Why is Al Gore not running for president in 2008?

Question

I got a letter from Al Gore yesterday stating that we need to put a Democrat in the White House when Bush leaves. I think Gore would be much more formidable than Hillary, Obama, or Edwards. He has 8 years experience in the Executive branch and doesn't have the same negatives that Hillary and Obama have. This guy actually got more popular votes than Bush in the 2000 election, and I think he would be by far the most formidable candidate the Democrats could run. I think a Gore candidacy would be a sure thing for the Democrats.

Answer 1

I agree, Gore would be a much more competent candidate. Being a youth, I am deeply moved by his campaign to promote global warming awareness, which affects MY future! However, I believe it would be more correct to say "re-elect" Gore.



He is competent, skilled, experienced, comes off as a genuinely intelligent but friendly politician, and focuses on a variety of issues.



He simply put too many people, especially the few moderate Republicans out there, with the dragging off of the 2000 election, which Bush did NOT win, he was the only president appointed in the history of the nation.



And whoever the moron above me that said he made the Iraq + education joke, that was John Kerry, not Al Gore.

Answer 2

He is not running because he has retired from politics. Simple as that, he doesn't want the job and wants to continue with his global warming awareness instead.

Answer 3

Because he is a complete buffoon who wouldn't stand a chance...

Answer 4

hes being smart for once

Answer 5

He'd be creamed by both his connection to the Clinton's and his activities with the green movement.

Politics is losing many of the brightest most original thinkers to the hacks we've had in both parties.

Why would anyone with any sense run for a position when they are sure to be tarred and feathered for the fun of the opposition, and truth has nothing to do with it, just the hope that you won't climb out of the lie until after the election.

Hes said he has found a way to do some good outside Washington. I can believe it.

Answer 6

He's too busy leaving lights on in his mansion while telling everyone else that they must conserve energy.

Answer 7

He knows he can't win.

Answer 8

Al Gore doesn't want to play the game, to parse words, to be anything other than honest, forthright and candid. With that commitment to himself, he chances losing again. He would love to win and be President - but losing twice - he does not want to chance that legacy. Additionally, I feel he is a great man, not a great politician. Only a great politician can win a presidential campaign, being a great man (or woman) is not required and is probably a detriment in the current cultural climate in America. By the way, now that Ann Richards has passed, Al Gore is my political hero. Peace.

Answer 9

This is just speculation, but maybe he doesn't want to be a part of the crowd in Washington anymore. I also suspect he may be somewhat fragile due to the results of 2000. I like him better as an activist than a politician anyway.

Answer 10

A Gore candidacy would be a sure thing to win the White House.....and a surer thing to get America back on track. Al Gore is the first candidate, in my life (with a chance), that I would be proud to have as president!

Answer 11

Because he is a loser. The Democrats can't run a candidate who lost the election to "the worst President to ever hold the office".



Besides, he's too busy making movies (that's where the REAL money is these days) and telling everyone lies about global warming.

Answer 12

Thank to this man , Al Gore, our country woke up from global warming issues, nobody was listening to green houses and high mileage gas vehicles before in America. He really show us the right path as how we should behave on global warming as a leader of the free world. So, as far as he won't be running for president, I say that's our loss.Because He will be an awesome president. We need Presidents with Talent,intelligence and negotiation skills; not Somebody who reminds you your next door neighbor that you can have a conversation and drink beers in a Barbecue. We can't settle for That Low. We need to crave for the Best Man or Woman for the Job. This is Not, any Job, this is the most important Job All American Must Fill to improve our Lifes And our Country.

Answer 13

In the interest of full disclosure, I despise Al Gore almost as much as the president he served with and I would chew on tin foil before I ever voted for him. With that being said, Gore could never win the presidency at this stage I believe, because if gets the democratic nomination (which he could since it's preliminary appeal is to the furthest left Bush haters who will love him from what they feel was stolen from them last time), his behavior and actions after the 2000 decision in Florida will, I believe prove to be his demise in the general election with fair minded democrats, who if not for his actions may have otherwise considered giving him their vote. Yes, a lot of people despise Bush, but most Americans I believe are getting tired of politics as usual. Gore entering the race would satisfy a certain portion of the Democrat constituency, but for a lot more voters it will give a better reason to take a second look at the Republican nominee. So please Al, do enter the race as a favor to everybody who still loves America!

Answer 14

I have done a lot of research on the subject and frankly after reading Assault on Reason and researching whether or not global warming is true (it is by the way, stop looking at popular media and go to a library and pick up scientic journals), I could not forsee a better candidate. He is a moderate dem, but I think he might run independent due to personal feelings toward party system politics. Here is the wrap up.

Clinton, Edwards, Guliani --Pride comes before the fall

Thompson- Wasn't a popular Senator (law & order hype)

Romney and Thompson - Flipflop Flipflop Flipflop

Ron Paul- an idealist with no real practice (Go for Gov. 1st)

Obama - idealistic, naive, but a strong VP slot-(Obama 2016)

McCain- needs help $$$$ and isn't going to get it

Big Presidental Hopefuls for 08



Ex-Rep. Newt Gingrich - rally conservative base, attracts some Dems

Ex-VP Al Gore- Moderate Dem, attracts some Rep. Climate crisis, 2000 pop vote winner, and more importantly anti-Iraq war in 2002, offers solutions to carbon and economic problem, offers solution to failed No Child left Behind Act, for more info on what Gore or any politican really stands for go to www.ontheissues.org

Answer 15

Al Gore is the best choice for a combo of experience and charisma. Hillary's so-called experience is minimal, a little more so for Obama.



Al Gore has a long proven record.

It's "just" one thing, but Al Gore has used his talents and resources to direct the world's attention to global warming and consequently many other environmental issues that don't just exist but threaten this planet.



When I think o Presidentf Al Gore dealing with the war in Iraq, dictators of third-world coountries, health-care and other middle-class issues, I trust him.

Answer 16

To the people who have answered and obviously hate gore, let me explain the question.. WHY IS AL GORE NOT RUNNING? not why do you born again republicans want to slam him?

I think he is tired of the stupidity that put Bush in the white house in the 1st place, and all the red states that now say WHAT DID WE DO!! and in effect Bush destroyed this country along with our standing in other nations. If you agree with the reason for the Iraq war you probably still believe Saddam is alive and still hiding WMD's

Be it Al or Hillary it is about DEM time we get a Democrat in the white house to heal this country.

It would be a blessing if he ran, but till then lets count the day until Bush is gone!

Answer 17

Yeah I agree with you about the fact he should run. I guess he really doesn't want to. He's probably still gun-shy because of the whole debacle in 2000.



He's actually able to affect greater change on a much more important front, global warming, without being President. A president has too much responsibility to party members in Congress who will have to be re-elected in the next 4 years. I think some districts would be in danger of slipping to the Republicans if we had a Democrat who was such a strong proponent of making changes to the ways businesses and citizens go about their daily routines to reduce the effects of global warming.



By allowing himself the luxury of not having to answer to anybody, Al Gore can really do the important things.

Answer 18

Al Gore is not running, because he can be much more effective in stopping Global Warming as a businessman, than a politician. He is a brilliant man, who suffered an unfair defeat. The election was stolen from him...and we see the disastrous results. Yes, he would be a great President. But I think we lost our opportunity to have this man serve us in office. Read the cover article in August Wired Magazine.

Answer 19

I'm amazed at how many uninformed people there are here. Has it ever occured to any of you that maybe Al Gore has a huge carbon footprint because, I don't know, he *works out of his mansion*? Just a hint, even small businesses tend to burn more energy than the average American homeowner. And Mr. Gore is hardly a small business owner.



As for his non-participation in the '08 campaign, he's moved on to other things. Besides, what person in their right mind would want to become the successor to George W. Bush?

Answer 20

Well we have to let the past go and I really don't think Al Gore wants the grief. He is doing now what he is passionate about. Saving the planet. As for Hillary you are correct in that some people hate her and I am really not too sure why. I live in NC right now and John Edwards was a one term senator for a reason. Obama I will not vote for. He has absolutely no experience. So I feel your pain.

Answer 21

True, his popularity has increased since he left office in 2000, but this is conditional. Al Gore, as a crusader against climate change, as a documentary narrator, a founder of Current TV, a concert organizer and promoter, and an author has seen his popularity soar. But rest assured, the minute he announces his candidacy for President, he would be Al Gore the politician again, and why in the world would he do that to himself? He's living it up. Plus, there's every reason to think Gore would be just as divisive as Hillary in a general election.

Answer 22

I could not agree more with you as to your point of Former Vice President Gore being the most experienced, most electable and best for the job of leading the free world and our great nation. One thing stops this from happening though. Simply put, it would be a step backwards for him. He has reached a point and position above the office of president. He can accomplish more for the world, its people and enviroment, by maintaining his current course of actions. He has transended to a world power figure not a national one, he is a global leader not a countries leader anymore.



Frankly, I perfer him working on this global scale.



As for my 2008 hopes, if you care or wonder, undecided at this point, leaning towards Senator Clinton. Which might I add is a good thing for Former Vice-President Gore as well, to have an ally in the oval office as her. Former Senator Edwards has my interest up but still listening to what he has to say. No republican to date has sparked an interest.



To those who just said 'Ha'. Yes I'm a Democrat from Florida, who voted for Gore 2000 and Kerry 2004, but proudly pulled the lever twice for Former Governor Jeb Bush as well. Its the person not the party people, remember that on Election day.



Hope this help you move past him (Gore) as a 2008 hopful and focus on the others who have their hats in the ring. As well as what you might be able to do to assist him (Gore) with his current endeavors, since it appears you support his ideals and princles. May I recommend; www.algore.com.

Answer 23

Al Gore cannot be taken seriously anymore so his political career, and clout, is over . His ignorance on global warming is just ridiculous; he makes adamant statements such as "... the debate about global warming is OVER"!. Says who in the scientific community? This is a very devisive topic and there have been no clear conclusions one way or another.



Hey....I've got an idea...here is a great ticket for the Democratic party: Al Gore for President and Michael Moore for Vice-President. There are two nut-jobs if ever there were any.

Answer 24

I am 100% in agreement! I think he would be a great president and would have a very strong chance of winning. I admire him very much and I don't say that often. He is a stright up guy and I think that is what this country needs. Its sad that he is not interested in running. I hope he changes his mind. He would have my vote for sure! However, I think he may be more interested in his global warming efforts.

Al if you listening...jump in the race because the Democrats and the country needs you!!!

Answer 25

I think Al Gore has the final decision on vital life issue like the aspiration for the U.S.presidency.Certain programme must not be imposed on people.I respect Al Gore,John Edward and Barak Obama(mostly) for their intellectualism,but Hillary,a tele-guided U.S.presidential candidate- who is enjoying the fame of Bill Clinton.

Answer 26

I am afraid he lost his chance. Why wasn't he running in 2004? Also America doesn't like losers. Why didn't he fight in 2000? Why did he give up so easily? His popularity score is low. People prefer new face. Or maybe he cannot forgive them for choosing Bush instead of him. Or maybe he lost his energy and doesn't want fighting again. Is it the fact, than everybody wants to become a president?

Answer 27

because we know where he stands on issues. that's a big no for any politician. half of the democratic party is looking for a rock star, and the other half is looking for someone who looks good on camera and makes them feel warm and safe. if they go on blabbing about issues it makes them look cold and boring. democrats only want a face that will contort to the feeling of the people. al gore's face doesn't move, and john edwards is smiling too much for '08.

Answer 28

actually lunderstorm, gore only lost from one bush in 2000, in the race for the 1988 election Gore quit his run for the democratic nomination because his son was almost killed in a car crash and was in th hospital for months.

Answer 29

I Think Mr. Gore Still got his point, He can come back if he site on the table no second word.

Answer 30

Simple -- because it would be a pay cut.



Being a gloom-and-doom prophesying hypocrite is significantly more profitable than being the President of the United States.

Answer 31

He has to many conflicting interests, and he is not qualified to run our great country, in other words he is a big fat lying hollywood politcal hack. Global warming Ha ha , call it what it is,(CLIMATE CHANGE) don't try to make a crooked business out of it . Shame on you algore.Vote Fred Thompson

Answer 32

He doesn't have a snowballs chance in Hades. He is a basic idiot. He talks the talk, but doesn't walk the talk on global warming. That in itself would do him in and he knows it. So why waste his money and everyone else's on a defeat. It is time for him to crawl back under his rock.

Answer 33

He won't run because he can't get away from the buffet. Besides for someone who is so worried about the environment but yet uses more energy than most Americans. Just to let all of you liberals know we will keep a republican in the white house. Thank God! Opps dems hate it when I use the G word. GOD!!! GOD!!! GOD!!!

Answer 34

"Hissy fit?" You're ******* kidding me right?



At approximately 7:50 pm EST on election night, the television news networks declared that Gore had carried Florida's 25 electoral votes. They based this prediction on faulty[citation needed] exit polls. However, in the actual vote tally Bush took a wide early lead in Florida, and by 10 pm the networks had retracted their earlier prediction of a Gore victory and placed Florida back into the "undecided" column. At approximately 2:30 am, with some 85% of the votes counted in Florida and Bush leading Gore by over 100,000 votes, the television networks declared that Bush had carried Florida, and had been elected President. However, most of the remaining votes to be counted in Florida were located in three heavily Democratic counties - Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach - and as their votes were reported Gore began to rapidly gain on Bush. By 4:30 am Gore had narrowed Bush's margin to less than 2,000 votes, and the television networks all retracted their predictions that Bush had won Florida and the Presidency. Gore, who had publicly conceded the election[1], now withdrew his concession and announced that he would wait for a recount in Florida before making his next move. By the morning of Wednesday, November 8 Bush's margin in Florida had dwindled to about 500 votes. The margin was small enough to trigger a mandatory recount in the state. In addition, Gore asked for hand recounts in four counties (Broward, Miami Dade, Palm Beach, and Volusia), as provided for under Florida state law. This set into motion a series of recounts (portions by machine, and portions by hand), questions about portions of the Florida vote, and finally lawsuits.



THE VOTE WAS SO CLOSE THE RECOUNT WAS TRIGGERED BY FLORIDA LAW. Oh that's right, Republicans don't give a **** about laws. Pesky laws.

Answer 35

I am backing Edwards, however Al is a far superior canidate than any of the loser Republicans!

Answer 36

He doesnt relate to politics. He prefers spreading awareness about "global warming".

Answer 37

He retired from politics and he is focusing on global awarenesss and its Barack Obama's time to shine





VOTE BARACK OBAMA

Answer 38

He hasn't completely ruled out an '08 run, however he seems to give everybody the impression that he's not running. With his name recognition, he can afford to jump in late if he so chooses.

Answer 39

You said YOU got a letter from AL gore ? You must know him ? if so why not ask him yourself,,

I think a Dem should be in office ? But I think MR GORE has been in the honey pot and knows to much to run, In other words he is part of all this mess,, Now thats just me thinking

Do you have his return address I would like to write him a letter ? please post it I am sure we would love to ask him a few questions Thanks

Answer 40

Al Gore is not running because he knows he can't win. The hissy-fit he threw and turmoil he dragged the country through during the 2000 election was terrible and will be associated with him for all eternity.



I am confident he repulsed a lot of his voters when he so childishly would not concede the election despite two re-counts that proved he lost. Instead, he behaved as a sore loser who wanted to change the rules after the game had started. I was reminded of the bratty kid on the playground who asks for a 'do-over' when none is justifed.

Answer 41

Gore has moved on to bigger things like global warming and carbon credits.

Answer 42

All the spin-factories have ruined it for him, OR I believe he would have wanted to by now, obviously he waited too long.

Answer 43

The trouble is probably that he is a bigger joke than Paul Ehrlich.



Trading a smelly trench-coat for a suit and 'The End is Near' sign for a PowerPoint does not turn a doomsday kook into a presidential candidate.

Answer 44

Select from Reasons below:



- He's too old, and doesn't have the energy to compete with, say, Barrack Obama.



- He's become very successful, and influential outside of public office.



- He already won an election once, had it taken from him, and undoubtedly has a bad taste in his mouth.



- He is not like Senator McCain, and knows when his time is up.

Answer 45

The simple answer is that he didn't run, because he wouldn't have won.



-Jon

Answer 46

Because even the algore isn't THAT stupid....well maybe he IS at that.

Answer 47

He's outgrown his attraction to abuse....

Answer 48

If you want to make sure the dems lose, let's get old Al the Pal on the ticket...nothing will scare the crap out of the electorate like, "We all must become carbon neutral robots...beep..."

Answer 49

because Gore does not want to be a three time looser. (both times to a Bush...hahahhahahahaha)

Answer 50

because everyone found out that his whole global warming view is a sham. that is his only claim to fame...unless you count his invention of the internet.

Answer 51

I think Gore's hypocrasy over global warming would do him in. Based on your feelings towards him, you probably don't see this. You need to read this:



http://www.snopes.com/politics/bush/house.asp



He talks a good deal about saving energy, why not practice what he preaches? NOTHING prevents him, so doesn't it make you wonder?

Answer 52

He substantiates himself as a certifiable nut ball. Stick a fork in pasty face, he's done.

Answer 53

I think so too. Maybe he thinks he can do more as a private citizen. I haven't heard him comment on it.

Answer 54

He would truly embarrass himself nationally on the lack of votes.

Answer 55

He is too busy inventing the internet!!!!!!

Answer 56

He was going to, then he made a stupid joke about the armed forces "do good in school or you will have to go to Iraq" or something. He fell so far out of favor with both sides that he dropped out.

Answer 57

Because of his non-performance after the 2000 election.



The Republicans would just steal another one from him.

Answer 58

I also agree. I think Gore would win the young peoples vote!

Answer 59

the guy is a loser - period.

Answer 60

NO NO NO GUTS!!!!!!

Answer 61

Maybe he will.

Answer 62

He got too fat

Answer 63

Cause he is a crazy tree huggn freak show.