Sigh. Look, I'll be brief. I come here this morning, just a peak 'cause I have other work, seriously, and oh my god, what do I find? Three Gore diaries on the rec' list, one urging Al to run, one offering in-depth analysis the latest poll data showing that Gore is more electable than Hillary against Giuliani, and one that states categorically as "breaking news" that Gore has ruled out a run completely.. Guess which one made my heart stop? Thankfully, having been on this roller-coaster for a while, I check out the comments and sure enough, Gore has said nothing of the kind , nothing new at all, and who really thinks he would break such a huge piece of news to the Europeans before his own people?
One problem that has been raised, and it's a very valid point, is how will Gore be able to shift gears from repeatedly insisting, these many months, that "I have no intention", "I have no plans" to run for President to suddenly declaring he's in? What can he say without losing all credibility and becoming a laughing stock on the evening news? That is what this diary will examine.
What can he say? It's pretty simple.
"Plans can change.
In the light of the worsening situation (insert references to
- the growing gap between rich and poor in U.S., greatest since the 20's,
- the tens of millions and ever-growing proportion of our people who languish without proper healthcare coverage, for themselves and their children,
- the deliberate subversion of our democracy and the systematic dismantling of our constitutional protections ,
- the unfolding catastrophe in Iraq, where out troops are trapped with no way forward and no way out,
- the ever-mounting plunder of our treasury by private interests tied to this administration,
- and the latest scientific data on the planetary emergency which the IPCC report due out next month will reflect),
I feel it is my duty to step forward and run for the office of President of these United States, to serve my country and, with the support and guidance of the American people, should they elect me, to help restore the honour and good name of our great nation."
And that's just for starters. Now imagine the passion in his voice. I rest my case.