as part of their enforced Unity plan, to start influencing the holdouts.  Or maybe even to see if they can start her pledged delegates to defect (didn't one or two pledged delegates switch their votes during the primaries?).

    Who broke this story on (none / 0) (#146)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 07:59:28 PM EST
    MSNBC?  Why David Shuster, of course!  (per TVNewser).  How many dull knives do they have to twist into Hillary in one day??

    Gore to Endorse Obama | 127 comments (127 topical)

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