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Gore "Not Pondering" Another White House Run
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ShareMay 21, 2007 8:20 AM
ABC News' David Chalian Reports: Attention all Democrats hoping and waiting for Al Gore to jump in the 2008 presidential race -- he's "not pondering it," Gore told ABC News' Diane Sawyer in an exclusive interview on "Good Morning America."
Gore was promoting his new book, "The Assault on Reason," which he describes as an exploration of the fundamental cracks he currently sees in the foundation of America's democracy. It is also a scathing indictment of the Bush Administration's policies, especially the war in Iraq, which seems at odds with Gore's claim that "this book is not a political book."
When Gore was pressed about his possible plans to seek the White House, he said "I'm not pondering it. I'm not focused on that." In an attempt to make sure he can still demand the spotlight when he wants it, Gore continues to refuse to provide a Sherman-esque statement completely ruling out the possibility of getting into the presidential contest.
The former vice president was opposed to the invasion of Iraq long before the war began and -- perhaps indicating Sen. Clinton should not be sitting by her phone for an endorsement call -- seems to believe that was a judgment available for all political leaders to make at the time.
"There is hardly anybody in America left, Diane, who doesn't believe that it was a terrible mistake to invade a country that didn't attack us. But all of the evidence necessary to make that judgment before we invaded was available," said Gore.
In his book, Gore takes the television news industry to task for refusing to elevate the political discourse in the country. "While we're focused on Britney and K-Fed and Anna Nicole Smith and all this stuff, meanwhile -- very quietly -- our country's been making some very serious mistakes that could be avoided if we the people -- including the news media -- are involved in a full and vigorous discussion of what our choices are," Gore charged.
May 21, 2007 in Tancredo, Tom | Permalink | User Comments (7)
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This morning on GMA, Al Gore finally responded to an interviewer's question the right way; i.e., he told her that she was asking the wrong question. The press has been asking the wrong questions or not asking tough enough questions for a very long time in this country, and our democracy has suffered and continues to suffer the consequences of those failures. Could you please leave the sound bites to the spin doctors and ask your very well compensated journalists to earn their money? The press is supposed to be the watchdog of a free society, not a lapdog; and allowing anyone who dares to dissent to be labeled as disloyal or in any other way unAmerican, is in fact the definition of unAmerican. How about if you start asking the critical questions that need to be asked? It can be done without being disrespectful or confrontational. Try asking questions without begging the question. How does manuevering someone into saying something that he or she doesn't really mean contribute to the greater goal of gathering information? Real information--not what you were able to create? Someone has got to elevate the level of discourse. Please.
Posted by: Jean | May 21, 2007 3:31:59 PM
Terry Moran! You WUSS!! Why can't you interview a possible democrat presidential candidate with the same disdain and hatred that you interview a repbulican canditate?
Why didn't you Al Gore why he believed at one time that Saddam needed to be forcibly removed? Your nose was so brown that I had to adjust the contrast on my TV!! A GREAT REPORTER DOES NOT PLAY FAVORITES - But then again, this is no longer the age of great reporting. And yet, America, and the world for that matter, really needs it like never before.
Thank-you!
Posted by: Ron Mallow | May 22, 2007 1:10:41 AM
Try to remember Ron, we did not go to war to oust Saddam. The Rove machine did a bait and switch on you. We went to war because of WMD's, but when the evidence showed WMD's weren't there, they sold you that Iraq needed to have the ruthless Saddam removed.
Cut Moran some slack.
Posted by: chitown veiwer | May 22, 2007 4:13:24 AM
Your interview with Al Gore verified a long held view of mine. Everyone, even Gore, has something of value to say. Watching TV news is like watching the National Enquirer. I do not care if Anjolena and Brad get divorced, if Paris Hilton gets a DUI, if Madonna runs naked through downtown Hollywood. It is all tripe. We do need better, more comprehensive and fair (look at both sides) news reporting. Not a veiled political agenda by whichever journalist is on the air.
I am also amazed at how Gore can find time to pump out book after book in a matter of weeks and still travel around the country promoting them. I am sure he can verify there is no ghost writer, yes?
Posted by: Dot Wilson | May 22, 2007 12:07:56 PM
I agree with Dot, watching national news carries alot of information that I don't care about, and wish my grandchildren were not exposed to.
I would like to be informed of the facts by the news...not given someones opinion. It is an incredible difficult task to ferret out the truth. It was a topic of much concern at a family gathering this weekend...what is the truth??? Where does one find the truth about Irag??? about the scandals in government???? Is it all political rhetoric?? Or is it truth???
There is much wrong with our political system, and the fault lies mostly with the voters. Our voters are apathetic and part of the reason for that is, I believe, we cannot find the truth in candidates...world affairs....etc.
Thanks for the opportunity to have a conversation.
Posted by: Donna Gries | May 22, 2007 12:48:09 PM
Dot,
Perhaps he can write that fast. And to think that you probably voted for the guy who can't read that fast.
Posted by: bob crawford | May 24, 2007 5:59:25 PM
I would so love to see a Gore/Edwards or Edwards/Gore ticket in the 2008 election. It would give our country much need hope.
So please Mr. Gore....ponder it. We need you...and Edwards is a great choice for a winning team.
Posted by: Jacque Brin | May 25, 2007 12:55:55 AM
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