Gore, More Than Before

I almost called this post "The Last Temptation of Barack Obama," but that would have been slightly deceptive. In this case, the Temptation is not Obama's but my own. Does one drain the chalice and support Obama for no reason other than the rapture he has inspired? And more broadly, is the Left as a whole compelled to get on the Obama train before they're left behind?

You'd have to be a fool to deny the possibility but I have a feeling we'll all be there to meet the Obama train when it pulls in at the station in Denver this August, and with the prospect of a deadlocked Democratic Convention before us.

When Bill Clinton called Obama's candidacy "the biggest fairytale" he's "ever seen," he was mistaken. Obama's candidacy is the second biggest fairytale we've ever seen. The biggest fairytale is the true story of every horned and spiky thing that has ever spewed out of Bill Clinton's triangulatin', prevaricatin' mouth.

Like it or not, everything in Hillary's candidacy proceeds from Bill's legacy of lies, betrayals, and corporate whoredom. Hillary is good on the issues, but her chief campaign and media consultant is the PR guy for Blackwater. Hillary would support campaign finance reform and a ban on lobbying but if she did, how could she raise the hundreds of millions of dollars necessary to get her elected so she could do all the wonderful things she's always dreamed of doing for us.

Hillary still invokes her days working at the Children's Defense Fund under Marion Wright Edelman, but Edelman cut off the Clintons when Bill went after kids on welfare in 1996, to please his new Republican friends in the House.

Hillary now cries when reminded of her youthful idealism working at the Child Study Center in New Haven, but I don't think she's crying wistfully about the road not taken; rather, she's crying about the compromises she's had to make along the highway to power. Hillary and Bill would say that they had to make those compromises "to maintain their viability in the system," that they made those compromises for us.

The rest of us might say, of course, who asked them? The Clinton's live in a cocoon of self-deception and though I'm sure they regard themselves as "good people," when Bill and Hillary walk through a room there is a faint whiff of sulfur in their wake.

From a Democratic Party perspective though, the biggest problem with Hillary is not so much that she's in league with the forces of darkness as that she can't beat John McCain. The reason she can't, is because Republicans won't vote for her, most Independents won't vote for her, and people like me won't vote for her.

Basta! We've had enough.

Obama can beat McCain, and will if given the chance. The prospect of beating Hillary and McCain should be enough to get everyone on board the Obama train.

Personally, though, I am ambivalent. The Obama campaign has been brilliantly executed, a true phenomenon. Obama is a genuinely charismatic guy. The Obama people have out organized the Clinton and Edwards people on the ground, and their candidate is a seamless fit with his message. But what is this campaign actually about?

It's about "change" they tell us.

Still, when Obama says "we've got to go forward, and not go back," I wonder how this would sound if there weren't ten thousand people screaming in approval. We're told that Obama's campaign is different, singular even. However much of Obama's message is vaguely reminiscent of Jimmy Carter, or the first Bill Clinton campaign, and like Clinton and Carter, Obama is coming at his Democratic primary opponent from both the Right and the Left simultaneously.

The one difference, and the telling difference between these campaigns, is that Obama IS the change that everyone else has talked about up until now. We know this because Obama tells us so, and one assumes he genuinely believes it. Obama is a black person who doesn't scare white people, but embraces them. When he talks about a new era of unity, he believes that too and so might we all.

It follows though, that the difference with Obama's campaign, is that it's more a belief thing than a political thing; a messianic thing even, and with ten thousand people screaming, "Yes, he's the One," who am I--or you--to say no?

So, let me just say it. No, I don't feel like playing the fool for Barack Obama.

I've been a John Edwards supporter this election, but now it's time for Gore, more than before.

Al Gore has many things to recommend him. As opposed to Hillary, he actually is quite experienced. Hillary's supposed 35 years of experience consists of exactly seven years of elective office.

As opposed to Obama, Gore really is a candidate of systemic change, and he's got the Nobel Prize to prove it.

Gore has been writing and talking about the slide of the culture into a televised, corporate consumptionist abyss, and the dangers this poses to a democratic
republic.

Gore was among the earliest and most vocal to attack Bush and Cheney on the illegal, immoral recklessness of going into Iraq, and he's been on them ever since.

Gore is not only the best Democratic candidate who could be put up at this point, he might end up being the only alternative at a deadlocked convention.

A Gore-Obama ticket would be a winning Democratic combination -- for a change -- in November.

In part 2 of this post, I'll discuss ideas, tactics and strategies -- crackpot and otherwise -- for making this happen.

Comments

[dhs177]

I certainly believe that Al Gore is by far the most qualified and the best man for President. However, for whatever reason he did not run, even though I believe he would have wom if he did. The best thing for the country and party now is for Gore to endorse Obama and for Obama to offer him the VP slot with real power. The ticket would be unbeatable and Gore would make history by being Vice President for 16 years and then still have a real shot to finally be President in 2016 when he is 67 still four years younger than McCain is now.

[KISSman]

I'd think about reading Part 2 if it were even plausable, but it's not. I like Al Gore a lot -- always have -- but he ain't running. It ain't happening. It's Obama or Hillary and if the Clintons drive you nuts, then the choice is quite apparent.

[WorkingClass]

I'm not 'workingclass', I'm his wife...here's my letter to Al Gore.
I live in Shreveport, La. and I do massage therapy.
When you were coming to Shreveport, your people made an appointment for a massage...for which you did not show up. When I called the next day to express my irritation , I was actually connected to you and you said you were unaware of the appointment.
You apologized and said the next time you came to Shreveport you would remake the appointment and get a massage. You did not do that.
I’ve harbored resentment ever since, but Mr. Gore, if you would accept the offer of the vice-presidency when Mr. Obama offers it... I will totally forgive you and will give you and Tipper a free massage when you come to town.

[WorkingClass]

nobody cares

[bowseat93]

I couldn't be happier if Gore was in this race. But he isn't, and I don't see a snowball's chance in hell of him being part of it.

That said, if you are going to have the luxury of posting on HuffPo, at least get your facts straight. Bill Clinton did NOT call Obama's *candidacy* a fairy tale. He was referring to his various statements on Iraq.

Note that with Edwards out and Gore not in, I am now an Obama supporter. But fair is fair. Stick to the facts please!

[UnconditionalPeace]

With all of the disarray, infighting, and obviously exploitable vulnerabilities of the two Democratic candidates, the only logical, powerful, and unbeatable choice would be to nominate a winning ticket of either Gore-Edwards or Edwards-Gore. Either one of these combinations would effectively galvanize all aspects of the Democratic party, allowing all members' voices to be truly represented and supported. While neither one of these men would at this time relish the thought of wading into the now-murky waters, as neither is a spoiler and both have too much class, they both have much to offer our country.

One thing is certain. Both Gore and Edwards lead by example, integrity, and intention. They successfully can ensure an undefeatable ticket for the next 8 years.

It's not too late to create a new paradigm for politics, people, our country, and our presence worldwide. John Edwards' message was and still is: "Tomorrow Begins Today." It's up to us to make it happen.

[OtayPanky]

Your feelings about the Clinton mirror mine exactly.

And so does your concern about whether Obama is going to be able to lead the country to a truly new politics...though I am not cynical about either his message or his motives.

Would Gore accept an 11th hour call from the dems, and step up to serve his country in the event of gridlock? I don't know.

What I find myself mulling over are the potential repercussions of it is a brokered convention, without Gore as a solution, and either Hillary or Barack are defeated by superdelegates, or seating the FL and MI delegates, or some back room dealings.

The first question is: would either one consent to be the VP of the other one?

I don't see Barack consenting - because it would defeat his own branding to have "the hope boiled out of him" for the next eight years while he waits his turn.

And Hillary hasn't got the emotional constitution that would let her lay down her dream of POTUS for the sake of the greater good.

Which means - to me at least - that one of them will be kicked to the curb...and there will be no dream ticket at the end.

In THAT likely scenario, we need to envision the consequences. Which segments of the electorate will be affected - or rather disaffected - to the point where McCain becomes the likely next POTUS?

[OtayPanky]

If Barack is rejected in favor of Hillary, here's the potential collateral damage:

1. Independent voters will almost ALL break for McCain.

2. A lot of black voters will feel they're getting Katrinad, again. Expect this most reliable of dem demographics to become dispirited, and stay home in record numbers. Don't be surprised if black activist leaders like Al Sharpton lead a boycott parade.

3. Young voters, otherwise self-involved and apathetic, will continue to be apathetic.

4. The repub base, now listless and unenthusiastic, will find its backbone and roll out in big numbers to defeat Hillary.

OTOH, if Hillary is rejected in favor of Barack, here's my projection of collateral damage.

NONE.

The militant feminist wing (like NY-NOW president Marcia Pappas) will vote for any dem - including Obama - because of their concerns about the Supreme Court being packed with conservatives, thus rolling back Roe V Wade.

Latinos, who appear to be in Hillary's camp, will not appreciably stay home just because Obama is chosen by the powers.

Older women - a Hillary stapl e - will turn out for Barack, especially when Bill and Hillary tell them they should.

Less educated dems - another Hillary demographic - will turn out for Barack as well.

So...if I was to take a TOTALLY practical, TOTALLY tactical approach here, I'd say Hillary is high risk, and Barack is low risk - if the dem powers that be have to make that kind of choice.

Ok...tell me where you think my reasoning is flawed, particularly you THOUGHTFUL Hillary supporters here.

[Wanod]

I say antee up the Florida, Mich, vote's if it's that close. The people voted, the hell with the super delegates.

[fastcat]

I live in Florida. None of the candidates came here to campaign. One of the most popular morning radio shows in Tampa was telling people not to go vote because their vote didnt count. (MJ in the morning 93.3-I dont listen but co-workers do) If they want the delegates, hold a real primary here. The candidates need to campaign and then let the people choose.

My hope is that the candidates are tied going into the convention. Then the people can approach Al Gore to run. He can reunite the party. Obama can be his VP since he has shown he can raise more money than Billary.

[thegools]

Long ago I said the same thing. Gore/Obama would be unbeatable. (I would like Gore/Edwards too.)

I would be all for it.

[blueradical]

It would be, but I don't see Obama stepping back after all this to just let Gore waltz into the convention and take the nomination. Obama will win this thing on his own terms. Gore will stay put and continue to act as a nonpolitical deity bringing real help to the planet.

[Desiderata]

So many of us, now, know in our collective bones that the future will bring only a continuation of this modern Dark Age, with any of the Presidential choices of either party. Too much Wall Street, BigPharma, BigHealth and BigCredit money has been laid at the feet of our John Edwards mimics. McCain would bring on the Apocalypse.

So, knowing our hopes have been aborted, we let ourselves fall into the warm embrace of delusion; a miracle will happen that will revive our better day, chase away all the demons and save our beloved country.

Our fate is more in our own hands than in any time in our nation's history. Until we accept this truth and take every action we need to take back our country, we will only dream of what could have been when dreams are all we have left.

[Nutcase]

We'll have to wait at least 4 years as the candidates that remain this time are all store-bought.

cognito ergo populistae

[Wanod]

Gore is a loser, he's no fighter, I'll bet the kitchen zink on Hillary. I know she'll fight...

[fastcat]

Like when she fought against the invasion of Iraq? Oops. Like when she fought against the Kyl/Lieberman amendment? Oops. Like when she looked in the camera during the last debate and said the argument to go into Iraq was "credible"? Oops. It was only credible to those not paying attention! Gore spoke out against the invasion of Iraq in 2002. He has been giving speeches regarding the loss of our civil rights. He just spoke of his belief of equal rights for gay couples. I highly recommend every read The Assault on Reason. Gore is the only candidate that can reunite the party and the country, has the respect of the world and will bring more jobs to the green sector. He is our best shot at ending our dependency on oil. As an investment capitalist, he has sought out companies that are researching renewable resources. How about a few government contracts for these folks instead of the war machine? Hillary will be easily beaten by McCain. She will unite the republicans like no other.

[TheOtherMaven]

Forget it. Gore has already all but come out and said exactly what Calvin Coolidge did when asked if he would stand for re-election in 1928: "If nominated, I will not run; if elected, I will not serve."

Like Coolidge, he's been there, done that, and doesn't want any more of it.

[Nutcase]

Coolidge??????

Try William Tecumseh Sherman.

cognito ergo populistae

[fastcat]

That is not what Al Gore said! He said he has "no plans" of running. He refused to make a "Sherman" statement when asked. He said last summer that there was more than 500 days until the election and didnt understand why he should be forced to declare one way or the other....and he was correct!

[ChuckFitz]

Amen, Brother.
I, too, am not sold on Sen. Obama nor Clinton. I was a involved in the Draft Gore movement, but, unfortunately, Gore closed the door. Many top level involved members had devised plans to campaign for uncommitted with the idea of keeping a convention showdown possible. The only problem with that plan is that it's damn near impossible to campaign for 'no one'.
I just see a tremendous backlash at a contested convention if Gore were to jump in. Especially from the Obama camp. They would be steamed to think Gore could just step in and nonchalantly overshadow all the hard work they've done in the last year.
Obama also has an amazing ability to light the grassroots fire. I'm from Omaha, Nebraska. He just had a rally at our Civic Auditorium to the tune of a 11,000 people. He was in Seattle with 21,000 people. That truly is phenomenal.
As phenomenal as it is, however, I agree with your feeling of ambivalence. I just don't buy it. I do like his history of organizing on the streets of Chicago. That truly is working for the ideals of the Democratic Party, not just lip service like your mentioning of Hillary and the Children's Defense Fund.
Anyway, I'm applying to be a delegate to Denver for Nebraska as uncommitted. I hope to make it.
And Larry, you're spot on about this: GORE/OBAMA WINS! Period. Goodnight Sidartha. It's over. Write it down in the history books. Fugetaboutit. Wham, bam, thank you mam! That's why I tried to buy the GoreObama domain last spring. It was already sold.
I can't wait to see your ideas on strategy and tactics, and you can county me in. But a word of warning; don't expect much attention. For example, this posting of yours didn't last very long on the Huffington Post Front Page.

[fastcat]

If the Clintons have the "inside track on the superdelegates", Obama doesnt have a chance. Are "we the people" going to accept it? Will we shrug our shoulders and say "maybe next time"? Then we get what we deserve. If Obama is the choice of the people, then the people must be willing to fight for him! Remember 2000? This would be the same thing as what happened in 2000. The voice of the people would be ignored and the will of the elite would prevail. This is not what Thomas Jefferson favored!

I am an independent because I favor country over party. My first choice for the country is Al Gore. I think Senator Obama would be an excellent VP. It would smooth the way for his becoming President for some of our citizens who have not progressed quite enough. If the choices offered are McCain vs Obama, of course, I will vote for Obama. If the choice is McCain vs Clinton, well...that really isnt a choice except do I want the next war started by a male or a female. Al Gore can unite the democratic party and the country. He is respected around the globe which will go a long way in repairing the damage done by the Bush administration. His involvement in renewable resources could lead the way to ending our dependency on foreign oil which will remove the excuse for more war. It is time for America to start taking care of Americans. Jobs, healthcare, infrastructure repair, etc. It is time for Al Gore.

[DoninJoisey]

Aint gonna happen.
Hill/Bill would squash it. They have the inside track on superdelegates.

I'm for Obama. At least he offers the hope of change. With all the remaining candidates on either side, there is absolutely no hope.

I would like Obama/Edwards or Obama/Biden.

[jmpurser]

Al Gore is STILL the guy who thought LIEBERMAN was the best pick for Veep on a DEMOCRATIC ticket.

I like Gore. He's a hell of a statesman. Let's leave him there where he does a little good.

[KarenM]

I wait with bated breath for your next post.