(Video of Al Gore relaxing with his family before the start of the 2000 campaign's "gun lap")

I was originally going to post this on my own blog, but then I realized that I wanted Al to actually have some slim chance of reading it.  So, Al, if you're out there...

Last week, I asked whether you could do more good for the environment inside the White House or out, and there was some speculation back on forth on whether you would be willing to run again under any circumstances.  So this week I thought I would offer up some reasons why you should run:

  1. Image Is Everything.  In 2000, most people thought of you as the class nerd, or maybe just Bill's sidekick.  Now, in 2007, you're a rock star.  You've made wry appearances on Saturday Night Live, and spoken out eloquently and powerfully, not just about the environment, but about the corrosive amorality of the Bush administration and the Republican party in general.  Your passion is infectious, and your campaign would energize and inspire people in ways it never could in 2000.
  2. Environment.  The climate change climate is changing.  Partly through your own efforts, global warming is becoming a more and more mainstream idea, and it scares people.  No other candidate can match your expertise or your unquestioned commitment on this subject.  But it's not just global warming - the whole American political environment is changing in our favor now.
  3. Nader Was Wrong.  Thanks to six years of unchecked Republican power, there are very few people willing to make the argument that there's no difference between the two parties.  Compare the Clinton administration and the Bush administration, and I think it's possible to discover a few noticeable differences if you look closely enough.
  4. We've Got Your Back.  In 2000, there was no liberal blogosphere to speak of (I think it was Bob Somerby and... umm... uhh... I'll have to get back to you), and the media gleefully spread catty Republican narratives without any check or challenge.  They will undoubtedly try to do the same again, but this time we're going to call them on every lie, mischaracterization and snide remark.  See, look, we've started already.  Not only that, but i think you've carved out a strong enough identity for yourself that the frames of 2000 won't fit anymore.  Indeed, the media's attempts to portray you as Fibber McEarthtones will probably damage their credibility more than yours.
  5. Good Chance.  Unless Iraq magically transforms into a peaceful Jeffersonian democracy between now and mid-2008, America's dissatisfaction with Bush's endless parade of disasters will sink the Republican nominee, no matter who it is - and the most likely suspects all have serious baggage besides.  The Democratic candidates all have their own drawbacks, which brings me to...
  6. We Need You.  The atmosphere isn't all that's broken.  Our next president must have the knowledge, experience, and skills to repair all the damage that the Republicans have wrought, and needs to inspire enough trust to be allowed to.  It's going to be a rough first term, and the people will need to have confidence that the president knows what they're doing, even as the media and the Republicans insist that all of Bush's pigeons are really Democratic ones.  Obama and Edwards don't have the experience, and Hillary is too polarizing.  And the Republicans are, well, Republicans.  But President Al Gore would fit the bill nicely.  Also, I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure that you can't be Emperor Of The Moon unless you've been President Of The United States first.  No Moon Worm for you!
  7. I'm Begging.  No, seriously.  And I think I speak for a whole bunch of other progressives who would love to see a sane, steady hand in the White House.  As I suspect the comments here will prove.

One other teensy weensy little request: Please select a different running mate and campaign manager this time.  Thank you in advance.