Help Draft Gore fund an ad in the NY Times

I just got this email in my in-box.  Let's help Draft Gore get an ad in the NY Times.  We know what kind of impact a bold full page ad in the NY Times can have.......Let's show Gore what the power of this community really is.  Many of us have pledged to donate to Gore's campaign once he gets in; let's show him we mean it.

more below the snip.

Dear Friends,

We are entering the final stretch of this campaign, energized by a wave of enthusiasm and the hope that a Gore candidacy may be just weeks away. No, we cannot promise you that. But our candidate has left the door wide open and now it's up to us to try to persuade him to walk through it. Events over the next few weeks could affect this decision - and with it, the course of history. Some of them are out of our hands, such as the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize on October 12. But what we can do is make our voices heard to let Al Gore know that our call to service is backed by our willingness to fight for him. Please read on and join us on this historic journey.
Help us take out an ad in the New York Times

This will be our biggest bang of the campaign: a full-page ad in the New York Times with a powerful open letter to Al Gore asking him to run for president. But this ad is extremely expensive and we cannot afford it without your contribution. This is a one-time request and a unique opportunity for you to let Al Gore know how strongly you feel about him running in 2008. This is one letter he is sure to read. Please help us make it a reality by making a contribution today.
Organize locally on our new website

This week we launched a new version of the Draft Gore website, complete with organizing tools and boards that allow you to form local chapters, communicate, organize events, and help set up an army of supporters that could soon become the core organization of a potential Gore candidacy.

Please visit our website and explore the various ways in which you may become involved in this historic effort. To start a chapter, click on the "Gore Supporters in Your State" link and follow the simple instructions.

It may seem hard to believe that a group of grassroots activists like us could have a real impact on the choice of candidates for president. But as Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Thank you for your continued support of Draft Gore.

Sincerely,

Monica Friedlander
Draft Gore  

Here are the links:

Visit our new Draft Gore site
Contribute to Draft Gore

•  Run Al, Run

  we need you!

  by anoodle on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 10:20:20 AM PDT

  •  We probably do need him

    But it occurs to me that he may be worried that "running" for president again could risk harm to his work on behalf of the environment. Did you see the hearing several months back where the Republicans viciously attacked him? Yes, it was absurd. But they always seem to come out of the shadows to go after him. He doesn't deserve that.

    by suswa on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:25:53 AM PDT

•  Jeez. Enough already.

  Stop obsessing and pick a candidate. Al isn't running...and if you were him, you wouldn't either. This is spoken as a Gore supporter going back to '88.

  by demwords on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 10:29:26 AM PDT

  •  if that's true....

    why hasn't he said "I'm out" like Gingrich did?  Why hasn't he endorsed anyone yet.  When asked about it, he has been consistent: he's left the door open a crack, and repeatedly said that the process still has a long way to go.

    I still have hope.

    by anoodle on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 10:30:49 AM PDT

    •  Recovering Politician

      ...even by Al Gore, that the only cure for presidential fever is death.
      Personally I think Al is a "recovering politician" at this point. He gets more voice, attention and "love" without having to fight anyone for it.

      by demwords on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 10:36:11 AM PDT

      •  can't you see him....

        deciding to run, but running a very non-traditional campaign?  Announcement comes after october 12th, online.  Website is state of the art and utilizes many user generated ideas (a la Current).  Fundraising comes from thousands of small donors.

        Dean with the finesse.  A real change for America.  Plus the experience.  A bold set of policy ideas to transform the nation and move us forward towards energy independence.

        Protecting the climate, safeguarding our security, passing on a better world for our children.  

        Al Gore in 2008.

        by anoodle on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 10:41:22 AM PDT

    •  The minute he's says"I'm out"

      interest in what he says about anything is reduced by 75%.
      there is no doubt in my mind that he won't run.  He may have even agreed not to in return for a very high position in the HRC adminisration.  Eco-czar?

      by bugscuffle on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 10:52:01 AM PDT

      •  Well..

        He said in the TIME podcast that if he knew for sure that he was never going to run, he would say so.  It has nothing to do with keeping "interest" in Al Gore or his message about the climate crisis.  He also ruled out any position in any future administration on "Larry King Live" in May of this year.

        by 0wn on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 10:59:22 AM PDT

      •  And I'm guessing

        you don't have a link for that statistic.

        Climate change is a critical, international issue, but only the "he's not running" types suggest it needs to be propped up politically.

        Your fear of Gore's candidacy is noted.  Yes, he will wipe out your favorite's chances.  Sorry.

        by john07801 on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 01:40:38 PM PDT

  •  Why

    should I settle for my #2 guy before my #1 has made his decision?  Five months out from my states' primary nonetheless.  Not one person has been able to answer that question for me.

    by NYPopulist on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 10:40:25 AM PDT

    •  exactly

      until Gore makes his decision, I will stand with him.  When he decides to get in, he will have my support.  If he unequivocally exits the race, I'll consider someone else.

      by anoodle on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 10:42:18 AM PDT

    •  The problem is...

      ...people are starting to become vested in other campaigns at this point, both in terms on money and emotional attachments. This is especially true among the activist community. I think, at that stage, it becomes a 4-way divisive race instead of a 3-way. Basically, there just aren't fish in the sea that are uncaught.

      by demwords on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:02:52 AM PDT

      •  That's not what the polls say n/t

        by NYPopulist on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:05:28 AM PDT

      •  not true

        there are a lot of activists who would move to Gore, and there are plenty of people who may have already donated to a candidate who would give to Gore.

        These things are dynamic.  Gore gets in, changes the story tremendously, as the polls move and he gains support, the activists and money will move too.

        Look at Clinton in '92......

        by anoodle on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:16:41 AM PDT

        •  If only...

          ...that were true. But I suspect at this point there would be few deserters from the Obama camp and none from the HRC machine.

          by demwords on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:35:23 AM PDT

          •  Polls show

            about 25% of Hillary's supporters would leave for a Gore candidacy.  Please stop spreading untruths.

            by NYPopulist on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:37:44 AM PDT

            •  I didn't know...

              ...that the speech police were lurking here.
              Perhaps "none" from HRC is an overstatement. But it is hard to imagine that backers of HRC would jump to Gore.

              by demwords on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 12:03:39 PM PDT

  •  No thanks.

    Jeez. Enough already.

    Stop obsessing and pick a candidate.

    We'll do whatever the hell we want to.  Don't give us orders.

    by 0wn on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 10:40:47 AM PDT

    •  Not orders...

      ...just advice for the soon to be heartbroken.

      by demwords on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:03:36 AM PDT

      •  I know people

        who would pay a lot of money for your crystal ball.

        by NYPopulist on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:06:28 AM PDT

        •  send them my way n/t

          by demwords on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:09:56 AM PDT

      •  I don't need your advice

        nor your "concern" about Gore.

        I have yet to hear a Shermanesque statement.
        Late October or early November...

        

        by Panda on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 01:22:30 PM PDT

        •  Time cover

          Did you put that together yourself?

          It is absolutely beautiful!!

          by Diogenes2008 on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 02:29:58 PM PDT

          •  Yes, and thanks! :) n/t

            by Panda on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 02:32:12 PM PDT

            •  Beautiful

              And I hope we see something like it on Time magazine next month... :)

              by Diogenes2008 on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 02:39:14 PM PDT

            •  awesome

              I love it.  Dare to dream.

              by anoodle on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 03:49:11 PM PDT

    •  Every "Gore-run" diary on dkos gets a slew...

      of people trying to get supporters off the Gore bandwagon. I wonder why that is... hmmm.

      Perhaps, they're not too confidant with their own choices? Or do they think our votes won't count (in theory) for another candidate in the case Gore does not run?

      I'm looking for answers here. Why do Gore's non-supporters flock to diaries by Gore supporters? It would seem to me to be a waste of time - you know... the same kind of time they say we're wasting trying to get Gore to run.

      It seems to me that they should be out drumming up support for their own candidate of choice.

      Just sayin'

      by markthshark on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 08:13:44 PM PDT

      •  Seems to be common...

        I was just over at another, magazine-type site, and their Gore thread is mostly propelled by a couple of typically nasty Clinton supporters.  You'd think they'd have plenty to do on their own turf given the Hillary juggernaut, etc., but I guess not.

        by latts on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 09:09:01 PM PDT

        •  I don't care how many naysayers I must wade...

          through anymore. I've decided to start "keepin' my powder dry" so to speak. If the detracting comments are senseless or generic as in "Gore won't run" or "He already said he's not going to run" or the classic - "Gore said he invented the internet." Those, I will ignore.

          But, I will respond to those negative comments that stray from the facts about Gore, i.e., his history/accomplishments, general myths attached to him by the media, and misstated facts about his proposed "Marshal Plan" to combat world poverty by creating jobs and initiatives to combat global warming. Those kind of comments I will actively seek out and debunk with hard facts and logic.

          Besides, I think the detractors who come to "Gore-run" threads and spew generic "He's not running" comments; actually, wish Gore was in the race already, and are simply more petulant, patience-challenged individuals than we who are trying to get him to run are.

          In my mind, I have to promote a Gore run. Nothing else makes sense to me. The candidates, (especially after the last debate) just seem too plastic; too calculated for my tastes in a candidate.

          I rate some of them fairly high: I like the way Dodd has sworn to restore the Constitution and habeas corpus in his first days of being president. And, it's tough to discount Richardson and Kucinich for their end the war pledge - or Gravel's slightly eccentric speaking truth to power. Edwards, I believe has a good heart and is well-intentioned but, (and, this is not meant as a slight) I just can't imagine him as president.

          And, that brings me back to Gore.

          Him, I can imagine as president! (and, often do)

          Anyway, sorry for ramblin'.

          Couldn't sleep.

          by markthshark on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:49:54 PM PDT

          •  Sadly, I agree with you re: Edwards

            Over time, I've just come to the conclusion that he would not be able to actually do ninety percent of what he proposes, because he'd have no allies or support within the federal government, and probably little at the state level.  It's too bad.  And Dodd, who I guess would be my third choice after Gore and Obama, has almost the opposite problem in that he's got Senateitis.

            Dunno... I'm rather discouraged wrt Gore.  The Hillary thing is reminding me of, well, why I was happier not paying close attention in the nineties, because energy spent defending the Clintons has virtually no payoff potential for anyone who actually wants fairly progressive policies implemented.  I keep telling myself that I could exercise more, maybe do some more home improvements, with the time saved following politics should she be elected, but knowing that her term would probably end with the party as weak and demoralized as it was in 1999-2000 is beyond depressing.

            by latts on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 06:47:35 AM PDT

  •  Why? n/t

    by lcork on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 10:43:51 AM PDT

  •  I mean

    Is there some sort of deadline for picking a candidate?  Do we all need to line up behind someone and get ourselves counted for some particular reason?  Or does it just make you uncomfortable that, despite the large number of impressive candidates vying for the Democratic nomination, there are some people who would like an additional option and are not afraid to ask for it?

    I would venture a guess that if Al Gore does run this time, he will do it his own way, and that includes the timing of his announcement.  Supposing he does plan to announce after the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded, every day between now and the day he announces, the anxiety, anticipation and passion of his supporters just ratchets up another few notches - what could be better than that if he does get into the race?  If he does get in, he has run the best stealth campaign ever run, because right now, there is nobody who can say for sure whether he will or he won't.  One thing is sure, no one will be able to call him a flip-flopper over his decision, because whatever decision he makes, it has been so carefully guarded that there isn't going to be any press coverage of it prior to his announcement.  

    It would not surprise me if he called a press conference and no one could say whether it was to announce his endorsement of one of the other candidates, or to announce his own candidacy.  I believe he could pull that off, and I would love to see him do it.

    As for my choice, when a candidate really speaks to me, I'll make my decision.  So far, I like all the candidates for one reason or another and could easily vote for any of them (yes even Gravel) in the general election.  Some more easily than others, but any Democrat in the race is better than EVERY Republican in the race thus far.  We have an embarassment of riches on our side, so why let the media rush us to judgement?  That's all this extended primary race is IMHO a media-contrived frenzy designed to limit our choices before it's really necessary.

    by lcork on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:05:23 AM PDT

    •  yeah

      I think he's learned something about product rollout from his buddy Steve Jobs......

      by anoodle on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:18:37 AM PDT

      •  Timing

        I find it interesting that people keep talking about how late it is, and how Gore is waiting until the last minute to jump in, and yet at the same time, I keep hearing everyone complain about how long this election cycle has been.  Everyone started so early, that Gore jumping in just looks late.  He isn't, really.

        Aside from that, starting his campaign this "late" in the game gives Gore several advantages.  

        First of all, this gives those of us who are campaigning for him time to build on what is already a rapidly growing base of support.

        Second, there is less time for the right-wing smear machine to get into gear against him.

        Third, there is plenty of time for him to get his message out, less time for candidate fatigue, and less time for someone in his campaign to make a potentially costly mistake, as so many in (for example) Guiliani's campaign have done.

        And last, but far from least - wouldn't it be nice, for a change, to have a candidate that has to be ASKED to run, instead of someone who wants that power?  

        Al Gore has the statesmanship, the prescience, the intelligence and the ethics we need in a President.  It has been eight long horrible years under the Bush administration, and I think America is ready for someone with Gore's qualifications.  I know I am.

        by Diogenes2008 on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 12:10:00 PM PDT

        •  And

          he's been fully vetted.  The other candidates will be SwiftBoated like Cleland, Kerry and even McCain.  It's the RWNM's favorite weapon.  But Gore's entire life and career is well-known.  That's a huge advantage.

          Wouldn't it be nice to read a Gore diary without having to wade through all the "he's not running" crap?  It would be nice if those commentors would at least name the candidate they don't want Al to trounce, ya know?  Somehow they think he doesn't know how to end the speculation...like he did it in 2004.

          by john07801 on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 01:59:23 PM PDT

          •  Exactly

            Al Gore has been through all of this.  He has dealt with the media, he has dealt with the right wing smear machine, and he has been Vice President.  He knows what to expect and how to deal with all of it.  

            I firmly believe he would be more forceful this time.  He stood down last time because he believed in the rule of law, and the Supreme Court had made their decision.  Rule of law... remember that??  It would be nice to have someone back in the White House who believes in the Constitution and all that it entails.

            We know that Gore is a humanitarian, we know he has ethics, and we know that he cares about what happens to our planet.  We know that he is intelligent and can be diplomatic.  I don't know about some on these boards, but I'm ready for that kind of President - someone who can bring America back to what it should have been all along.

            As to whether or not Gore is running - he hasn't said definitely one way or the other.  Let HIM have the final say - not the commenters on these boards.  And yes, I'm tired of hearing that "he's not running."

            As far as I'm concerned, the phrase should be "He's not running - yet."

            by Diogenes2008 on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 02:26:28 PM PDT

        •  Well said, Diogenes n/t

          by markthshark on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 08:17:55 PM PDT

      •  Love Steve J and Al

        But Steve backed Ross Perot in previous elections.
        You can't be smart about everything.

        by demwords on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 01:08:27 PM PDT

  •  Pick a candidate?

    I have.  Al Gore.

    Until he comes right out and says he isn't running, he IS my candidate.

    If he decides not to run, that will be (in my opinion) a blow to all of America, but it will be his choice.

    If that day comes, then I will choose a second-best candidate, but until then, AL GORE is one I want to be able to call "Mr. President".

    by Diogenes2008 on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 12:18:19 PM PDT

    •  I wish he'd make up his mind...

      ...before it is too late to matter.

      by demwords on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 01:09:27 PM PDT

•  Is that really the best place to be

  spending money?

  Would it be more effective to give money to the MI effort to get him on the ballot or the Iowa rally?*

  *I am not a member of the Draft Gore team, I don't think there's any way he'll run, but I'm always impressed w/the Draft Gore efforts and dedication.  I'm not trying to be contrary; I'm just trying to ascertain what members of the Draft Gore movement think is best.

  by Sinister Rae on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 10:49:13 AM PDT

  •  I trust them....

    and if they think they need funds to help get this ad out there, I'll help.

    by anoodle on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:18:04 AM PDT

  •  Any reason...

    We can't do both?

    Why not give anything we can to all fronts of the Gore Movement?

    As far as I'm concerned, Al Gore is far better than any of the other candidates out there - and that's saying a lot.  The other Democratic candidates are, in my opinion, light years ahead of any of the GOP candidates.  

    I will not give up on Gore unless and until he states openly that he's not running.  But for the sake of our nation (and the world) I hope he DOES run.

    by Diogenes2008 on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 12:13:58 PM PDT

    •  You can do whatever you want

      I can only send in one donation.

      by Sinister Rae on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 04:58:47 PM PDT

•  Good for Gore's Options

  At this point it time, I think Al Gore is wanting to enter the race in the least divisive manner possible.  The Draft Gore campaigns and a NY Times ad are helpful because Gore could simply say that he is responding to the wishes of the people (and, in fact, he would be right). At some level, I think the NY Times ad approach is best because it would get publicity and support Gore's claim that he is being asked to run.  Sure, Draft Gore movements in CA, NY, etc. are a critical part, but how much air time do these efforts really get in the MSM?

  by gobigblue on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:25:27 AM PDT

  •  Yes, I could see the NYT's ad being discussed...

    on the cable-channels and perhaps even on the evening network newscasts.

    Even if they don't pick it up it'll be great publicity.

    by markthshark on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 08:35:58 PM PDT

•  I just have one question. My understanding is

  that unused money will go to the nominee whoever that is if Gore doesn't run. I would gladly give dedicated money to the ad but I don't see a way to do that. under no circumstances would I give a penny to Hillary if she is the nominee. I just want to be sure where my money is going.

  by Tanya on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:25:37 AM PDT

  •  I believe it goes to the DNC

    ActBlue will set up pages for "Draft X for President"

    Hotline reports: The Democratic online fundraising giant [ActBlue] met with the FEC this week to get their latest project approved: Setting up fundraising accounts for potential 2008 presidential candidates. ... If he [the potential candidate] doesn't get in the race by the DNC Convention, all of the raised funds go straight to the DNC. -- Hotline

    by 0wn on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 11:29:46 AM PDT

    •  thanks

      by Tanya on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 02:07:25 PM PDT

•  WA state

  A friend of mine whose parents are involved in politics with the top people who work for democrats in my state went to a meeting the other day and her dad came home with a draft gore 2008 pin. She asked him about it and he said a lot of the leaders of our state are still hoping Al will run.

  I was filled with more hope than I have had in a long time.

  Then I sat down with my mom and aunt last night both in their 70's and told them about wanting Gore to run. Both are democrats. They said we didn't think about him running but both would vote for him, they don't really like any of the ones running. Sort of like Edwards if he doesn't.

  I find as I ask more and more people about Al the answer is the same, I didn't know he was running or thinking of running but if he does I will vote for him.

  How many millions and millions of people out there are like those people??

  And polls, every one I talked to says they have never been asked to do a poll...

  by marlakay on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 01:51:22 PM PDT

•  No help for Massachusetts

  DraftGore.com hasn't helped us much here in Massachusetts yet.  We could use help right now with our petition drive to get Al on the ballot in the Democratic Presidential Primary.  Instead, DraftGore.com is telling people to take a different petition going around for the "Draft Gore Petition Corps."

  We'd love a link from DraftGore.com to our website to help us get volunteers.  Without that, an ad in the NYTimes won't do much for us.
  
  For our Constitution. For our country. For our planet.

  by Neighbor2 on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 04:01:30 PM PDT

•  Sent 'em $10

  Run Al, Run!

  by Kal on Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 05:55:36 PM PDT