MyDD :: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one

Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one

by Makey, Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:27:23 AM EST

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Now that my personal choice Gov. Mark Warner has ruled himself out of the VP position.
I believe strongly that Obama Obama's only choice as running mate should be Al Gore. If Obama does not get a trophy running mate like Gore -- or perhaps Republican Colin Powell then he faces greater odds.

Al Gore is the only potential candidate with more national security experience, and world profile, than Republican John McCain. Without Gore as Obama's running mate, the party's continuing candidate contest will simply play into McCain's hands and turn the election into the Politics of Fear.

This is high stakes and Democrats should focus tunnel like. To claim back the presidency.

Hillary has an experienced husband. Who vouched for her. Now Obama needs someone to vouch for him. To the millions of Americans who have yet to be introduced to him.
Al Gore was privy to everything and therefore trumps McCain's experience which is, by comparison, minimal.

Of course, Al Gore has stayed out of the fray and says he is not interested in politics. But his silence has, in part, been because he dislikes the Clinton candidacy. And anything's possible in politics. Together Obama and Al Gore would be a Teflon Team and McCain would be unable to turn the campaign into The Experienced One Versus The Novice. Then the election would be what it should be: A contest between equals about ideas and the future that engages everyone.

Al Gore your party and country needs you to step up and provide the flank that Obama needs.

Pick up the phone.

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Tags: Obama/Gore (all tags)

Permalink :: 45 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (2.00 / 2)

Why is that Obama logo strategically placed over Al Gore's crotch?

"Tell me about your work ethic." "Well, I don't think ethnics do no work. I mean, that's they problem, really." "Overt racial prejudice. Impressive."

by vcalzone on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:29:32 AM EST

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (none / 0)

hmmm, perhaps this is a way to castrate Gore using the Obama label?

/snark.

who knows? But the eyes do drift down there, don't they?

by colebiancardi on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:32:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (2.00 / 1)

Well, it adds to the mystery provided by the question mark.

"Tell me about your work ethic." "Well, I don't think ethnics do no work. I mean, that's they problem, really." "Overt racial prejudice. Impressive."

by vcalzone on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:04:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (2.00 / 1)

Sorry!, It had to go somewhere.

by Makey on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:46:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (2.00 / 1)

nope. Gore's been there and done that.

Gore is in a much happier and respected place now and taking on another Veep position now does nothing for him or what he can really do

besides, I thought Obama supporters wanted to get rid of the DLC? Gore is DLC.

and where did Gore state he disliked Clinton's candidacy?

by colebiancardi on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:30:48 AM EST

Besides the fact that he wouldn't take it, (none / 0)

he hasn't said a word in public supporting Obama. Hands down, he's going to pick someone who's been with him at least since the spring.

should we go outside? / should we break some bread? / are you'nterested?

by Firewall on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:30:55 AM EST

Gore's endorsing! Gore's endorsing! (2.00 / 2)

Funny how even after Hillary Clinton endorsed Gore still hasn't. Guess he isn't as big an Obama fan as some wanted us to believe. Seems to me he is more interested in global warming than partisan politics.

by souvarine on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:40:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gore is smart enough (1.50 / 2)

not to want to touch the most divisive Democratic presidential campaign in modern history with a 10 foot pole. He also knows better than anyone that divisive politics coming from either party have historically resulted in a net loss for Dems.

by phoenixdreamz on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:04:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (none / 0)

We needs Democrats to step up and provide the flank now for Obama. In this historic journey he is taking.

Gore we need you.

by Makey on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:33:32 AM EST

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (2.00 / 2)

every four years, we have a presidential election. I am not sure what this "historical journey" BS is all about.

Gore would be better suited to do his own thing

by colebiancardi on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:38:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: (2.00 / 1)

I would be tickled pink if Gore was on the ticket. It isn't particularly likely, but I'd certainly vote for them.

by Reaper0Bot0 on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:39:42 AM EST

wtf (2.00 / 3)

if gore didn't want to be president, what makes you think he wants to be VP again?

by highgrade on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:42:41 AM EST

Re: wtf (none / 0)

Because this is about duty. This the higher call.
A historic candidate in a historic election.

by Makey on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:45:36 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: wtf (2.00 / 2)

oh god. spare me with the BS about historic elections and historic candidates.

If anything, this primary season has shown us that Obama is really very much the same type of politician.

note: I will vote for him because he is the democratic nominee and I do think it is historic that he is the first AA presidential nominee. But other than that, I've heard his rhetoric before. It isn't new to me

by colebiancardi on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:48:40 AM EST
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Re: wtf (2.00 / 1)

God help me.... Seriously, kill me now...

But is this snark?

"Tell me about your work ethic." "Well, I don't think ethnics do no work. I mean, that's they problem, really." "Overt racial prejudice. Impressive."

by vcalzone on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:06:23 AM EST
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Re: wtf (none / 0)

Nope. I think he seriously means it.

by Makey on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:40:39 AM EST
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Re: wtf (2.00 / 1)

uhh, if you follow the thread postings, it looks like they were referring to your insipid post.

by colebiancardi on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:43:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (2.00 / 1)

Gore, if we use the same argument about Hillary, has too much baggage. He does. It is a different type of baggage, but it is baggage just the same.

after his win in 2000 (yes, he won the election, imho) why on earth would he put himself thru this BS again. Remember, according to the MSM, Gore is the biggest liar on the face of the earth.

heck - maybe even in the whole of the universe. Perhaps some don't remember the complete and utter BULLSHIT Gore went thru in 2000 (Gore & Bush = the same) but I do.

Frankly, the man had to deal with the stealing of his presidency for a few years and come back with his own projects to promote.

I like him in the place he is in now.

And I noticed that the diarist wants this because it would somehow "vouch" for Obama. I think this primary season, because it has gone on for so long and started so early, that people know Obama by now.

I think the MSM meme is to try & tell you that people don't know who Obama is (to downplay something???) but I think, with all the Newsweek/Time front covers, the constant coverage of the Obama/Hillary primary fight - the people know about Obama

by colebiancardi on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:45:43 AM EST

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (none / 0)

I think Gore saw the value of endorsements when he went after Obama. McCain is pretty decent when it comes to the environment. As much as I know he wants Obama in office, I'd be disappointed if he did something that damaged his political capital.

"Tell me about your work ethic." "Well, I don't think ethnics do no work. I mean, that's they problem, really." "Overt racial prejudice. Impressive."

by vcalzone on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:08:22 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (2.00 / 1)

The desperate wrigglings to avoid the no brainer. Gore is NOT going be the vice president. He, as must be obvious to anyone, has zero interest in this job. If he'd had any interest he'd have put his name in contention for the Presidency. Face it the only name that's going to cause any real excitement is Clinton, the remaining folks being mentioned are worthy but essentially boring.

by ottovbvs on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:08:18 AM EST

I don't want her on the ticket (1.00 / 0)

Obama is his own guy, and she is a distraction.

by catfish2 on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:06:25 PM EST
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Re: I don't want her on the ticket (none / 0)

Yep there's going to be huge surge of excitement amongst dems when he announces Wes Clark or one of these other unknowns as his pick. Dancing in the streets. Joy will be unconfined.

by ottovbvs on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 01:06:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I don't want her on the ticket (2.00 / 1)

Right, because Cheney and Gore were both such media darlings that ripples of excitement surged through the parties at their choosing.

You don't choose a running mate on the basis of name recognition, and you certainly don't do it because of what polls in June say. That was Kerry's mistake.

by nathanp on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 01:21:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Well, it's about governing, after all. (none / 0)

While General Clark is not a household name, I'm not sure I'd call him an unknown, either. As Supreme Allied Commander of NATO--who successfully prosecuted the war in the Balkans--his credentials are substantial. And after all, the choice should be about who could step in to the top job. Outside of LBJ, and maybe Ed Muskie, few VP picks have ever substantially impacted the party's overall success at the top or in congressional races.

Most of the other names mentioned are unknowns as well....Webb, Richardson, Kaine, etc. Remember, there's a whole world outside of the blogosphere who haven't even thought about this election yet.

by BJJ Fighter on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 03:00:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Gore is not a trophy (none / 0)

He has already done VP. He now has a life where he is wealthy, where he can speak his mind without worrying about who he has offended. He occupies a Jimmy Carter space.

Why would he reenter the mud pit?

Obama can find someone else.

by Alice Marshall on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:21:44 AM EST

Wesley Clark (2.00 / 1)

the end

Gobama!

by USArmyParatrooper on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:22:35 AM EST

Agreed. (2.00 / 2)

Smart, handsome, and charismatic, Clark knows how to use television. General Clark has shown the ability to lead people; as a former Supreme Commander of NATO, nobody will question his background or qualifications.

One thing I've always admired about Wes Clark: he was an "active agent" in arguing that we should be involved in the Balkans conflict to end ethnic cleansing. President Clinton and Secretary Cohen were dragging their feet,and some have posited that Clark manipulated the two men and forced the issue. So he could be a "loose cannon" as VP, although I personally like the idea of someone who stands up to be counted, instead of just going with the flow.

by BJJ Fighter on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:59:02 AM EST
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Re: Agreed. (2.00 / 2)

Ah, active agent in stopping ethnic cleansing in the Balkans plus active agent in opposing the Iraq war.

From everything I've seen of him he seems very stable, not at all a loose cannon. And he has the added bonus of NOT being a Washington insider.. at least in the conventional sense.

Gobama!

by USArmyParatrooper on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:02:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Agreed. (none / 0)

Above all, loyalty doesn't always mean just saying "yes". To your point, a Vice President who will offer the benefit of his experience--and sometimes challenge the President's direction--would be a huge asset. With General Clark's military experience, nobody would doubt that he would support whatever final decision was made by the President.

by BJJ Fighter on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:17:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Agreed. (none / 0)

And oh, BTW. I predicted years ago that Obama was going to be the next President. And I predicted months ago Clark would be his VP. If both happen I'm going to Vegas.

PS: What's your favorite move? I'm partial to the rear naked choke.

Gobama!

by USArmyParatrooper on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:21:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Agreed. (none / 0)

Fig.4 head scissors, and if I'm feeling really frisky, the guillotine. Once in a while the triangle choke. Generally do more leg work than anything, since a lot of my opponents don't know how to defend against those moves.

Good luck in Vegas....hope you wait until the Fall!

by BJJ Fighter on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:43:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Agreed. (2.00 / 1)

Oh, man. I hate guys like you. I need to learn some leg and ankle submissions. Really I'm very much a novice.

Gobama!

by USArmyParatrooper on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 01:01:46 PM EST
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Re: Agreed. (none / 0)

Just read your diary on MI and FL, belatedly. Good thoughts.....not sure I agree with many of them, but you brought up a lot of things which haven't gotten any real discussion.

In the meantime, maybe we can have a cage match/fundraiser, I fight for HRC, you for Barack. If you tap out, the proceeds go to retire Hillary's debt. If I tap....well, it can fund your trip to Vegas, since Obama doesn't need the money :-)

by BJJ Fighter on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 02:51:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Gore was a lousy candidate and politician (none / 0)

You can't have it both ways: if W really is the village idiot (which most of us believe) Gore should have beaten him like a rented mule. All the talk about Al getting more popular votes in 2000 begs a more important question: why was it even close?

During the debates, we all waited in vain for him to deliver a Reagan-esque/knockout punch...e.g., "Governor Bush, just what IS your problem with peace and prosperity?"

Instead, we got treated to Gore walking over to get in Bush's space, and wrily asking: "tell us Governor: what is your stand on Dingell-Norwood?" Such a burning question.... neither Bush, nor the media, nor the voters had any idea what Al was talking about. The rest of the debates, he spent most of his time rolling his eyes and sighing.

Going back to 1988, he made an equally feeble run, that race was for the nomimation; he ran like a dry creek. Lost that battle.... to Mike Dukakis.

I'm sure Barack can make a better and more suitable choice.

by BJJ Fighter on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:36:28 AM EST

He would be a correction (1.00 / 0)

if somehow he stepped in as the candidate. The Economist says American has an amazing ability to self-correct.

Even McCain is a correction as much as the Repubs can correct where they went wrong with Bush.

by catfish2 on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:07:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Works for me! C'mon Al! (1.00 / 0)

Go for it!

by catfish2 on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:10:38 PM EST

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (none / 0)

I doubt Gore would be interested.
I think Wesley Clarke would be a good VP.

by french imp on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:19:08 PM EST

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (none / 0)

I would love it if Gore were on the ticket, but I see no real reason for him to want to do so. What would the long-term plan be, eight years championing his personal causes less effectively than he is able to do on his own followed by another run at the Presidency in 2016?

by nathanp on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 01:18:02 PM EST

Is a trophy VP like a trophy wife? (none / 0)

In which case, I would think a trophy VP would be somebody like Dan Quayle -- cute 'n dumb.

Hmmm . . . well, now that would make an interesting list.

"If you don't care about everybody, you don't care about anybody." --Ethan Mordden

by prodigal on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 01:18:15 PM EST

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (2.00 / 2)

Gore would never take a VP position. Are you for real? He has already been there, and in fact should have been president if the system wasn't corrupt. He is not going to take second place all over again. Talk about humilitating for him. And if he didn't want to run for president, he is not going to run for VP. He has moved on to a better place.

by Scotch on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 01:40:33 PM EST

wrong order (1.50 / 2)

Gore said many times: he does not want to be a VP for anybody.
And he does not want to be the part of the losing ticket either.

Welcome to a Landslide without white Working class, Latinos, Women, Seniors and holding-on sweeties

by engels on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 01:43:23 PM EST

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (none / 0)

Obama is in the tough position of trying to find someone happy to lose with him....

And as a subordinate no less.

by dtaylor2 on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 03:15:37 PM EST

Well, the pickings ARE getting slim.... (none / 0)

Ted Strickland's classless withdrawal from the Veepstakes didn't help anything. Warner is now out, and Webb has privately told his colleague that he would rather not be considered. All that stuff that mysteriously popped up on FN this week about Webb's supposed love of "the Confederacy" wasn't an accident.

My hope is that people don't confuse quanitity of available choices with quality. Richardson, Mrs. Sabelius, Napolitano....I'm sure they're all pleasant people, but also very ordinary, bringing little to the national stage.

Comment below about Wes Clark is spot on. Given his background and experience, he would probably have a strong sense of duty if called. There couldn't be a better choice.

by BJJ Fighter on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 03:46:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (none / 0)

Look, Obama is not in danger of losing this election no matter who he chooses as a VP. I know he'll pick the best possible VP but I'm not concerned at all that he needs to pick just the right one or he's in trouble. Gore doesn't want the job from what I've heard and there are lots of good possiblities out there.

by Becky G on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 04:29:41 PM EST

Re: Obama needs a trophy VP: Gore is the only one (none / 0)

Gore would outshine Obama. He is ten times more experienced than Obama. If there is a ticket with both of them on it, the proper order would be with Gore on the top. There is no way Gore would go with someone that much less prepared than he and less experienced, and be the one in the subordinate position. Why would anyone expect that of him?

by Scotch on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 07:36:20 PM EST

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