March 27, 2008 12:53 PM
Is Al Gore the answer to Dems' dilemma?
As Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama battle each other through a protracted primary season, could there be another player just waiting for his party to call?
The notion that Al Gore could emerge as a compromise candidate if the Democrats are deadlocked in Denver has been floated occasionally - and now by Time magazine's Joe Klein.
Obama will probably do well enough (in the Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Indiana primaries) to secure the nomination. But what if he tanks? What if he can't buy a white working-class vote? What if he loses all three states badly and continues to lose after that? I'd guess that the Democratic Party would still give him the nomination rather than turn to Clinton. But no one would be very happy—and a year that should have been an easy Democratic victory, given the state of the economy and the unpopularity of the incumbent, might slip away.Which brings us back to Al Gore. Pish-tosh, you say, and you're probably right. But let's play a little. Let's say the elders of the Democratic Party decide, when the primaries end, that neither Obama nor Clinton is viable. Let's also assume—and this may be a real stretch—that such elders are strong and smart enough to act. All they'd have to do would be to convince a significant fraction of their superdelegate friends, maybe fewer than 100, to announce that they were taking a pass on the first ballot at the Denver convention, which would deny the 2,025 votes necessary to Obama or Clinton. What if they then approached Gore and asked him to be the nominee, for the good of the party—and suggested that he take Obama as his running mate? Of course, Obama would have to be a party to the deal and bring his 1,900 or so delegates along.
Could you imagine Obama taking the second line to Gore? Anybody believe a Gore-Clinton ticket would be anything but a non-starter? Would Gore be a better candidate now than he was in 2000?
March 27, 2008
1:48 PM
Anonymous writes:
NO. It won't happen. You want to see a race riot in every city across the land? Just take off Obama and prop up Gore.
Nice Bait Job RMN.
March 27, 2008
1:55 PM
Hogar De Vuelta (العودة) "Ask not what your country can do for you...." writes:
Go Gore!!
Go Hillary !!
Go Obama !!
March 27, 2008
1:55 PM
gr8fuldude writes:
After the campaign that we've seen so far, I don't see HRC or BO stepping into the VP role, even if it is for the good of the party.
On the bright side, I do think Gore is the only candidate (or potential candidate) who would give any thought at all to a national renewable energy plan.
March 27, 2008
2:08 PM
history buff writes:
What about drafting Adlai Stevenson?
March 27, 2008
2:23 PM
Tree writes:
8dude- We haven't crashed and burned yet!
I'm pluggin' away here listening to 2/13/70 and 2/14/70 Dead. Perfect for this "typical Michigan cold and not sunny day".
http://setlist.com/
March 27, 2008
2:25 PM
just sayin' writes:
I want to see Obama and McCain in the debates. It will be the fresh new ideas vs. the same old, same very old.
March 27, 2008
2:26 PM
KW writes:
Just when you thought the show couldn't get any better, then this comes along.
Is somebody taping this? I sure hope so, watching the reruns on TV Land will be just as entertaining.
March 27, 2008
2:26 PM
Hogar De Vuelta (العودة) "Ask not what your country can do for you...." writes:
gr8,
One of the problems with Gore is that he is too reactionary. Ethanol was supposed to be the answer, but information is now coming to light that ethanol causes global warming as opposed to helping it. I am very hopeful that solar is going to get some real breathoughs in the near future.
http://copiousdissent.blogspot.com/2008/02/ethanol-causes-global-warming-experts.html
March 27, 2008
2:38 PM
gr8fuldude writes:
Tree - Good stuff. How did I used to get through an entire workday without listening online???
HDV - I agree to a point, but right now, I think he sounds the loudest because he is the only one talking about energy (aside from the usual political hand-wringing about how much it costs, and what will be done about it, blah, blah, blah)
Gore may not be the ideal candidate, but while others talk about national security, the economy, the environment and the future, he seems to be the only one who acknowledges that energy is the overarching thread that ties all of these issues together, and by extension, the future of the nation.
I also agree that solar is an untapped resource. I would like to see tax breaks and other incentives go toward developing this, as well as other renewable energy sources. I think that is how the technology will be developed and at the same time, America could again be a world leader in the development of new technology.
March 27, 2008
2:40 PM
Shaggy writes:
Now this would be the ultimate dog and pony show.
I say put algore on the ticket with out him having to do any hard work campaigning, raising millions of dollars, spending millions of dollars, enduring the brutal beatings with in the Democratic party, shedding a fake tear, lying for his pastor, dodging sniper bullets, throwing grandma under the race train...ect
I am sure Hillary or Obama would be gleefully happy for him to bud his fat arse in at the 11th hour.
I am sure either one would be honored to serve under algore.
This is about as big of a fantasy as Hillary or Obama stepping down to be the others VP after they spent all this time belittling and beating each other up.
Then again...I will not rule anything out when it comes to the Democrats and the way they think and the way they elect their nominees.
However I will be willing to bet this will be the last election we ever hear about super delegates.
Hey KW,
I sure like the Sheriff of Maricopa County, AZ. Joe Arpaio.
http://www.texasinsider.org/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=1580
He would make a fine President and I don't even know his party affiliation.
March 27, 2008
2:45 PM
Tree writes:
Hogar-
What happened to wind-solar-and pig crap power? Or are the Righties were bringing back slavery for the answer.
I can see it now, Hogar putting on his Viking helmet and beating a drum, row slaves, I'll tell you when we get to Iraq and then "I'll decide" what we do next. No pun intended Hogar, your just the only Viking I know.
March 27, 2008
2:50 PM
SASQUATCH writes:
AG would be a very formidable and powerful candidate. As a Repub., the thought of AG running actually frightens me to death. The very mention of his name causes me to soil my pants.
Let's not hope the Dems recycle this demonstrated and proven political powerhouse--AG's unbeatable. Damnit, it happened again. Where's my Depens?
March 27, 2008
2:56 PM
Anonymous writes:
They are right were you left them, on your head S for brains.
March 27, 2008
2:59 PM
KW writes:
Shaggy - That's our Sheriff Joe. Can you actually believe there's people here calling for his head? They claim he's only doing all this for publicity which may be true, but he has stated many times this is the only office he'll ever run for. He's over 70 already and just wants to keep this job for 1 or 2 more terms.
This has always been one of my fovaroite quotes, glad the included it in your link:
He's one of a kind, that's for sure.
March 27, 2008
2:59 PM
DR writes:
Holy zipsnot Batman, there are more assumptions in the prelude article than Doan's has pills - if the sun isn't shining in our galaxy, when the 5th, 6th, and 8th planets of galaxy GY412 in the Andromeda galaxy perfectly align, just as farmer Jones is starting up is '47 Alis Chalmers - come on. Nobody wants Gore this time around.
The Dems have two viable candidates for their nod. Obama is perceived, right or wrong, as having good, fresh ideas (I'd sure like to see a list of them), and Hillary is generally well-liked among Dems too. People who support Obama now will switch to her if he doesn't win the nod, and people who support her will switch to him similarly, simply out of party loyalty. Those who will decide the election are a few from each party who will cross over, the independents, and a possible turnout from each major party who hates the candidate from the other party.
As far as McCain is concerned, I believe people should do some research rather than assume they know he will be Bush III. On Iraq, yes, he has said he would not issue a unilateral withdrawal, but if we're honest I think we'd have to say that Obama and Hillary aren't going to leave an instant power vacuum there either - that might be the best way to hork up the situation worse than it has ever been to this point. Perhaps not, but can you envision three factions of Iraqis, a mass of Iranians, Turks, Syrians, Saudis, and G-d knows who else all clashing in the oil belt? On other issues, he has come out with some pretty good ideas to pull in spending, reduce the debt, deal with the immigration mess, and a host of other things (see his website for more).
By the way Hogar, ethanol is energy negative - it takes more to create it than we derive from it. Plus, as you pointed out, it creates CO2:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol_fuel_energy_balance
The worst part of it is the impact on food prices where the poor can no longer afford to eat what was a corn-based diet, such as millions in India. Also of concern are the Agave farmers in Mexico digging up their plants and planting corn for ethanol - those of us who enjoy good tequila had better stock up now, because it's projected that if ethanol keeps growing, a bottle of rot-gut tequila will be $40 minimum in two years - at that rate, I'll move completely to scotch :)
March 27, 2008
3:01 PM
Award Committee writes:
Sasquatch -
Congrats! You have won the "Stupid Post of the Day" award! By a very wide margin!
Please stop down at the RMN news building downtown to claim your prize by 5:00 tomorrow. Ask for Mark Wolf when you claim your prize.
March 27, 2008
3:03 PM
Tree writes:
Sassy - Q
2:56 just made me laugh. Hope you got a good chuckle, it's the only way you'll survive here. Case in point, look at Shaggy, he gets tag teamed day in day out like he's paid to take it and he shows up 24/7. Shaggy, do you really have a job?
If you do, there's no way your productive!
March 27, 2008
3:14 PM
Tree writes:
All this talk about growing corn has me thinking about my plants this season. It's that time of year. Remember, the seed doesn't fall too far from tree.
Any of you midnight stoners have a special request this year? Take a gander, I'm thinkin' Barneys Farm Violator Kush. Don't worry Shaggy, these seeds already have been Feminized.
http://shop.cannabis-seeds-bank.co.uk/feminized-seeds-10-c.asp
March 27, 2008
3:21 PM
Shaggy writes:
Now Tree, I have been good to you...
If you want to play hard ball with me I'm down.
A little advice though...It is going to take many loons to tag team and Über up to even have a chance at success.
Yes I do have a job..I probably work more hours than anyone on here.
Probably not as hard.
It is good to be the king.
March 27, 2008
3:29 PM
Kevin Jones writes:
Is the reanimated corpse of Bobby Kennedy available?
March 27, 2008
3:31 PM
Hogar De Vuelta (العودة) "Ask not what your country can do for you...." writes:
Tree,
No offense taken. Unlike some on this blog, I know the difference between a good natured jab and a vicious assault.
Hagar, Hogar, must be some relation.
DR,
I think that solar is going to be the eventual REALLY BIG THING. I would like to see algae based bio diesel and turbo charged diesel hybrids as a stop gap measure. I would like to algae based bio diesel completely displace ethanol as an alternative fuel, but Gore thinks that ethanol has some developments that will answer the negative energy criticisms. Using corn for fuel instead of fuel would improve peoples health.
March 27, 2008
3:39 PM
gr8fuldude writes:
Tree / Shaggy - I think you both hit on something, specifically how we can all blog while holding down jobs...From what I gather, here is the roll call on the livlihoods of the regulars:
Me: Management, salaried, with unmonitored internet access. I am usually here at 6 or so, so have a fair amount of downtime.
Shaggy - Probably the owner of a floor covering type business. You probably oversee, but don't work with the tools unless covering for absences or a staff members' foulup.
Tree - Freelances in the RE biz.
Jay - Owner of a placement agency for (I think) medical staffing.
Hogar - Semi-retired, works part time on your own terms.
HBuff - Retired, or working from home.
Dirk Gently (where's he been by the way) - Same as HBuff.
JW - Student in grad school.
I think when someone leaves our ranks, it is likely that they are changing jobs and no longer have the free time of access to blog.
March 27, 2008
3:51 PM
A good solution writes:
Yep, I agree.
Hillary has proven she is an obsessed, divisive, flawed liar, not to mention it is PROVEN IMPOSSIBLE for her to accumulate enough votes / delegates.
The party will NEVER sit still for or support "superdelegates" picking her when she has no majority of votes or delegates.
If the kids can't learn to play nice (and you KNOW they won't before Pennsylvania / NC) like adults and stop throwing mudpies,
and if Obama can't pull away and unite the party,
we draft Gore at the convention and give either Obama or Richardon the VP spot.
Are you LISTENING, Hillary and Obama?
(especially Hillary)
March 27, 2008
3:51 PM
JW writes:
Close.
JW - Student in grad school, management, salaried.
March 27, 2008
3:58 PM
Jeff writes:
Oh man, now that would be a dream ticket indeed. Al Gore at the top and Hillary or Obamma as a VP? The GOP couldn't ask for a better gift.
Gore has zero credibility with the public over his fear-mongering "Global Warming is Mans fault" and picking either of the other two for VP slots would push half their supported over to McCain.
Great plan, Go Gore!
March 27, 2008
4:01 PM
Tree writes:
I figured Shag was in the shag carpet bidness. Shag, are we right? Did you get your start at the the 1975 Wyoming Van O Rama. Bob Hurricane Hanna was your first celebrity customer out of WY. you threw down some deep red shag in his travelin' van.
March 27, 2008
4:17 PM
Shaggy writes:
I can't tell you if you are right because I would have JW stalking me:)
Actually JW can answer that for you..
March 27, 2008
4:21 PM
DR writes:
Hey Shaggy -
Did you get my reply to your question over in the other blog? Long story short, I find Reverend Wright's sermons probably do far more harm than good by promoting anger and divisiveness among the races - he should be espousing healing and acceptance.
March 27, 2008
4:32 PM
Hogar De Vuelta (العودة) "Ask not what your country can do for you...." writes:
gr8,
I was semi-retired, but I have been taking on more work which has definitely cut into my blogging.
JW,
Do you manage people?
March 27, 2008
4:54 PM
JW writes:
I'm not talking to you Hogar. You hurt my feelings.:(
Shaggy,
The only reason Id look you up is to have you fix my floors, maybe play the clown at my kids bday party. "see kids, this is what happens when you don't get an education and vote for idiots. The economy tanks and you go from making good cash on menial labor to playing a clown just to get by."
March 27, 2008
5:01 PM
Anonymous writes:
DR-
Let it go, your in a no win situation as your not black. You can only kick a dog for so long before he barks. He and his people have been kicked their entire life and some. Let him bark. He's harmless, just like the retired old Klan members today. Old and on their way to the grave.
March 27, 2008
5:14 PM
Anonymous writes:
Al Gore is the Dems answer to the current meltdown?
HAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAHAAAA..(cough, gasp)..HAAAAAHAAAAAHAAAAAAHAAAA.
March 27, 2008
5:46 PM
DR writes:
Anonymous at 5:01 -
You're probably right, but I do wonder if he doesn't just keep the ball rolling where it might otherwise slow down a bit and let some healing start.
March 27, 2008
5:51 PM
Ewwww writes:
Dubya stole the Y2K election from Al Gore.
However, before running for anything else, Al Gore should really do something about those bottom teeth. Or is that a pierced tongue?
March 27, 2008
6:01 PM
T. Haggard writes:
Oh, that's a pierced tongue.
March 27, 2008
6:02 PM
Shaggy writes:
LoL 05:01 PM,
Dr and I actually have respectful discussions.
Yes DR I did read it and respect your honest opinion.I think we are basically in agreement, I would just be quicker to denounce him than you.
JW,
I would be happy to replace your floors and play a clown at your kids bday but there is one problem.
You couldn't afford me.
However, if you borrowed the money from your mom and dad to pay me I would tell the kids..."see kids, if you work hard and learn and than work harder and learn more, you too can own your own business even if you had to start at the bottom and work your way up.
Then kids, you can be like me and hire people like JW to work for you so you too can have plenty of time during the day to screw around."
March 27, 2008
7:25 PM
Shaggy writes:
"They claim he's only doing all this for publicity which may be true"---KW
Good..No..GGGGRRRR888
We need more authorities to be like him!!!!
Ya know...Someone that actually has some kahunas...and uses them for the right purpose coughbclintoncoughcough...
March 27, 2008
8:01 PM
KW writes:
Shaggy - Similar to McCain, I think Sheriff Joe does a great job right here in AZ. But that doesn't mean I would be in his camp for a pres nom.
But Joe is a resourceful man, pinning the majority of costs for rehabilitating prisoners, as opposed to just locking them away, to programs the prisoners themselves fund thru their own works.
Now why wasn't I included in the "what is it you do" list that gr8 posted earlier. I at least rangle jay enough on pretty much a daily basis to be considered as a regular at this forum, don't I?
March 27, 2008
9:07 PM
Anonymous writes:
Is Al Gore the answer to Dems' dilemma?
Now this is one stupid question
and an entertaining one at that.
I would like to ask a similar question for Pubs
You think McCain should have Larry Craig as VP?
March 27, 2008
9:08 PM
no thanks writes:
KW-
Regular. Yeah, a regular self serving I won't shut up anytime soon looking down at you a-hole. Feel better, want a stroke?
March 27, 2008
10:04 PM
Shaggy writes:
Kw,
I know you are not a big McCain fan...Either am I...But I am here to convince you that he is our best alternative...and I still have almost 8 months top do so...keep an open mind is all I ask bro..
btw..I will personally make sure you are included in any poll, judgment, job entitlement or sexual preference from now on...you have my word on it...I guarantee..
March 27, 2008
11:00 PM
Hazardous_T writes:
I can say that it is great to see the democrat party in such disarray that someone would even think about putting the Charlatan in Chief in charge at this stage of the game...
"Solar energy is the #1 cause of global warming, Al Gore is #2." Hazardous_T
March 28, 2008
7:48 AM
Mark Hartig writes:
When Albert Gore becomes the answer to ANY dilema, it is truly time to pack it in.
March 28, 2008
8:23 AM
Mordecai writes:
What this country really needs is another "tea party" similar to that thrown in December of 1773 by the colonists residing in Boston. It well past time for members of the U.S. Military to read and act upon their oath to defend the US Constitution (sworn by every enlisted man and officer upon induction into the service)and remove the 545 "public servant/representatives" from the nations capital.
Many interests are being represented/served in Washington D.C. Sadly, few are those of the American citizen.
March 28, 2008
8:42 AM
KW writes:
no thanks - Thanks! I was hoping to get an endorsement from someone with a trashy mouth.
Any chance you're a preacher?
March 28, 2008
3:52 PM
primafacie writes:
"Is Al Gore the answer to Dems' dilemma?"
Hmmm, since a dilemma is a choice between equally undesirable alternatives, is this headline suggesting Democrats are stuck, shall we say, between the proverbial rock and hard place?
Well, there's always Ralph Nader.
March 29, 2008
10:22 AM
Arlene writes:
To even consider this is a sure sign that the prevailing mood at the DNC is pure desperation.