The lead story on the national news this morning was that Al Gore has decided not to run in 2004. I was quite taken aback by this, but in a small way kind of relieved. He said that if he did run, the focus would be on the past and not the present. He is a smart man, and I totally agree. I am just saddened that it has come to this. The door for the Demos now is wide open. Lets hope somebody soon, steps up front, and starts being articulate about separating the strong differences between the Republicans and Demos.
Whats funny to me though is why would Gore offer an economic plan, then decide not to run?

I actually see this decision as potentially very promising for the Democrats. Gore would not have won the next election without some major problems befalling the country beforehand. And we would have had to go back through the fiasco that was election 2000 where the American people did not really get to make the final decision about who was President. (No need for all of you election defenders to chime in. Just stating a personal opinion, not putting it out there as a fact.)

Now, if he will take on the role (which I think may be part of his motivation for all the public appearances and press work the last three months), he can feel free to step up and start challenging the current administration on all of their policies (or lack thereof). Gore would basically be sacrificing himself to draw more attention to the craziness of the Bush team. We need someone to step up and do that. I think he is willing to become the voice for all of us who believe that the country is heading in the wrong direction.

If Al will play that role, then the Democratic nominee in 2004 will have a stronger chance at knocking W out of the White House. Somehow we need to break through the whole propoganda machine in place, and point out to people that just because something is told to them a hundred times does not make it factual.

As much as I might miss Gore, I am more interested in elections without harassment of voters.

No matter how the election turned out - voter harassment is discrimination.

Hence, I will rest my case when I hear election results without.....NEWSBREAK.....scenes of American people being violated by other American people - on Election Day.

[ December 16, 2002: Message edited by: bluebird48234 ]

THANK GOD HE IS NOT RUNNING AGAIN!

A classy move.

His interview with Leslie Stahl reinforced what a thoughtful and interesting person he is, and this step raises him even higher in my eyes. I'm glad I voted for him in 2000, I probably would have voted for him in 2004.

I hope that if he stays out of electoral politics, he devotes his mind, energy and enthusiasm to the public good.

Although I lost money on a bet because of this, I am both more hopeful for the Dems in 2004 and more impressed by Gore as a politician and person

(Anyone else catch him on SNL this past Saturday as Trent Lott?!?! Classic. Great skit, great job by Gore.)

Gore was really funny at times, and it's good to see that he can laugh at himself. The man is really smart, really thoughtful, and when his political tendencies aren't spinning like a compass out of whack, he can be really impressive.

Perhaps he could lead an international dialogue on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or addressing environmental degradation and global warming.

[ January 02, 2003: Message edited by: Ump25 ]

[quote]Originally posted by fantomas:
His interview with Leslie Stahl reinforced what a thoughtful and interesting person he is, and this step raises him even higher in my eyes. I'm glad I voted for him in 2000, I probably would have voted for him in 2004.

I hope that if he stays out of electoral politics, he devotes his mind, energy and enthusiasm to the public good.

---

Well, he's an accomplished man that can laugh at himself. In my eyes (for President): what's not to like?

He'll probably be another Jimmy Carter - he's got A LOT going for himself.

[ December 18, 2002: Message edited by: bluebird48234 ]