Survey: Al Gore for President?
by Team Treehugger, Worldwide on 12.15.06
In the UK with David Cameron and now Canada with Stephane Dion, the challengers to be the next leader of the country are both committed environmentalists, placing green issues at the top of their agendas. Green politicians are definitely on a roll. What does this bode for the USA and Al Gore?
I'm glad Dion won the Liberal leadership. I hope he's committed as he sounds, even if he only became Environment Minister in 2004. On the other hand, Jack Layton's been a serious environmentalist forever, and Elizabath May too, obviously.
I want to see Al as UN Ambasador. What besides the UN is in a position to negotiate global climate mitigation incentives, agreements, best practices, etc? Moreover, it would be commensurate with Al's present role, presenting the "truth" to the world.
If I'm honest, I really wouldn't call David Cameron a dedicated greeny. He's jumped on the band wagon and whilst some proposed policies have green credentials, many don't.
Perhaps his most famous "stunt" was when he started cycling to work every day, what he didn't mention but was later revealed by the press, was that his car followed behind with his suit.....
Al Gore is unelectable. To be elected President in the US takes the appeal of the center. Al (and Ms. Clinton) are both seen as radicals by too much of the country, and the center doesn't want a (perceived) radical in office. Sadly, there's no obvious middle-of-the road Presidential candidate with a green streak. Fortunately, the Democrats still have 9 to 12 months to build such a candidate. But the clock is ticking.
EPA was founded in 1970 under Nixon
Clean water act in 1972 under Nixon
I think that the majority of Republicans and Democrates want clean water and air. Al Gore may be the most vocal enviormentalist in politics but with 100 years of a petroleum economy, the momentum is too great to put the breaks on in such a short time.
I would love to see Al Gore run as president. We need leaders who will take concerning the environment instead of just talking about it.
We all need to change the way we are living and the public are more likely to change if the leaders is setting the example.
Gore would have to cave in on some of his stances in order to be elected, then you'd hate him. He's better off as a lobbyist.
Great post, thanks. Not sure if you've seen this brief recent CNN piece on Gore, but I think it's quite well done. Here's a link to the youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4gZzFupZNQ&eurl=