"I'm not sure either way", I told them. Even after talking to a few people high up in his current organization, people like Josh Cherwin, Roy Neel and Lisa Berg, I have no real clue. I don’t think they know either, but I do know Al continually leaves the door ajar even when he could easily shut it and lock it. After what happened in 2000, never say never is something I suspect Al Gore understands very well. "Who woulda thunk" back then that Gore would not succeed Clinton?
When I asked Roy Neel he told me “Al Gore is not a candidate – at this time”. To me that’s like saying keep your powder dry which is the old mountain man quip that means “be prepared”. I didn't say he is running, I didn't say he isn't.
Even Harold Ford Jr. speaking at last night’s event commented, “I see a lot of you wearing Gore stickers tonight”. He paused and said, “There might be something there.”
When Gore was recently asked by Larry King what would have to fall in place that would cause him to run Gore replied he hadn’t really given that much thought to it (bullshit!) but he would know it when he saw it. That means he’s watching - which is enough to keep me hopeful, energized and prepared.I think Gore understands that if he were nominated he would most probably win the election easily. The electorate, Republican and Democratic, are fed up with Bush-Cheney, the Republicans and the corruption. This nation wants change. The Republicans in office have made such a mess of things that I believe even a lightweight, controversial Democratic candidate could win if he/she were fortunate enough to be nominated. Well, except for maybe a woman – or a minority candidate. It’s a romantic idea that we as a nation might do that, but despite early popular support there is some question whether this nation, once in the voting booth, will actually pull the lever for either.
As for Gore, it’s the election process that turns Gore off. He suffered through it and is quick to say there are things he’s not good at and campaigning is one of them. He’s still wary of the media and the unfair way he was attacked and maligned in 2000. I’d say he’s bitter toward the media in general and disillusioned by the errant and compromised electoral system.
Is he going to eventually run? Who knows? I don't think even Gore himself knows for certain.
Gore, I think, is somewhat unconsciously running by not running. I don’t think it’s intentional but he’s not doing anything to keep it from happening. Everyone is aware of the attraction created by playing hard to get and I think it’s happening in Gore’s case but I don’t think he planned it. Everyone is attracted to those things that seem just beyond reach. You can have Hillary, Obama, Edwards or the rest just for the asking, but Gore . . . he’s just tantalizingly there - on the highest shelf – very desirable but not for sale, and at least not until Gore’s value shoots through the roof would he likely become available. Like I said, what’s happening is just happening, and Gore is just an observer like the rest of us, but I’m convinced he’s paying very close attention. Maybe the stars won’t align properly - but then what if they do? What if providence awakes?
Morris Udall was quoted as saying “There is only one cure for presidential ambitions and it’s embalming fluid.” If that’s actually the case then Gore will not pass up the grandest of all opportunities to fulfill that most pervasive ambition of those who seek public office. Consider also, Al Gore Sr. who reportedly was intent on grooming his son for the highest office. One might presume that Al Gore Jr., a polite southern boy, would not intentionally deny his daddy that dream.
Whatever comes, it remains that Al Gore is the man for our time. The nation at large knows he was denied an election that he in fact won. They now see the folly of those who envisioned the New American Century and their attempt to rule the earth at everyone’s expense except their own.
There’s this great post by Larry Abrams in the Huffington Post entitled Weighing the Field. Abrams likens Hillary to an 800 lb gorilla and says that Gore is the only other 800 lb gorilla in the room. He comes to the conclusion that Gore himself holds the outcome of the next election in his hands. Abrams states, “I don't think Al is going to run unless it looks like Hillary's going to sweep the field in the early primaries. Nonetheless, we can be sure he's paying close attention.” Abrams thnks despite Obama’s surge of popularity there are only two candidates in the end who can take on Hillary, Edwards and Gore. “Edwards is in decent shape, but is still a little light in the butt. He needs to put on about ten pounds of muscle to be a real heavyweight.” As for Gore, Abrams says, “Al Gore needs to take a good look at himself, without his shirt on, in the mirror.”
