November 21, 2008
Posted: November 21st, 2008 09:28 AM ET
CNN

Watch Al Gore talk about President-elect Barack Obama's victory.

(CNN)—Former Vice President Al Gore was fired up over the election of Sen. Barack Obama in one of his first post-election interviews.

“I can barely contain my excitement about this election,” Gore told CNN’s Fareed Zakaria. “Regardless of the differences over issues and politics this was a water shed election that really just gave every American a feeling of great pride in our nation’s ability to transcend our past, and redeem the revolutionary promise of our Declaration of Independence: that every human being is created equal, and it’s electrifying seeing that declaration.”

Despite the Republican’s loss, Gore also said he saw many of them express a sense of pride on election night.

Be sure to catch the full interview on Fareed Zakaria’s GPS, Sunday at 1 p.m. E.T on CNN.

Filed under: Al Gore • Barack Obama


Jon   November 21st, 2008 2:25 pm ET

Hey PaulinTX....

I am trying to answer your question as to what Obama has failed at....but 12 times now CNN has "moderated"....errrr censored my post. So it isn't that I don't have answers, but because I use facts that don't portray your dear old barry rising from the seas I get "moderated"

Just like during the election....jeeez you would have thought cnn would have stopped this by now.....you won cnn!

N. S. Huntsville, Al   November 21st, 2008 2:22 pm ET

IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE MAKING COMMENTS ARE DEMOCRATS, THEIR SMART, THEY HAVE GOOD JUDGEMENT. SO WHY ARE SO MANY REPUBLICANS ON HERE?ITS LIKE THE REPUBLICANS ARE SO BITTER AND ANGRY, THE ELECTIONS OVER AND GRAMPS AND BIG HAIR PAILN LOST.

REPUBLICANS GET OVER IT! GET LOST

mike   November 21st, 2008 2:21 pm ET

hey independent....

it isn't Sean Hannity that is lying....when you see the video yourslef...it isn't a lie.

Kay   November 21st, 2008 2:20 pm ET

If he was so excited about Obama, then why didn't he endorse him early, when Obama was embattled with Hillary?

Gore hung back to see who would win the primary, THEN endorsed Obama.

Hypocrite and opportunist.

-Obama/Biden 08

AJ   November 21st, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Gore is irrelevant. People listened to him before he came out and endorsed Obama. Though I am not unhappy with the outcome of the election and have high hopes for Obama, I think that Gore cheapened his message by reinserting himself into partisan politics. His obvious hatred for the Clintons only made him appear to be a pouting child who was “getting even.”

Jay   November 21st, 2008 1:57 pm ET

President-elect...anyone out there remember what that means? The man has done nothing to help the country yet. Let's stop fawning, drooling, and tripping over each other to laud the accomplishments of one who has done nothing save get elected President over a horribly managed Republican campaign.

No Hillary = No Obama   November 21st, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Is there any Democratic not "fired-up" about the Tin Man?

Jim   November 21st, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Anybody who wonders why Gore is "gushing with enthusiasm" over the Democratic victory doesn't realize that Gore's real agenda is to force unneeded environmental laws on this country that will bankrupt businesses and give Gore millions in profits through his strategic positions in "environmental friendly" firms and initiatives. Just watch millions government grants flow his way to study everything from cow gas up now that the liberals are in the driver's seat!. And watch the contracts go to firms Gore has an interest in while WE PAY for it! Maybe they should study Gore's hot air instead!!!

Jenny   November 21st, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Adam - Why the insults? There is absolutley no reason for you to say such things, unless of course this is the only way you can make yourself seem like a big man.

vic   November 21st, 2008 1:30 pm ET

I'm gushing, too!
Al Gore knows what it's like to be cheated out of an election, and he knows just how crooked the republicans are when it comes to being dishonest during the election process.
I think he, like many others, were holding our breath that Obama would win in a landslide so the recounts wouldn't go on forever and the republicans wouldn't have a chance to screw with the results.

mary, colorado springs   November 21st, 2008 1:22 pm ET

I'm glad to see Gore back in the limelight again. He is an intelligent man, so I hope President Obama will find a place for him in his administration.

Jon   November 21st, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Well...it would be nice if you could blame florida for al gore losing but remember this....

If Al Gore could have only won the state he represented in Congress for all those years...Tennessee....then guess what....Florida would have been irrelevant.

If your own people won't elect you...then guess what Mr. Gore....you are...you always have been....and you always will be IRRELEVANT to this country.

Aisha   November 21st, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Well said! I too can not keep still from the excitement growing everyday that I learn about a new appointee chosen from the cream of the crop by the Cream of the Crop in Cheif! I'm going to enjoy the retail environment, thanks to the lame duck, and get out my streamers for January 20th. It's the best New Year's Resolution this country could have hoped for!!!

Helene   November 21st, 2008 1:00 pm ET

For Dave who thinks that Obama achieved nothing : Are you talking about Bush ? 8 years of doing WHAT EXACTLY ?

Independent   November 21st, 2008 12:54 pm ET

To: Adam

Have you see an inconvenient truth? It documents his flying around, on commercial flights. You should look into facts before repeating lies you probably hear from people like Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity.

Lyle   November 21st, 2008 12:53 pm ET

Mr. Gore is obviously proud of this country for electing a non-white candidate as president. While Mr. Gore is free to bask in his race-based pride, race should not have been and should never be an issue in any election. America should not be concerned with Mr. Obama’s or any candidate’s race, but rather their qualifications for office. It remains to be seen whether or not Mr. Obama’s very thin resume and lack of qualifications will be good or bad for this nation.

Cho Wanki D from from Cameroon   November 21st, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Gore is absolutely right to return to that declaration of independence statement . This election was about humanity and not America and Americans showed themselves indisputably as the most powerful nation of the world in all dimensions by not making any mistake. Obama will ably defend that other side and prove all skeptists and pessimists wrong . This is a great man with a great agenda opting for great men without any complex to support him so as to set unparalleled standards for future American presidents.

Texas Lady   November 21st, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Why am I NOT shocked?

Now that Gore is all excited, I'm sure he'll lobby to the new PE that we don't need cars any more or oil or gas or anything that would increase greenhouse gas.

Oh, wait? That's right – his house is a huge energy hog.

And for the record, I don't dislike Obama – I dislike the far left extreme Democratic party which will try to usher in the their idea of the new world order.

Scott Tucson   November 21st, 2008 12:44 pm ET

The one thing that will CHANGE is how the Obama fans feels about him. It's already starting since many are asking where's the change??

Michael -Ventura,CA   November 21st, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Al Gore is a great American and his words, once again, ring true!

Mike, Syracuse NY   November 21st, 2008 12:39 pm ET

Chris from San Antonio, what a bipartisan thought. Thanks for helping to bring America together.

j. williams   November 21st, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Bi-polar Gore, a danger to the health of America with his convenient lies.

Dave   November 21st, 2008 12:36 pm ET

To Paul, name one thing that Obama accomplished in his 143 days as a senator. You will find it is NOTHING !

karen-phoenix   November 21st, 2008 12:29 pm ET

I try to watch feered every week!!! It proves what a global, technological world we have become in the 21st century and Obama is at the top of the list and world knows this. Intellegence will finnally rain in the US which has been dead for the last 8 years!!! Gore knows this and soooo proud the American people are finnally getting educated and intellegent!!

Linda pa   November 21st, 2008 12:23 pm ET

All this back and forth is insane. There are very serious things going on right now. With the loss of so many jobs and the stocks in the tanks. don't you think it is time to stop being so negative. What is wrong with you people? Last time I looked we all live in the same country and now is the time to reunite.

Leah from FL   November 21st, 2008 12:22 pm ET

I'm as happy and downright as 'giddy' as your are, VP Gore since FL's Kathryn Harris actually used her trumped up power to toss out the Dem votes that would have made you our rightful Prez over Bush. We have waited a LOOOOONNNGG 8 years to return competancy and honor to the highest office in the world.

Paul DObro   November 21st, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Not just historic, but a man who really deserves it.

Yet, there are people who can't grasp what has happened, who continue to put down without understanding, who will continue a fight when there is no need to fight when we are working for a better America.

Of course these are the same people who think Bush is a great man who did great things for this country.

Spider   November 21st, 2008 12:11 pm ET

I have a dream.
That someday my children will be able to get credit from a local bank to buy homes that they can afford and cars made in America. I dream that there will be a renewable fuel, to heat those homes and operate those vehicles, that we do not have to buy from another country. That my children will have jobs, that will pay them enough to live their own American Dream. My dream has the United States once again considered a beacon of light and hope by the rest of the world. But, I'm not sure any of us will make it to that mountain top to see the other side, unless we can get over this giddiness about electing the first African American president and get down to the business of change. One dream has been realized. Let's work on another one.

Eric   November 21st, 2008 12:10 pm ET

I love hearing all the sore loser posts. Redneck America BARELY elected Bush twice, Obama won in a landslide. Fundamental conservative policies created the vast majority of the mess we are in right now. It wasn't just barely half of us that feel Obama is the far better choice. It was the overwhelming majority of America. You don't have to like it, but you sound really stupid when you defend the policy making that put our country and the world at risk of global economic collapse.

The most amazing part of it all is that the people most adversely affected by this crisis are the base supporters of the culprits that caused it. Where are all the rich people now when we need "trickle down economics" the most? They're hiding with the millions they saved from not paying their fair share of taxes and some are buying your foreclosed homes only to sell them when conditions improve years after we need the economic boost (which is now).

Ken   November 21st, 2008 12:08 pm ET

I invite everyone to go read the pathetic rightwing delusion being posted on the "Bush thanks staffers and their families" thread. According to the neo-nuggets posting there, G. Bush shoulf be graded just about the best president in history!!

Well, thank God most of the people in America have started to wake up from this bad dream of the last 8 years. Thank God they elected the smart one this time, and also gave him a Congress with an increased amount of brains.

But the comments on that previous thread do show that America is still in trouble because, even after the obvious failure and harm done to this country by Bush and his [R] lemmings, there are still people out there, like E.C. Coleman and his furry-legged cheerleaders Tim and Matt in Dallas, routing (and voting) for even more of this same abject failure. It takes a special level of neo-tard delusion to actually praise that [R] failure and then route for even worse harm to come to America under Obama. These people, I'm sure, are the "real Americans" that Palin talked about. Ms Palin's distorted insight would be laughable if she and these "real Americans" were not so dangerous to this country.

zgomer   November 21st, 2008 12:06 pm ET

We are suppose to care what Al Gort says or thinks! He is just a bag of hot air causing global warming and living like a fat pig that he is...the jerk.

David   November 21st, 2008 11:57 am ET

I'm sure he is excited. Most people just don't understand the carbon tax he wants and that Obama wants to enact that will take $5 trillion from taxpayers. It's called control. It's not about global warming (since it is a scam and most scientists can debunk it and show we have had a decade of cooling. And the ones that support it and Gore have already been proven liars that have fudged the facts and are on the govt payroll). And since he stands to profit, I bet he is fat and happy.

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.   November 21st, 2008 11:51 am ET

Gates has been shown to be well-received by both Dems and Reps. And, in the middle of a serious surgery where you're trying to sew up the patient and close down the procedure, I'm sure I don't want to risk changing docs in the middle of that procedure.
Get me into the recovery room then move me to the new doc on the new medical plan.
Similarly, I think it's smart to leave Gates in until Obama and his admin has had a chance to look at all of the infoand devise a strategy. Then, if he wants Gates to go, he can release him.
Come on people, give tghe guy a chance.

Relative to Gore, he should be giddy knowing how Pat Buchanan had 200,000 votes registered for Buchanan in a heavily Jewish area when "good ole Pat" wouldn't have been able to get a person to spit on his enflamed body. Oh, by the way, Bush won by about 5,400 votes in Florida. So, yep. I can see why Gore would be a little giddy.

PaulMoATX   November 21st, 2008 11:49 am ET

For the anti-Obama crowd, can you please tell me what Obama has ever failed at? However, he is human and has made mistakes, but has always excelled in everything he has done. He is the smartest tool in the shed and we are lucky to have him as the 44th POTUS. Give the man a chance as he hasn't even taken office yet, or shall I say, don't judge a book by its cover.

still smiling   November 21st, 2008 11:44 am ET

I'm still very excited too. I have to pinch myself every morning to see if it was all just a wonderful dream but it really has happened. Barack Obama as US President is the BEST thing that has ever happened to America. My heart jumps for joy with every beat.

Kpawlak   November 21st, 2008 11:42 am ET

Al Gore is a clown who is profiting greatly from his global warming religion.

Matt in Oregon   November 21st, 2008 11:41 am ET

Hard to imagine a better head for the EPA. Obama should make use of this great public servant.

Eric   November 21st, 2008 11:41 am ET

I hope that Obama asks Gore to be energy secretary or head of the EPA. Gore takes global warming seriously and that is what we need. For anyone out there who doubts the FACTS behind global warming and its dangers, please take note that there is no scientific article in a peer reviewed journal that disputes gloabl warming and that it is human caused. A lot of people complain about the media's influence to distort, well this is something that some media venues have tried to distort. Don't be misled, global warming is very real and upon us. I hope that Obama takes this seriously.

CMJ   November 21st, 2008 11:39 am ET

I respect Al Gore. I agree with him completely.

Joe - Chicago, IL   November 21st, 2008 11:39 am ET

A real shame he wasn't at the helm the last eight years. We'd be in a lot better shape if he was.

Grant from Denver   November 21st, 2008 11:39 am ET

I don't mind Gates staying on, I think it shows a willingness to hear opposing views; that's healthy. Gates wasn't the one who decided to invade and occupy Iraq, he's just the one trying to clean-up someone else's mess.

Gore's right, this was a watershed moment for the United States. Obama's appointments are reflecting that in the fact that both 'sides' are happy and unhappy about his selections. This might be the first administration in a very long time to have all views represented. I think that was the original idea behind our government.

Bringing up the past is not necessary, but is sometimes relevant. In this case, the previous administration did destroy much of the work done for the environment and we have to fix it. Fair enough comment to me.

Karl   November 21st, 2008 11:35 am ET

I'm sure Gore must feel great satisfaction after seeing a handful of votes in Florida turn history on an about face course that has taken this country nearly over the cliff. And what a terrible fluke of history that was. The voters have redeemed my faith in the intelligence and good angels of America. Please God, let it not be too late.

missdebbe   November 21st, 2008 11:33 am ET

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE! Your negativity is unbecoming!

Ted van Tol   November 21st, 2008 11:32 am ET

Adam, do you think it's realistic when Al Gore brings his importaint
message all around the world, sitting on his bike?
Grow up!

conservative   November 21st, 2008 11:30 am ET

What a mush head!

MN observer   November 21st, 2008 11:30 am ET

What disturbes me the most is that George W. Bush is using his last weeks in office to do some pretty nasty things. I think the one that upsets me the most is that he has made permanent some jobs of people he appointed as temporary positions. He moved them "into the system" so that it is not easy or maybe not possible to replace them or cut ranks of unnecessary people in the various depts. He is also signing orders that allow mining and drilling near critical habitats and parks etc in these last days under a disguise of executive orders. This man is evil.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   November 21st, 2008 11:28 am ET

Dear Independent,

People are still complaining about Bush because Bush is still in power. Lest you forget, America has been taking it in the shorts due to all the short comings of Bush. These wounds are not gonna heal overnight. Lotsa pent up anger out there over the last eight years.

As for me, I shall dance in the streets on 20 January!

Alaskan Fame Junkie   November 21st, 2008 11:27 am ET

He has the personality of a wet blanket, but I do love the guy.

Adam   November 21st, 2008 11:24 am ET

Gore is a fat bloated buffoon, He flies around private jets while telling you how to live

Cat, Mn   November 21st, 2008 11:24 am ET

–Chris–

Obama hasn't said he wants Gates. Nor has anyone else but the media, who are really good at making news out of rumors they hear from "sources."

jeff in Phoenix   November 21st, 2008 11:23 am ET

Would be nice to see Gore in the mix again. A great American.

An American   November 21st, 2008 11:22 am ET

I would be even more excited if we did not have to hear this crap. Not all of us believe that Obama is the "great one". Yes, historically it is a first, but that does not automatically make him some miracle worker. I say let him get in the oval office for about a year, then we can talk. Please stop with all the baloney anymore – we had enough of it throughout the campaign.

Rick   November 21st, 2008 11:22 am ET

Nobody cares what this bloated buffoon has to say.

Mary   November 21st, 2008 11:19 am ET

Obama we are all watching every step you make!! Don't trip!!

Matt   November 21st, 2008 11:15 am ET

OK, Gore is a great man for his work on the environment, but seriously, please don't ever use his name and the word "gush" in the same sentence again...ever.

Linda - WI   November 21st, 2008 11:15 am ET

Upon learning the results of the election, I felt the same sense of something special happening in this country - and a satisfaction in knowing that one more gigantic barrier has been torn down.

Noah   November 21st, 2008 11:15 am ET

Katie C- Wow you are so completely uninformed. Al Gore has become nothing more than a running joke. Global warming is nothing more than a theory the left has trotted out to appoint themselves as protectors of the environment. There is actually more evidence now that temperatures have been getting colder over the past century, not warmer. Al Gore is a joke. He is also a hypocrite who flies in giant private airplanes that give out more emissions than 10,000 cars on the highway. The amount of electricity he uses every month in his mansion is enough to keep lights on for 2,000 modest homes in a given month.

Chris from San Antonio   November 21st, 2008 11:13 am ET

I'm a little disappointed that Obama wants Gates to continue as Defense Secretary. We need to remove all cancerous growth from the previous administration.

Virginia   November 21st, 2008 11:13 am ET

Like we really care what Gore thinks....he is floating around like a ship without a harbor and wants to keep making himself known in hopes of actually doing something in the government one day. Go home Gore!

Independent   November 21st, 2008 11:12 am ET

Even on an article where the entire tone is positive, we find that in the very first comment on this article a CNN poster uses this article to complain about the past 8 years instead. Why am I not surprised?

S. Boatman Warrensburg Mo.   November 21st, 2008 11:09 am ET

Not Only Am I Excited About Our New Incoming President, I Am Excited About The Old One Leaving!

Simmy   November 21st, 2008 11:08 am ET

Ditto Mr. Gore! If you're showing excitement, I know for sure Change is a coming!

God bless you, and God bless these United States of America!

Jen, Cali   November 21st, 2008 11:05 am ET

katiec November 21st, 2008 10:56 am ET
. . . the destructive decisions Bush has made with total
disregard to the survival of our world . . .
_________________________

katiec - would you mind terribly explaining what, exactly, those decisions were ????? Thanks a bunch.

Beck   November 21st, 2008 11:03 am ET

Obama is already backing away from many of the false promises he made to get elected. I predict this will be another one, once he sees how radical environmentalism can destroy the economy. That is, after all, their ultimate goal – to have us all living back in the stone age.

Scott Tucson   November 21st, 2008 11:02 am ET

Calm down Al, don't have an accident in your Depends. Obama won the election but did not received a mandate from the American people having only won 53% of the popular vote. The only change we can count on is having the first Black as president, everything else will be your typical politics as usual.

thomas   November 21st, 2008 11:02 am ET

Yeah, me too. It's kinda like when the server shows up at the soup line.

ck   November 21st, 2008 10:59 am ET

Gore is another has been....

GO AWAY, AND TAKE THE CLINTONS WITH YOU!

WE WERE PROMISED CHANGE!!

mitch   November 21st, 2008 10:58 am ET

i was excited. then i see who's getting these cabinet posts,and i'm thinking, so much for the change thingy.

katiec   November 21st, 2008 10:56 am ET

Obama supports Gore on many environment issues. It will take time to undo all the destructive decisions Bush has made with total
disregard to the survival of our world.
As usual, big business has been the priority of Bush and the
republicans for years and they have made many diasterous
Time for change.

Jen, Cali   November 21st, 2008 10:55 am ET

Control yourself, Gore - you don't want to add to "greenhouse emission" !!!

change has come   November 21st, 2008 10:55 am ET

in public lol

change has come   November 21st, 2008 10:55 am ET

everyone feels that way.even the ones who refuse to show it in pubplic.but it's all goodddd....

jb   November 21st, 2008 10:54 am ET

Too bad the head line doesn't say President Gore.

thriveblogger   November 21st, 2008 10:53 am ET

"Gore gushes over election results"... really! c'mon CNN you can come up with less insulting titles then that! "Gushes", like he's a 16 yr old with a crush.

LyonsPhilly   November 21st, 2008 10:51 am ET

Where did he come from and why did it take him so long? Yes Gore, the President -Elect is a beautiful thing.....

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