Gore Once More
Remember back in 2006 when speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi proclaimed that impeachment of George Bush was "off the table?” She indicated that the Democratic Party would make better use of its time enacting its legislative agenda, insisting that redress for what many had perceived as the president’s egregious violations of his office would assuredly come with the election of a Democratic president in 2008.
Now, as the Democrats dismember themselves in a scorched earth primary season, the prospects for Pelosi’s vision of justice becoming reality are rapidly slipping away. With the election of John McCain as president, Messirs Bush and Cheney will not only be absolved of their misdeeds, their legacy will be enshrined for years to come in an interminable military engagement in the Middle East and in a right-wing Supreme Court that will likely change America until well into the foreseeable future.
This doesn't have to happen. It is becoming clear with each passing day that the credibility of both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama has been damaged in a way that could likely sway independents, conservative Democrats and other key groups toward John McCain in the national election. The polling figures that show either Democrat running neck and neck against McCain demonstrate the weakness of both candidates and should serve as a disturbing warning. The Democrats have not fared well in such close match-ups in the last few presidential contests.
Which brings us back to the 2000 election. In a move unprecedented in American history, George W. Bush was made president of the United States by a decision of the Supreme Court even though he did not win the popular vote. If justice was truly to be served, Al Gore should be the next president of The United States.
Perhaps it is too obvious. Mr. Gore is a man of unquestioned experience in domestic economic matters, foreign policy and national security. His ethics are unimpeachable and his courageous actions on behalf of the environment resulted in a Nobel Prize. Hailing from the south, Gore can appeal to conservatives, liberals and centrists alike. Most importantly, he does not carry the baggage that Obama and Clinton have.
It is now being reported that as many as 28-50% of supporters of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton could end up deliberately voting for John McCain or Ralph Nader, or simply decide to stay home if their candidate of choice doesn't win the primaries. Added to the number of voters in the key states of Michigan and Florida that already feel disenfranchised by the early primary debacle, the hope for change in Washington is getting dimmer by the moment.
Before the primaries began in earnest, Al Gore dodged the question of another run for president, indicating at the time that he was busy on other projects. Now, as the Democratic primaries implode in a tsunami of damaging negative attacks, he must be prevailed upon to enter the race. With the possibility of a groundswell of popular support, the man who should have been president may change his mind. It is time for the uncommitted super delegates and voters in the remaining primaries to carefully consider what is at stake for the country and the world. It is time for the doyens of the Democratic Party to decide if they want to win the general election or not. Barack Obama is needed on the Supreme Court and he would make an excellent justice. Hillary Clinton a first-rate Secretary of State. Mr. Gore, your country is calling you.
Remember back in 2006 when speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi proclaimed that impeachment of George Bush was "off the table?” She indicated that the Democratic Party would make better use of its time enacting its legislative agenda, insisting that redress for what many had perceived as the president’s egregious violations of his office would assuredly come with the election of a Democratic president in 2008.
Now, as the Democrats dismember themselves in a scorched earth primary season, the prospects for Pelosi’s vision of justice becoming reality are rapidly slipping away. With the election of John McCain as president, Messirs Bush and Cheney will not only be absolved of their misdeeds, their legacy will be enshrined for years to come in an interminable military engagement in the Middle East and in a right-wing Supreme Court that will likely change America until well into the foreseeable future.
This doesn't have to happen. It is becoming clear with each passing day that the credibility of both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama has been damaged in a way that could likely sway independents, conservative Democrats and other key groups toward John McCain in the national election. The polling figures that show either Democrat running neck and neck against McCain demonstrate the weakness of both candidates and should serve as a disturbing warning. The Democrats have not fared well in such close match-ups in the last few presidential contests.
Which brings us back to the 2000 election. In a move unprecedented in American history, George W. Bush was made president of the United States by a decision of the Supreme Court even though he did not win the popular vote. If justice was truly to be served, Al Gore should be the next president of The United States.
Perhaps it is too obvious. Mr. Gore is a man of unquestioned experience in domestic economic matters, foreign policy and national security. His ethics are unimpeachable and his courageous actions on behalf of the environment resulted in a Nobel Prize. Hailing from the south, Gore can appeal to conservatives, liberals and centrists alike. Most importantly, he does not carry the baggage that Obama and Clinton have.
It is now being reported that as many as 28-50% of supporters of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton could end up deliberately voting for John McCain or Ralph Nader, or simply decide to stay home if their candidate of choice doesn't win the primaries. Added to the number of voters in the key states of Michigan and Florida that already feel disenfranchised by the early primary debacle, the hope for change in Washington is getting dimmer by the moment.
Before the primaries began in earnest, Al Gore dodged the question of another run for president, indicating at the time that he was busy on other projects. Now, as the Democratic primaries implode in a tsunami of damaging negative attacks, he must be prevailed upon to enter the race. With the possibility of a groundswell of popular support, the man who should have been president may change his mind. It is time for the uncommitted super delegates and voters in the remaining primaries to carefully consider what is at stake for the country and the world. It is time for the doyens of the Democratic Party to decide if they want to win the general election or not. Barack Obama is needed on the Supreme Court and he would make an excellent justice. Hillary Clinton a first-rate Secretary of State. Mr. Gore, your country is calling you.
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