Why Al Gore Must Run

Written by: john nelson on Feb 3, 2007 12:55 AM EST

Rarely in my life, have I felt the overriding importance of who occupies the White House as I do now, heading into 2008.  Although rarely in my life has the world been in such chaos and turmoil; possibly on the brink of World War 3, not to mention global warming, health care, education,  the credibility of the United States with the rest of the world,  and a list that goes on almost to eternity.

As I look  for a candidate to support in 2008, I have three basic conditions in my criteria: 1.) They must be able to put together a campaign for the long haul, with resources, both staff and financial, to win the nomination.  2.)  They must be able to put together a campaign that can win a national election, once they win the nomination.  3.) Once elected, they must be able to hit the ground running on day one, bring in the best and the brightest, and actually have the ability to govern in a manner to help find solutions to these issues in a way that will bring our country together, not further polarize it. I believe that the only person who can do all of the above is Al Gore.

I see only four potential candidates that can put together a campaign capable of winning the nomination; Clinton, Obama, Edwards and Gore. All  four can obviously attract  the financial resources and capable staff, both national and in each state to go the distance.  

Of  those four, I think Clinton would be the least likely to be able to win a national election and Gore would be the most likely; with Edwards and Obama somewhere in between. I think Clinton could not win for two reasons: A.) there is, in this country a "Clinton and Bush fatigue." I believe voters are yearning for fresh ideas and a fresh cast of characters, and B.) in 2004 John Kerry received the second most votes in history - second only to Bush. The turnout for Bush made the difference. In 2008, there is no Republican that will receive a voter turnout like Bush did in 2004; unless Clinton is the Democratic nominee. I believe she is the one thing that could save the Republicans. They would mobilize and turn out to vote against her. I believe if our candidate is Obama, Edwards or Gore; the Republican turnout will be much less; we will get a much greater percentage of the moderates and we will win. Of the three, I think Gore would have the greatest potential to carry the most states.

Once elected, I don't believe there is anyone else in this country that could govern as effectively from day one as Al Gore. He has the experience, he could attract the best and brightest to his administration and he has great credibility worldwide. He would not be a polarizing figure. We need someone in the White House who can bring this country together. This country has been completely polarized since the mid '90's. With his experience and credbility, he could reach out  to most reasonable people in the United States and world wide. I believe he is head and shoulders above anyone else in his ability to get this country out of the mess of the Bush years. I know I'm being selfish in wanting him to run, but I'm frightened; I'm frightened for my future, my kids future, my grandchildrens future, but mostly for the future of this country and the planet. That's why I believe Al Gore must run!

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