Gore Surprises Netroots Nation, Says Not Eager To Serve In Obama Cabinet (VIDEO)

A surprise guest at Netroots Nation in Austin, Texas, former vice president Al Gore diplomatically skirted around a question of whether he would take a position in a hypothetical Obama administration.

Without offering much in the way of a definitive answer, his response was, in essence, that he felt he could do more to advance climate policy outside of government than in it.

"I am really honored by the suggestion that some have made that I would consider taking a position of some kind in the next administration, and I want to convey my respect for the idea even as I explain why I don't think it's the best idea," said Gore. "The best use of talents and experience I have gained in my life is to expand the political space in which these members and politicians address the climate crisis."

"I am devoting my life to bring about a sea change in public opinion, across party lines, that supports the truly massive policy change that we have to have," he said.

Gore's response to the Obama question was one of the few times he weighed into the presidential race. He did, however, offer sharp opinions on some of the policy debates currently being waged between Obama and John McCain on energy issues; mainly ripping the presumptive Republican nominee's proposal to lift the federal moratorium on off-shore drilling and offer consumers a gas tax holiday.

"The idea that we can drill our way out of this is just so absurd not to warrant any serious consideration," Gore told a clearly excited crowd. "They used to say that a cure for a hangover was the hair of the dog that bit you. If you had a hangover you went and got another drink and it would help it go away. It's the sort of the same thing with these proponents of drilling. 'Oh, we're in a fossil fuel crisis? Well let's just dig for more.' I mean, when you are in a hole, stop digging."

Last week, there were grumblings from progressives after the former vice president praised John McCain - in addition to Barack Obama - for being "way ahead" of the curve on global climate change. After all, who better than Gore would understand that every piece of political real estate matters?

So it was with some applause and relief that the netroots audience listened to him riff on McCain's energy proposals (even if he didn't mention the candidate by name).

"Pretending that we can solve that problem just by opening a few more areas for off shore drilling...to produce oil ten to fifteen years from now that will be used by China anyways," he said. "Proposing to get a slight increase in oil drilling for fuel to be sold to China ten to fifteen years from now...makes about as much sense as responding to an attack from Afghanistan by invading some other country that had nothing to do with 9/11 or the Taliban."

Video of Al Gore's surprise introduction -- just before the beginning of the video, Speaker Pelosi was asked about Gore's climate activism:

Comments

[Jessegirl]

Hi, I just responded to RnR about what I mean about being "Larry Kingish'. Why is is it so difficult to post perfectly fine comments.

[SEQUOIABISON]

I think he could be a little more helpful in pushing the Obama ticket, he was unwilling to take a risk and endorse a candidate early and now he shows the same hesitation and refuses to be a very enthusiastic supporter of our nominee, instead he promotes his own agenda.

[wayoutleft]

gore was on meet the press this morning. he seemed enthusiastic about obama and his environmental positions. but he gave absolutely no encouragement to the idea of joining the obama administration.

[slank]

Is it just me? I see a video of Gavin Newsome in this video??

[thegreatgiginthesky]

This is not a bad idea. I think G-ore can be a greater agent for change if he is not shackled by the restrictions of politics.

[Warmglobe]

And the restrictions of having to answer to questions and debate

[sleeperd]

Algore debating science would be right up there with Bill Clinton debating chastity -
neither know anything about the subject.

[era996]

He knows better
IT AIN"T GONNA BE OBAMA CABINET
McCain in 08

[VictorLudorum]

Sam this ind of man is busy taking the Green word across the zionist wall...He has won Nobel from European Nobility for cleaning his crapper!

[Jessegirl]

I find it a bit annoying, i must admit, that Al Gore has become so "Larry King-ish" when it comes to his new "too pure for politics" attitude. Hello...yo­u're a politician guy! I love Al Gore's work he's done for the environment BUT to pretend suddenly that we should all just look at him like he's never been associated with Washington anymore is just absurd...A­nd on top of that, every time we see him, he's giving some speech in some suit with all this wining and dining and limos and grandeur..­.Face it, Al Gore is not your typical "environment promoter", his past and his current life (yes, he is getting fatter okay) really do reflect an obvious lavishness. The environment is so raw and natural- it would be nice to see Al "out there" getting dirty. Show us Al in action "out there" doing anything, and talking to real people. It would suit his message more to see Al in more "spontaneous" environments, reacting to the elements, the wind in his hair etc, etc. Take off the suits and get "in it".

[Melissa]

He needs to get his own house in order before he starts preaching to everyone else. Driving around in a caravan of SUV's just doesn't cut it.

[ladyv]

SUVs are not the problem.

SUVs that contain one or two people are the problem.

When an SUV is full, it is is more fuel efficient to drive it than it would be for each person inside to drive alone. You add a full cargo load and it's even more efficient.

When Gore takes an SUV, it's because the group he is with can fill it up. The photographs that get posted around are always to/from the airport after an international tour. The vehicles are full of people and cargo. They are the best choice in those circumstances.

Of course, now you'll claim that he's not allowed to fly, but that, of course, is more of your all or nothing nonsense.

[JohnnyBoyyy]

I say let Al Gore continue to write books and spend his time and money enjoying the good life. I am not saying that Mr. Gore is a bad person. His success in raising the awareness of global warming through his Oscar winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth and winning the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts attest to his commitment. Al Gore knows that the United States, the largest offender in this crisis, must take a leadership roll in reducing greenhouse gas pollution before other countries will change their position. Mr. Gore is prepared to dedicate his life to exerting pressure on governments around the world to make the hard decisions necessary to save our planet.

Mr. Gore is on target with his "Moon Shot" proposal similar to John F. Kennedy's challenge to put an American on the moon within a decade. Gore's challenge to the nation is to produce all of our electricity within 10 years using only wind, sun, geothermal and other Earth-friendly energy sources. This would free up natural gas to power our hybrid cars until we develop economical hydrogen fueled cars. Exporting this AMERICAN GREEN technology and devices will bring millions of high tech - high paying jobs to American families and secure our future.

Tell me Mr. Obama doesn't understand the America we all want!!!!
OBAMA - JUDGMENT TO LEAD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSSWpe79MNI

P.S. Dubai now owns the Chrysler Building AND the General Motors Building in New York!

[kiddub]

Just like Hillary, he'll never play second fiddle,esp. with the cred he's earned on his own.

[Oldtt]

Al Gore is much more accomplished in his life than Barack Obama and would not be likely to accept a subordinate role if Obama wins in November. Gore withheld his endorsement until after Obama clinched the delegate count and was the last except for Hillary to endorse Barack. Actually, despite their historic clashes I think Gore would have preferred Hillary and her strategic energy initiative which closely parallels his own. The only reason that Hillary herself would consider running as VP nominee - if asked, which she will not be - is to trailblaze for future women candidates, but Gore has no such imperative and will not even consider it.

[LisaJeanM]

Wow, I'm really surprised by this. I think the gracious (and smart) thing for Gore to have said would be something like:

"I would absolutely do anything I could to help out Obama if he were to be elected president. If he were to ask me to serve him in any way, I would be honored and I would not hesitate. Barack Obama has given people all around the world a sense of hopefulness again. I would do anything I could to help him build a great administration and a better world."

Something like that might help.

Things like this remind me of why I was never crazy about him and almost voted for Nader in 2000.

(Oh my god - Nader ! CRINGE CRINGE CRINGE!!!)

[dajay]

Again, why would Al Gore need to take a position in Obama's cabinet. I guess it is clear that Al GOre wasn't considering being Obama's VP, as some delusional Obama supporters mentioned here several times.

[CornellRedneck]

Al is an enigma. He comes across with some interesting ideas once in awhile, but he can't seem to shed the "boring clutz" image that clings to him. Remember how he was weekly re-inventing himself? Grownup adults don't "re-invent" themselves. By your 40s, you are who you are. You simply can't change your DNA unless you, of course, you are a phony...

[jimdog1954]

Al is very smart for not wanting to operate inside the government. He will be able to speak truth to power, point fingers and name names without worrying about the political fallout landing on the new president. Smart and effective.