Comments on Tragos: Gore

I suppose I haven't paid enough attention to Obama...

2006-10-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

I suppose I haven't paid enough attention to Obama. I've sort of watched his books come out, and heard his name tossed about by weekend-warrior progressives -- this latter group is probably good evidence for what A.L. suggests, which is that the guy is popular, even amongst those who aren't dedicated political junkies and policy wonks. He has recognition and reputation. All of this leads me to agree, that Gore/Obama, at least on the face of it, sounds like a good ticket. I will need to pay some closer attention to the man before I can say for certain.

Regardless, though, I think Gore is the man, Obama or no Obama. And I think a persuasive argument can and should be made on all fronts to convince everyone we know of this essential point. The "netroots" has shown it can be effective in bringing important issues and underdog candidates to light; one can only imagine what it can do for a guy who already has national name recognition and the best resume in America.

- JLB

Good post, JLB. I agree with almost all of it. P...

2006-10-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

Good post, JLB. I agree with almost all of it. Putting aside questions of electability, Gore is hands down my top choice. He is easily the most qualified and deserving candidate.

And let clarify that while I think Obama's time to run is now, that doesn't mean he would be my first choice. I just think, from his perspective, if he doesn't run in '08, he may not get a better chance.

I would vote for Gore over Obama.

That said, I do think a strong argument can be made that Obama would be a more formidable general election candidate than Gore. He is a more talented politician (perhaps the most talented since Clinton), and he has the rare ability among Democrats to command favorable media coverage. That's an advantage that can't be underestimated. Gore was unfairly savaged by the media in 1999-2000, and though his coverage has been more favorable lately, you can still see signs that our stuffy media elite don't like the guy.

Gore's national poll numbers (among all voters, not just Democrats) aren't much better than Bush's. That could change if Gore were to run again, but it's not a good place to start. It would be an uphill battle. Obama, on the other hand, has very good national poll numbers.

Choosing a candidate is half about qualifications and half about electability. Gore scores very highly on the qualifications meter, but Obama is much better positioned on electability.

Perhaps the ideal ticket would by Gore/Obama.

For another Gore endorsement, see this post by Bre...

2006-10-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

For another Gore endorsement, see this post by Brent Budowsky on the Huff Post blog.

I could not agree more strongly. I have absolutely...

2006-10-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

I could not agree more strongly. I have absolutely no faith in either Obama or Hillary Clinton. I don't think they can get elected, and, if elected, I don't think that they are anywhere near as qualified to run our country as Gore. Moreover, we would have in AG, America's first 'lobbyist president,' a man who, whatsoever else he does and to whomsoever else he is beholden, has demonstrated a personal committment to an issue. Ok, let's do it: Gore-Carter in '08.