This upcoming presidential election shows promise of upending, to the delight of most Americans, the present odds on favorites from both parties. The campaigns have started so terribly early that they threaten to reach a crescendo prematurely. Crescendo's by their very nature cannot be long maintained. The amount of vitriol about opponents weaknesses is limited. After it has been disseminated by the respective campaigns and absorbed by those who are subject to be influenced by such things, a fatigue factor will begin to show itself. People will become sick of it all, and fed up.
Then there is the matter of the behemoth that will continue to cast a shadow over the present candidates from both parties. Iraq will still dominate the sphere of policy planning and the public finds totally unacceptable the choices thus far put in front of them. Both the military solution and the withdrawal solution are not going to cut the mustard with the American public.
The only candidates that stand a chance are those who are not locked into fixed party positions. Each party will require someone who is truly capable of thinking out of the box. Only bold original thinkers will be able to energize America. When you add to the mix that these fresh candidates, who evidence originality and forethought in their thinking will enter the frey relatively late when all the other candidates have already said everything they are going to say "Bingo" they will have hit the jackpot.
Enter Al Gore and Newt Gingrich: neither has yet entered the race and both have the inherent intelligence to assess, plan and anticipate consequences of policy, something we haven't witnessed in the white House for far too many years. The debates between these two show promise of being a clash of exhilerating ideas and a downplaying of party politics as usual. Both have histories of having crashed and then risen from the ashes, stronger than ever. Neither really needs the Presidency as they once did. The real question is whether they'd be willing to take it on and clean up the mess.
14 comments on 2008, Surprise! It's Al Vs. Newt
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Newt, while undeniably bright, has shown extremely poor judgment on occasion, and that bothers me. When he decided to shut down the government to try to force his agenda, he totally misread what would happen. He thought that by refusing to pass the necessary spending bills that people would blame the President. Rather the people blamed the people who refused to send the necessary bills to the President and the Republican party suffered a major setback as a result. I'm not sure if this was a serious misreading of the situation or whether Mr. Gingrich was just a bit cocky because he'd come so far so fast. I still respect his intelligence and his savvy but am not sure he'd make a good President if power clouds his judgment that much.
Carolyn G. commented Feb 28, 2007
An interesting new development. In our local New York paper, the headline read, "Weight and See" for Al Gore, implying that if he starts losing weight, it means he's seriously considering running for president. If he does, it will certainly throw a fly in the ointments for Hillary and Obama. Gore doesn't come with the baggage regarding Iraq that Hillary does, nor the lack of experience that Obama has. This is certainly a "stay tuned" moment for the presidential race.
Mario Almonte commented Feb 28, 2007
Gore correctly anticipated: the value of the internet, global warming, the outcomes of invading and occupying Iraq, that something had to be done about Social Security, that Bush was wrong for the country. He may be plodding but he was able to get Hollywood and the public excited about his cause.
Newt would bring to the White House in addition to his intelligence a life long curiosity about world events, the ability to express himself in public, a knowledge of history and strong inspiring leadership abilities. Judgment is a question mark but five out of six is not bad.
Don't believe he is, but that never stopped anyone before. [LOL]
I doubt either will run, but there is a small chance if the current frontrunners tear eachother up.
Aren't you contradicting yourself? In one sentence, you call him "plodding and uninspiring," and in the next, you call him "acclaimed" and with "a great platform for an issue that he cares deeply about." I found his movie to be incredibly inspiring. Perhaps, you haven't seen it.
Gore would win again, but I serously doubt he'll run. The next president is going to inherit one hellacious disaster from the current one.
Why is it that people consider Gingrich to be so bright? He's a habitual womanizer, habitually divorces and marries at a whim, and was thrown out of his top seat in congress amid allegations of corruption. How bright is that? Aside from that, he was wrong on just about everything he said throughout the 90's.
Clark Kent commented Feb 28, 2007
Clark? I could have been clearer. I found him plodding and uninspiring as a politician. As a person involved in the global warming debate he is inspired and an expert. As you said, the next President will inherit an hellacious disaster. Why would he trade what he has for that?
Newt is very bright. Remember, Clinton was also an habitual womanizer, and he is intellectually very bright. In this case one characteristic does not overrule the other. Newt is quite politically astute whether or not he's morally and ethically challenged. Power corrupts and he did get caught up in that.
Personally I don't think either of them is well suited for President. I think Mr. Gore is much happier and more successful where he is now and it would be a shame to lose that to wade back into trying to clean up Mr. Bush's mess. I'm not sure that Mr. Bush's mess can be cleaned up now. I feel that the repercussions of his bad choices and worse decisions will haunt this country for another generation. His legacy will be the destabilization of the Middle East and the squandering of American reputation and honor across the world. Were I a candidate for president I would think twice about trying to clean that mess up.
Carolyn G. commented Feb 28, 2007
I don't think Gore is going to run for the reasons already stated, but nevertheless I think the nation would welcome a non-flashy politician who can speak in full sentences in an articulate manner without mashing the English language. I would love to see Gore run, but I just don't think he is in the mood. As for Gingrich...gag.
George McNaughton commented Feb 28, 2007
But the truth is, conservatives will crucify any democrat - the way the liberals crucify any republican. In so many ways, the reasons arent valid.
As a conservative I could be happy with Gore. In fact, Im really a registered democrat, and would vote for him in the primaries.
But Newt.... ahhhhh.... now you got me. Anyone who cant see the benefits of this guy as president is naive, or unfair. Listen to him talk about the issues - admittedly you may have to listen to Fox for that - and youll see how clearly he thinks, frames, and understands the issues. How well he puts things into the proper context of our times and history.
Check out his website and see his writings on the issues. No other candidate has the brain he does.
He could be an outstanding president. Someone mentioned earlier about cleaning up Bush's mess. Gingrich is probably the only one that could. The democrats dont stand a chance because they dont even WANT to. They just want to get out - period. Gingrich understands the dangers of leaving too early - but ALSO realizes that what is going on now cannot continue. Read his 18 points on Iraq on his website. How refreshing to have an American that wants Iraq to end in a way that benefits the U.S., and has thought out how to do it without giving up.
Id love it if he would run. He may have too much bad history, but he would out debate anyone without question and would probably pull a lot of independent votes.
Rich Kaye commented Feb 28, 2007
For those who doubt that gore has the "fire in the belly" to become President remember he was born into a political family and was raised with that very goal as his destiny.
And, he could beat Hillary - you KNOW he'd love that - who wouldnt.
But, in the end, Gingrich would beat him - he might be the only one that could. I think Gore would beat Guiliani , McCain, and Romney. hes got a lot of credibility right now. It would take him far. But he'd still lose on Iraq to a guy that can clean that up.
Rich Kaye commented Feb 28, 2007
The only Republican that would have a shot at beatiing Gore would be McCain -- McCain, fortunately or unfortunately, is out there busily destroying his credibility and support from the independents and moderate democrats by pandering to the Christian right. There was a time when if I were presented with a choice between Hillary and McCain, I would have crossed over to support McCain and there used to be a considerable number of Democrats around here who would have as well. But his recent pandering has changed my mind and that of the others I mentioned. Don't believe Gingrich could beat the top contenders in the Republican party, let alone win the election in a race between him and any of the top contenders of the Democrats. When Gingrich fell from power he was considered to be the most hated politician in America -- of course he has turned that accolade over to Bush.
George McNaughton commented Feb 28, 2007
There is every chance the "frontrunners" will tear themselves apart. However Gore firmly stated in every interview after the Oscars that he has absolutely no intention to run. Granted, this could change depending how the landscape looks a few months from now, but unfortunately I don't think it will.
David Basora commented Mar 1, 2007
if politics ever becomes about issues and ideas - Gingrich wins hands down. If we continue to prop up losers - Obama or Hillary are your men.
Rich Kaye commented Mar 1, 2007
No Rich, if politics ever becomes about issues and ideas they will hang Gingrich. However, I do have some concerns about Obama and Hillary -- not enough to make me vote for conservative Republicans, but some worries do exist. Its a shame that even McCain seems to find it necessary to pander to the Christian right in order to get the Republican nomination.
George McNaughton commented Mar 1, 2007
Really? Name some of Gingrich's stances about current issues that he would be hanged for?
Id like to hear them.
Rich Kaye commented Mar 1, 2007