Word came down today that Al Gore joined venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and many of us thought that was further proof that he won’t be running for president. I had already been convinced by his recent interview in Rolling Stone. He will, however, be using the market to help develop green businesses, while continuing the work he’s already been doing, as the world’s greatest champion of the world’s most important cause. But more official word has also now come down.
At Daily Kos, diarist Abraham Running For Congress When I Turn 25 has just posted notice from Karen Wunderman, Chief of Staff of the Volunteer Division of AlGore.com:
We have received a communication from a member of Al Gore’s staff discouraging our efforts to put Al Gore’s name on any primary ballots. This includes California, New York, Massachusetts, and the write-in effort in New Hampshire, as well as any other states that are working to get him on the ballot. Accordingly, effective immediately, we are recommending that all groups cease their signature collection and related fund-raising activities.
Many have said they would not give up hope until Gore asked that the petition drives be stopped. He has. It’s over.
In the Rolling Stone interview, Gore made clear that he considers himself a young 59 years old, and that there may be another time. He doesn’t think the political climate is yet ripe for what he wants to do. He will continue trying to improve that political climate. He may some day again decide to run. It won’t be next year.
It’s time we all refocused our energy by supporting Al Gore in the way he clearly wants us to: by supporting his cause. Research, write, and publicize about global warming- what it is, why it is, and what we can do to mitigate it. Support Al Gore by helping all Democrats to become better on the issue. The political campaign won’t be happening, but the real campaign will continue.
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As I’ve pointed out in various diaries on Big Orange, if we are to actually do something to ameliorate abrupt climate change, we’ll actually have to refrain from taking the fossil fuels out of the ground. This will have to be a global agreement, else one person’s conservation becomes another person’s cheap fossil fuel. Mere alternative energy won’t suffice.
the Cavalry ain’t a comin’.
Any thoughts to which candidate benefits? Or will Gore’s bloc split evenly nine ways? The ninth being outside the party – no vote or other, non-Dem vote?
Who will the environmental Gore voters turn toward?
Who will the ABC Gore voters turn toward?
In a perfect world, I would see no more Diaries about Al Gore. It’s just so sad to see strong, smart people grasping at straws and lost in illusion….
knee deep in the love of market, it makes sense that he would go this route. My vote does less to change the dynamics we have then my purse. Putting your money where your mouth is seems to be the only form of democracy we have at this time, even in our electoral process. If it ends up profitable to save the planet, it will be easier to implement change.