Gore should know that by leaving the question of a candidacy open he's holding back Clinton's rivals

I'm not suggesting that the Nobel Prize hoopla is wrong. I think he should revel in the attention and use it to elevate the cause he was honored for.

But, by leaving the question of a candidacy open - with no definitive statement by Gore against the prospect of his entering the race - he is drawing necessary attention from those who've put their own reputations on the line by declaring their intentions and laying their CURRENT platforms and proposals out for voters and others to scrutinize.

I'm strongly in support of the initiatives and proposals which Gore has presented on the environment. I also appreciate his uncompromising opposition to the Bush administration and their policies. But, I resent the suggestion that these earlier positions (books, speeches, congressional career) constitutes a platform for the current campaign which can be fairly measured against the declared candidates' proposals and positions.

If he runs, he should come forward as soon as possible to allow voters to fairly judge what he says he would intend to do as president. The longer he waits, the more it appears that he's trying to avoid the level of scrutiny that those who've been subjected to the exposure from their commitment have endured for months and months since they declared. Although I can imagine supporting a Gore candidacy, I'm completely put off by the insistence by his advocates that his positions and proposals are somehow superior to the other candidates' platforms, sight unseen.

I think Gore (or anyone else considering) should get in the race, or declare himself out. Soon. Soon, as in, now, so we can get on with our campaign against the republican opposition.

First of all, Gore has repeatedly declared he is not running or considering running. What more does he have to do? Second, the only one holding Hillary's rivals back is themselves.

As for Clinton's rivals, they are being hurt by her familiarity to the voters who have bothered to tune in this early in the campaign. As we move into the the next few months, however, there should be more attention given to these others who've declared.

I think it would be beyond naive for Gore to not know what effect his straddle has on the campaign.

I would love to smoke what you are smoking.

He's having a good year, none of the candidates are offering what he would on Climate Change, and he has said, he is waiting for someone to step forward and make this their leading issue.

None has.

End of story.

who have their own share of speeches and statements from their public service.

He needs to lay out what he would intend to do as president if he plans to run, like the others have.

others to prove that he does? Climate Change, and a return to reasoned debate to solve the issues of the day are AL Gore's message. Pretty simple. If you don't know about how he would work on these issues, you should actually READ his books, or LISTEN to his speeches.

Or do the other candidates books and speeches not count as a platform either?

You've left me confused here.

He does not HAVE to declare himself a candidate.

And all candidates should stand on their own merit, period.

Regarding Iraq, for instance. Every candidate says they want out, but they all have varying degrees of what 'out' means.

On health, as another example, the candidates all want coverage, but to different degrees. And it makes a huge difference what they actually propose to do as president as opposed to some earlier stance. The current crop has been held to account for the details of their plans in ways that they were not held accountable for their earlier broad positions or postures.

I want to see plans and proposals put forward which detail what Gore would do as president, from education to the environment, from foreign policy to fiscal policy. If he intends to run I want those out in the open for us to scrutinize along with the others'.

Let's mark our calendars. :)

What about "I have no plans or intentions to run for president" do people not understand? NO ONE else has to give some "Sherman statement" so why should he? He is already proving with his actions where he now stands. I personally think it is time to stop using him as a scapegoat and also as a political weapon. If his words in the last year can't be read that isn't his fault.

That's clear and direct.

I think his hedging is political. Everything associated with these folks can be viewed as political. And I think it's an insult to his intelligence to imagine that he doesn't realize that the question of his candidacy is still open.

Have you ever heard him state that people should not support other candidates? Perhaps you should then talk to the groups and the media out here who do nothing but make people believe he is hedging regardless of his own words.

What happens if everything turns to shit with all of our current candidates? You want Gore to become an instant "flip-flopper" if he does need to get in?

Don

Barring some freak collective tragedy which engulfs all of the others, that seems far-fetched.

for the race and the positions of candidates to crystalize. Part of this is media driven though (speculation) as well as his lack of finality on the matter. People should listen when he says he is not a candidate rather than whether when he leaves the door open.

but it is pretty obvious now, IM0, that he is not
entering. The only way I can see for him to enter
is there are some bad screw-ups in Iowa and he could
step in to save the party so to speak.

I am so very proud of AL Gore and his work and all
the honors he is receiving. He will probably become
a respected "Elder Statesman" working on Environmental
Issues. As much as I would love to see him run, there
is a part of me that does not want him to endure the
constant barage of attacks from the Media. They do
not like Al and will never like Al. Remeber all their
lies--these lies did more to run Media Image--but they
still have the power. With Hilary so comfortably ahead
, I believe Al looks at this and has determined that it
might be bad for the party. The GOP started damning the
Nobel Peace Prize and anything connected. Strange, they
do not know the difference between Norway and Sweden.
Their attacks against Gore hae strengthened. 3 months
is a short period of time to change polls.

Perhaps if AL wishes to leave his options for a race
say 2012--he might bow out of discussion this way.

He should decline to endorsement of any candidate
and encourage them all. Refrain from making any one
group angry. He never knows what the future holds
and whom he may need to go to for assistance.

- if he declined to run - by addressing the proposals already out there from our field of candidates. He could continue to focus his support on issues rather than attach himself to any one candidate before the nomination.

many contributors are holding their money for Gore. This money could be going to other candidates, and helping in the primaries.

zalinda

of money - far more than the Republicans are.

I don't think a lot of contributors are holding back.

He may just want to continue with global warming. The repuks and some in the press are already harping on him and desecrating his work. I am appalled by this behavior and the bad attitude. Instead of applauding him they want to tear him down. Gore is an American and the republicans and press her in the US instead of being proud trash hs efforts. I despise them all.

other words, no campaigning until sept of the election.

Its more difficult to do that with people holding onto the Gore fantasy.

to anybody's support.

Sorry.

Beyond that, if Gore doesn't announce by the end of the month, I'd say it's not happening. So demands by other Democrats- Hillary or anyone else- that we MUST get on their train are kind of redundant. We'll know soon enough if Al is getting in. I think he isn't.

At which point, some of us will decide to support who we decide to support, but no one is ENTITLED to that support.