Why Al Gore Should Run for President

Imagine the game: It's the bottom of the tenth inning; after a long, hard-fought game for the title, the Democrats are down by one over the Republicans. The bases are loaded: on first, there's the star outfielder, Congress; on second, the famed shortstop, Constitution; on third, and ready for home, the catcher, Media.

The Dems need one run to tie the game, but a grand slam would seal it for the team! As the bullpen stirs with excitement and anticipation of a long-deserved victory, the fans are wondering if they can really pull it off. Suddenly, Coach Citizen makes his play, and calls in a last-minute batter: the experienced heavy-hitter, Al Gore.

As he warms up with mock swings, the GOP pitcher shakes his head in wonderment; can he really strike this man out? Once Gore moves to the plate, the pitcher checks with the catcher on signals, then winds up ... and the strongest throw he can muster leaves his hands!

The crack of the bat is deafening, as the ball leaves the park! Thanks to the strength of Al Gore, the Democrats score the win ... and the game ... for their first pennant in eight years!

In reality, Al Gore should definitely run for the White House. Though he's stated, on various occasions, that he would rather concentrate on the environmental battle at hand than make a run for the White House, his decision should be reconsidered for the following reasons:

First, he's already proved his value in the political as well as environmental worlds. From his earliest days of learning from and helping his father (also a Senator) to his days in Congress (as both Representative and Senator) and two terms as Vice President of the Clinton Administration, he has built a tremendous resume full of experience. Today, he's actively leading the fight against global warming and has taken a strong stand against the war in Iraq.

Secondly, as the Bush Administration fades from Washington Americans will breathe a collective sigh of relief. Whoever takes the Oath of Office in January, 2009 will convey a new beginning -- a welcome change-of-pace to citizens who'll be more than willing to follow his (or her) doctrines. To Gore's benefit, it means a better chance of having his agendas - environmental and otherwise -- more soundly approved.

The third point is more "psychological" than "physical" in nature: Throughout modern history, we've been drawn to Presidents who have reassuring personalities. There's no question that the former Senator from Tennessee exudes the optimism, confidence and purpose needed for the job. Since he knows how to honestly relate to everyday people, Gore has a greater chance of gaining the popular support necessary to accomplish his objectives.

Fourthly is that, to many voters, he actually deserves the post. After all, the popular vote in the 2000 Presidential election seemed to favor Gore. Many believe that, had the Bush camp not demanded recount after recount and scrounged for every piece of chad, the former Vice President would have been our next Chief Executive.

Certainly, his record would make him a more-than-qualified "front runner" and increase his chances of winning the nation's Top Job. That means he would go into the political battle with momentum. He would approach issues like Iraq, Darfur and our economy with the same fervor as in the fight against global warming. With the support of a largely Democratic Congress, his stance on various issues would certainly be taken more seriously by the general public.

So Mr. Gore will have a far greater chance of being approved by constituents en masse than his party rivals. His political history, coupled with his present environmental cause, well-defined moral beliefs and a genial, down-to-earth personality, would make him the most logical choice for the Oval Office.

Just as the batter who came through with the bases loaded, this is his "golden opportunity" to win the "pennant"!