Category: Al Gore

Pride of New Hampshire.

Hmm…maybe John Kerry has a better chance in 2004 than I first thought. For one, Dem leaders are starting to publicly beg Gore to stay out of the election. And you know Kerry’s got the Gore crowd worried when Marty Peretz’s Gore Republic starts trying to undercut Kerry’s strengths, such as Vietnam service and foreign policy credentials. More importantly, in a recent New Hampshire poll, Gore is only beating Kerry by three points, 31 to 28. Obviously, being from nearby Massachusetts helps, but if Kerry can pull a McCain-like bounce out of the NH primary without having to spend too much money… Update: In a related story, Joe Lieberman is also starting to make his move.

Only a Pawn in their Game.

The NYT surveys politicans’ constant appropriation of Dylan lyrics, including several ridiculous uses of “The Times-They-Are-A-Changin'” and Gore‘s campaign-threatening use of “My Back Pages” last week. (Kindly sent along by All About George.) Well, Al, I got one for you: “You got a lotta nerve to say you got a helping hand to lend, You just want to be on the side that’s winning…Yes, I wish that for just one time, you could stand inside my shoes. You’d know what a drag it is to see you.”

Decisions, Decisions.

In his most recent flurry of anti-Bush rhetoric, Gore declares he’ll decide by the New Year whether he’s running in 2004. Little wonder that Gore’s increased profile of late is causing DC Dem insiders (and Dukakis to boot) to start whispering John Kerry’s name more often.

Second Banana…and a Dark Horse.

Second verse, same as the first. Time profiles the “new Gore”, the man whom, if the polls are right, seems preordained to be the Democratic candidate in 2004. But, lurking in the shadows is another possible Dem contender, General Wesley Clark. Hmm…curious. I suspect Clark and Kerry would split the war vote in the primary, sending Gore through again anyway. But I’m curious to hear more from him.

Trial Balloons.

After the humbling defeat of Election Tuesday, Dem presidential hopefuls start taking tentative steps down a more combative course. First Daschle rightfully questioned the terrorism initiative in the wake of the recent Bin Laden tape, and now Gore is outwardly questioning the Supreme Court for its 2000 election decision. Speaking of which, anyone hoping beyond hope for a “new” Candidate Gore in 2004 should just take note of how loudly the gears are grinding here. The Gores have two books coming out – Joined at the Heart (as a friend of mine noted, a truly awful name that conjures up visions of Chang and Eng) and The Spirit of Family – aimed at resurrecting whatever national goodwill Al managed to muster by “The Kiss” at the Democratic Convention. As usual, Gore‘s making his points ham-fistedly.