Clinton - Gore -or- Clinton vs. Gore

From the Wall Street Journal:

For former Vice President Al Gore, a rash of favorable publicity surrounding this month's opening of his movie "An Inconvenient Truth," and the growing political resonance of its subject -- global warming -- are stoking the most serious speculation about a Gore political comeback since his loss in the 2000 U.S. presidential election.

In 2008, that could mean a once-unimaginable battle for Democrats' nomination between Bill Clinton's former vice president and his wife, Hillary Clinton. To some pro-Gore Democrats, worried about Mrs. Clinton's electability, that is part of the appeal.

"I appreciate that buzz, but he's not running for president," insists Michael Feldman, a former vice presidential adviser who is helping promote the film and Mr. Gore's new book on which it is based. "He has been spending a considerable amount of time trying to educate people about the issue of global warming," and won't talk about politics "right now," Mr. Feldman says.

The demurrals aren't persuasive to some Democrats, including former Clinton-Gore White House insiders. "I do know that he's thinking about it. I know for a fact," a former adviser says. "He's talked to people about the pros and cons."

Unnamed 'advisors' get credit for a lot of things, but I can't imagine that any politician, flush with positive press (at least among his base) wouldn't at least consider running. Hell, if I were in his position, I sure would.

I voted for Gore in 2000 but did so saying "he'll be a good President, even if he wasn't a good campaigner." Wonkyness doesn't get votes, but it does get things done in the White House.

It's like choosing accountants. You don't really interact with your accountant all that much. You don't go out and have a beer on the weekends. But you do trust him or her with your money. When you pick an accountant, you look for one that will be smart and responsible. One that knows all aspects of the business.

My opinions about Gore's intellect and knowledge haven't changed. My opinions about his ability to be a good candidate have. It seems he was hampered by advisors that didn't allow him to come across as a personable guy. If that's true and he's gotten rid of those advisors, I wouldn't be opposed to another run for the White House by Gore.

The Republicans will trot out the same old "he invented the internet" and "oh, he's so boring" crap, but having been through the Bush Presidency, I think people are ready to elect a President based on issues and ability, not the 'I'd rather have a beer with' test.

Only the primaries will tell.

Al Gore 2008 Election