Guts and Gore-y
Well, a few people took the plunge and started posting last Friday about their early hopes for 2008 prez.
Some of my favorite California bloggers (Chardonnay, Debi to name a couple) are gunning for Gore. I must say, I love that man.
I can’t see him running, though. People will try to enlist him, but he won’t do it.
Why would he? He’s got more influence and power over pressing world issues now than he ever had as veep, as a presidential candidate in 2000 and even as president-elect in 2008. At last, he can say what he means and mean what he says. With the wild success of An Inconvenient Truth, he now has sway in the film world. And that’s just as an artist-producer. He’s a sure bet now; can easily raise money for more documentaries, write books, be a gadfly on the talk show circuit.
It puts me in a mind of Jimmy Carter (who I always liked and valued as a president), who finally has achieved international hero status as a peacemaker, human rights watchdog, humanitarian and author (though his Revolutionary War novel wasn’t very good). Once the guy is free from the bounds of the presidency and the pressures of campaigning and putzing around with Congress and special iterests, he’s everywhere. His freedom to speak the truth is boundless.
I’m liking that in Bill Clinton these days, too. Did you see him last week on The Daily Show promoting his new book? He said sleep deprivation may have more to do with the actions (or inactions) of our do-nothing Congress than anything else. Wow. Just wacky enough to make some sense.
I see Al Gore in the same role in the future: A brilliant and chunky elder statesman; a political truth teller. Sure, I’d love to see him as prez. But why would he do something so foolish?
September 24th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
I think Gore’s too happy with his current job(s) and too busy laughing at everyone who thought he’d be worse than the current joker to even worry about it.
I love Hillary but I don’t think she’s electable. That said, I’m an Obama Girl (though not the one in the video). He’s just enough older than me that we could have been in high school together but I would have been the nerdy freshman to his senior. And it’s kind of cool to think my generation is finally old enough to run the country.
Love John Edwards too but I have to say I wish he’d stay home with his kids and Elizabeth while she’s still feeling good. I’d vote for her in a heartbeat!
September 24th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
What about Bill Richardson? Very democratic, but with plausible ideas, and the only one with real experience having to make (and live with) real executive decisions. Maybe too second tier to have a chance.
I had a question for you all. I’m pretty Republican, but my daughter (18) has announced that she’s a Democrat and will likely vote for Hillary. I’m taking it in stride, not really interested in arguing with her about it, but I’m curious. What would you think/do if your daughter or son suddenly said they saw a lot in conservative principles and planned on voting for Mitt or Giulani (or Ron Paul!) in the next election?
September 24th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
I love Jimmy Carter. I always thought Carter was the greatest peacemaker and humanitarian on this planet. For the next president, I have been more impressed with John Edwards than any of the others.
For the record, lostinutah, I wish Elizabeth Edwards was running. I have nothing against Hillary Clinton. She is very smart and well spoken. I just don’t think she can win.
Holly, Glad I stumbled upon your website! I have a college degree and can hardly make sense of anything in Walsh’s column. Sometimes it feels like you are talking specifically to me. I like that.
September 25th, 2007 at 9:03 am
msteele;
I know how you feel…I`ve got a daughter living in CT who has voted for Bush twice! Where did I go wrong? Maybe just errant genes from her mother.
Hillary`s negatives are off the scale…for every fervent supporter there is another person who would not vote for her under any circumstances. Who wants a replay of the Bill/Hill soap opera ?
September 25th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
I came into the world feet first 68 years ago and have been at odds with conventional thinking ever since. Thus, my choice for the next president is Dennis Kucinich. Yeah, I know, he’s not electable. He’s too short, talks funny, even sings at times but he is the only candidate that doesn’t have to apologize for any votes or positions. He is right on every issue and has been for a long time.
He won the ABC debate poll and ABC took it off their web site!
I supported him in the last election until until it was time to throw in with the front runner, John Kerry. I should have stuck with Dennis. I’m not doing that this year.
I have a photo of the two of us - how do I post it Holly?
I also back a Gore candidacy but I think to no avail.
If a Democrat doesn’t win the presidency then I’m going to become an anchorite in Eden.
September 25th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
I’ll bite on msteele’s comment about his daughter, the Democrat. M, I think it’s GREAT that your daughter is adding a little spice to your family and discussions (and honest, not just because she’s thinking right. I mean, uh, left. Ha.). If nothing else, her differences and your allowing her freedom to express them, will help everyone in the family understand and apply their own beliefs in a more thoughtful way.
She may very well come back to your views a few years from now. Although in my case, I’ve only grown more radical as I’ve aged. My parents could only be described as FDR Demos, solidly working class, pro-union. And practicing Mormons to boot! But I’ve even out-liberaled them as I’ve gotten older.
In my extended family, though, we have many conservatives. Our family events were always rough and tumble, filled with interesting debate, argument, and constant effort to understand each other’s positions. In the end, we still respected each other and more importantly, loved each other.
Maybe you can use your daughter’s newfound liberalism as a way to help her learn to defend her beliefs–help her zero in on her positions and to express them clearly. The main thing, after all, is that she cares enough to take a position and of course, to vote!