WASHINGTON (CNN) – Democratic strategist James Carville told CNN Wednesday that former Vice President Al Gore should reprise his role as the No. 2 on a Democratic ticket.
“I think if I was Senator Obama I would say the biggest economic problem we face is the biggest national security problem and the biggest environmental problem,” Carville told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on the Situation Room. “And if I were him, I would ask Al Gore to serve as his vice president, his energy czar, in his administration to reduce our consumption and reliance on foreign energy sources.
“That would send a signal to the world, to American people, to Congress, to everybody, that America's getting serious about this horrendous problem that we face.”
Gore said in December that he might jump back into the political fray – but only in a bid for the top spot. A third term as vice president would mean Gore had spent more time in the office than anyone in U.S. history.
Later, the political strategist – who supported Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid – admitted he’d rather see her name on the ballot under Obama’s this fall. “Obviously, I would be delighted if he picked Senator Clinton. I'm trying to be provocative in one sense,” said Carville.
Conservative commentator Bill Bennett dismissed the idea. “It's been said that the vice presidency isn't worth a bucket of - you know the rest of the line. To do it twice, I don't know that someone would want to do it twice. He's been there, done that.” He added that Gore would probably not want to put himself “in a subordinate role” – and that Obama needed a foreign policy expert as his running mate.
Both Carville and Bennett are CNN contributors.
From CNN Politics
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WHAT WOULD A DISTINGUISHED NOBEL PRIZE WINNER BE DOING ON A TICKET WITH BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA UH UH??
HE HAS A LOT OF PEOPLE TO CHOSE FROM i.e. OPRAH, REV. WRIGHT, FARRACKAN, REZKO -THE LIST GOES ON.
LEAVE AL GORE ALONE MR. CARVILLE
Isn't he constitutionally restricted?
I think this would be a wonderful choice. If Al Gore would accept. It seems that VP's carry a bit more clout these day's since Cheney really runs things behind the scene's. However I believe Obama and Gore would work well together wihout Gore overshadowing the other. He brings years of experience and a new found wisdom that would serve Obama well!!!!! Please both of you consider it!
Yes. There is no doubt that he would make an excellent President or Vice President but I doubt that he would want to be VP again.
If only?
I am busting a gut on this one. Al Gore is a loser. A windbag tied to another windbag is not exactly a good thing. Democrats need to find candidates with Character, integrity and experience in real life, not political speech making.
Considering that most scientists think Gore is a blooming idiot, I guess he would fit right in with Carville's gang. I just hope Carville gets to give Obama a whole lot of suggestions and advice. That should give him all the expertise he needs to be just as successful as Clinton, Bill that is. Oh yeah, I forgot. He wasn't much of a success at all for the US, but he sure did line his own pockets. Well, that'll probably suit the Obamas just fine too.
I think Al Gore is above being merely concerned about his stature. Look what he could achieve! Congress etc. seems to be filled with folks looking out for themselves and abandoning their duties as public servants. Yes, I think Mr. Gore is beyond that. We need someone who truly cares.
Gore would be a great addition to the ticket... but why would he want that spot? He has already held that position for 8 years. He has been much more successful outside of DC – and he will continue to make a difference outside of Washington – he doesn't need to be VP.
If Al would do it, it would be good.
ManBearP
Anyone would be better than McCain, in fact, google his name and "alzheimer" and see what comes up. Do we want a president with that dreadful disease?
James Carville read my mind! The Obama-Gore ticket would be a force to be reckon with....Gore has experience, intergity, and a green thumb. As far as needing a foreign policy expert...appoint one to his cabinet. I admit I was bitter with the Clinton campaign. With HOPE comes forgiveness; therefore I say appoint HIlliary to lead the first for healthcare.
Obama-Whomever 08
Michelle, Chicago
Of course Al Gore would make an excellent VP. He would make and excellent president. However, I doubt that he would want the job. I wish he would but can't imagine he would. I think he would be on the list if there was any indication he would accept.
I THINK AL GORE WOULD BE TAKING A STEP BACKWARD IF HE RAN WITH OBAMA AS VP. OBAMA DOES NOT DESERVE SUCH A FINE PERSON AS AL GORE.
FROM AN X DEMOCRATIC
I almost feel Mr. Gore took on the enivormental hero view point because it was the only field that was left that he did not mess up.
Even Mr. Clinton said he felt more comfortable talking to George Bush for 20 minutes then all the time he spent with Gore.
He preaches "Green" yet drives SUVs and has a house that produces a larger energy bill than some rural towns.
I personally think there are a half dozen candiates better suited for the job than Mr. Gore. He will always be in the spot light. Let someone else with a more realistic view point that stands by there word be in the office.
Al Gore needs to be on the top of the ticket. What an insult!
That would be GREAT
I think that Al Gore would be an excellent selection for Sen. Obama's VP.
Obama/Gore '08..
NO! There are much better people out there.
Clinton had 8 years as President and Gore had 8 years as vice president ... did they make us any less dependent on oil or just keep the status quo? It doesn't matter whether a Republican or Democrat was in office, we haven't had a real energy policy in the last 40 years. Congress must shoulder just as much blame. It's not about the well being of our country but greasing the hands of the special interests groups while our soldiers die for the well being of a few.
Next...Keep looking. He'd accept if offered but give him a cabinet position somewhere but not VP.
I AM FOLLOWING JAMES CARVILLE'S STATEMENTS AND COMMENTS ON CNN AND OTHER VENUES BECAUSE HE IS AND HAS BEEN CLOSE TO THE CLINTONS FOR YEARS. NOT ONLY IS HE VERY RELIABLE BUT VERY LOYAL TO THE CORE. IT'S GREAT THAT CNN HAS HIM AS CONTRIBUTOR TO ITS BIG NAME ROSTER
OF NEWS CONTIBUTORS. IN HIS LATEST APPEARANCE ON CNN HE ONLY MENTIONED AL GORE AS A POSSIBLE CHOICE FOR OBAMA. HE DID NOT MENTION NOR ADVOCATE FOR HILLARY, WHICH TO US MEANS MORE THAN WHAT HE IMPLIES BY THE OMISSION.
I don't get why not put Gore at the top of the ticket. The votes at the convention can just go to a second ballot with a few delegates abstaining, and then give it to Gore, who unlike Obama, is qualified to be President, and have Obama on the ticket. As a Clinton supporter, I actually wanted Gore as a first choice. He was smart enough not to smear his name by going against Obama and being dubbed a racist, so I went to Hillary. Gore for Prez.
They should have Gore for President, and Obama as VP.
That's more appropriate.
I'm sure he'd accept but NEXXXXXT...keep looking! Give him a cabinet level position but not VP. Keep looking for the absolute best person that synergizes with you, has the energy and vision.
Hell No! Carville you are such an instigator!