February 12, 2008
Posted: 06:57 AM ET

ALT TEXT

Yet to make an endorsement, Gore remains the most most sought-after Democrat. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

(CNN) – He's the most prominent Democrat yet to take a side in the presidential election, but two sources close to Al Gore tell us not to expect the former vice president to endorse either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama any time during the primary season.

The sources say Gore talks with both Clinton and Obama, and is on good terms with both. But with Sen. John Kerry and Bill Clinton both aligned to a candidate, Gore has a role to serve as the neutral elder statesman in the party.

If an agreement needs to be struck between Clinton and Obama down the road, Gore is in position to be the likely facilitator of that discussion.

Gore also will want to work closely with whoever wins the nomination to promote an environmental agenda.

As for two other major Democrats yet to endorse a candidate: sources close to both Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi say neither individuals have endorsement plans.

– CNN's Jessica Yellin

Filed under: Al Gore


democrat_2008   February 12th, 2008 7:15 am ET

He's right not to endorse. I was wondering if he was going to be another Kool-Aid drinker. But I can see that Gore is still the most trusted in the Democratic Party, and the one that will bring stability to this craze.

lanray   February 12th, 2008 7:18 am ET

This is the person I wish would be the Democratic nominee for President. Far more qualified than any of the other candidates. What a loss to us all.

everistus etafo   February 12th, 2008 7:25 am ET

a very wise man!

Ravi   February 12th, 2008 7:25 am ET

Mr. Gore is an intelligent man and full of integrity. His endorsement is valuable but more value is his ability to engage & stay neutral now that he has a noble cause to champion!

Whatever his personal views were of his former boss, he knew Bill Clinton was a statesman, and knows Hillary personnaly. He recognises her experience will see America improve bilateral relations and economy.

He recognises Obama as a good orator and one who can manage initiatives, and privately will be counseling him to align to Hillary and become her running mate should he lose the main ticket.

Either way its a win-win for the Democrats! They have 3 champions to fight their cause!

- Ravi

JoeBrown   February 12th, 2008 7:26 am ET

Good! I'm sure Al will support which of the two survives this mess known as the Primary.

Pat Va   February 12th, 2008 7:29 am ET

This should be fun…let's watch the chameleonesque-Hilllary morph into a tree hugger for this endorsement!!!

Lynn in NM   February 12th, 2008 7:29 am ET

Of course he won't endorse anyone now. He wants to back a winner.

Wade   February 12th, 2008 7:34 am ET

Elder statesman? Al Bore (Gore)? The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for a Liberal propaganda movie? The only person who talks slower than Gore is John Kerry! The guy whose home uses more electricity than most businesses in his state!? That Al Gore? You must be lost as usual CNN.

Jimbo   February 12th, 2008 7:37 am ET

Just as well. Nobody wants this loser's endorsement anyway.

roger Salvo   February 12th, 2008 7:40 am ET

I keep hearing that we are winning the war in Iraq. how can Bush sleep knowing that there are over 2,000,000 families homeless, and he has murdered over 200,000 civilians in Iraq?.

Maggie   February 12th, 2008 7:41 am ET

Come on, Mr. Gore and be a man. Remember when you were running against Bush the Clintons came out and supported you so why can't you do the same for Hillary. Remember its what we give, is what we get back. You should not forget who was on your side when you were trying to get elected. I am sure Obama was nowhere your campaign to help you out the Clintons were right there with you.

You know Hillary is the stronger candidate but because of this media hype for Obama, which I think is being pushed by the republicans, democrats are jumping on the bandwagon without looking at the fact that the wool is being pulled over their eyes. Remember if this continues, more than likley especially if Obama wins, we will see President McCain in November. You can help to avoid this by putting your support behind Clinton. Come on, suppport the person who supported you when you needed it.

Sandy   February 12th, 2008 7:43 am ET

Thank you so much Vice President Gore for your neutrality. It is sorely needed in this race. Unfortunately for President Clinton, he has a stake in it and cannot remain neutral. My only wish is that you were running, sir, but I understand your reluctance to drag your family through this mud once again and I truly appreciate your neutrality and willingness to be the peace broker.

Paul Belfi   February 12th, 2008 7:44 am ET

Looks like Gore is more savvy than I gave him credit for.

jennifer   February 12th, 2008 7:50 am ET

whats the matter AL scared to endorse a WOMAN with MORE experience than you?? hillary 08!!!!

Sharon, Orlando   February 12th, 2008 7:57 am ET

It makes a whole lot of sense for such influential figures not to endorse either candidate. The American people are the ones who need to decide who our next president will be, not long-standing members of either party. This is not a coronation, we are in a democracy! Intelligent move on Al Gore's part.

Bruce   February 12th, 2008 8:00 am ET

Who cares who Gore backs, I don't

Obama lobbyist money   February 12th, 2008 8:06 am ET

Never mind Gore's endorsement. Could CNN please report more on its bottom-screen ticker yesterday about Obama's large campaign contributions from numerous lobbyists and several PACS?

Alain Adunagow   February 12th, 2008 8:07 am ET

I'm sensing a generational strategic plan and positioning on Gore's end, perhaps for another shot at the Oval Office in the long run. He's pretty much regarded as one of (if not the only one left) the most active Democrats "clean enough" to align with the people's current issues, and with no apparent endorsement, which may come handy for another shot at the US VP seat in 2008 - keeping him more connected with people and building a good track record of leadership.

He has a well-known agenda, which is sweeping Corporate America in terms of corporate alignment to current time (I'm speaking of non other than the Green Initiative); a sweep that's coming after the Diversity wave.

Perhaps, this is a subtle strategic preparedness to get ready for 2016?? Sounds far fetched to you? I beg to differ. Believe or not, Clinton and Obama started their campaign way before we all knew it. Everything starts from within, then erupts out of us through good timing. Great leaders see opportunity when no one is thinking of it as yet, and make their moves two-three steps ahead of time.

Alain Adunagow
Irvine, California

Steve   February 12th, 2008 8:19 am ET

Good for him. It’s safe to say Mr. Gore is the most respectful and mature of the modern day politicians.

John, Kansas City, MO   February 12th, 2008 8:21 am ET

At least the man who actually won the election in 2000 has the common sense to stay out of the endorsement game. And no, this isn't a ploy so that he remains an option for VP regardless of who wins. Al Gore is done with politics. Like Former Presidents Carter, H.W. Bush, and Clinton, he has been able to accomplish a lot of good things after leaving office, and he's not going to return to the beltway shenanigans (though he would make a fantastic Secretary of the Interior).

Fred   February 12th, 2008 8:23 am ET

gore can't make a decision. that is why he would make a bad president and that is why he has yet to endorse a democrat in this race. "I voted for the war, before I voted against it" - Al Gore

This is not Amercian Idol   February 12th, 2008 8:31 am ET

According to some reports in some of the caucus states they were as young as 15 & 16 - yet no-one checked their ages. Obama is bussing in voters for caucuses and open registration on the day primaries and anyone who can't see it is blind or dumb.

What is going on here is not democracy but kleptocracy.

MD   February 12th, 2008 8:37 am ET

And this is news because of??????

SANDA in Tucson, AZ   February 12th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

I find it sad that Gore who worked with Bill who never left a finger to help his run for the White House can seat it out and perhaps give her a chance to be the nominee. It is pathetic really.
We finally have hope and YOU will not make this happen. You should campaign for Obama not only endorse him.
I am very disappointed with your decision.

Matt   February 12th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

I supported the Al gore 2008 Draft movement. I think he must endorse Obama before its too late.I hope he will, Please Sir

:))   February 12th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Where is my note that I send this ?????
Good, he's smart!!!!

querridamia   February 12th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

Gore doesn't need to endorse anybody, he loss the Presidential election, Bush won, because gore distance himself to Bill. He taught his candidacy for President will be ruined if he will ask Bill help, that was his big mistake.

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