In five days Draft Gore Massachusetts will kick off a signature drive to place Mr. Gore's name on the ballot for the Massachusetts Democratic primary in March. There are regional Draft Gore groups in Eastern Mass (Boston/Cambridge), Central Mass (Worcester) and Western Mass (Amherst/Northampton) and we are looking for coordinators in other regions. Signature-gatherers, organizers, and volunteers of all kinds are welcome to help build a strong statewide movement. Our intention is to continue this effort until Gore is either placed on the primary ballot or he declares that he will not be a candidate. There is no guarantee that Gore will enter the race, but he has not ruled it out (as he did to end a movement to draft him for the presidency in 2004). One thing we do know is that he is very unlikely to enter the race before mid-October. He has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and there is every reason to believe that he very much wants this prize. The winner will be announced on October 12, and a declaration by him before then would undercut his chances of winning. We also know that he has two high profile political/policy events scheduled around October 12, a fundraiser for Senator Barbara Boxer (on the 11th) and an address to the Chicago Economic Club (the 17th). The latter would be an unusual forum for a declaration but an ideal one to lay out a campaign platform. The primary calendar strongly suggests if not dictates that Gore could not launch a 50-state campaign later than October. So an announcement, one way or another, before November seems likely. A Draft Could Affect Gore's Decision Although Gore hasn't said so in so many words, he has made statements that suggest he would respond to a serious draft. First, in his new book, The Assault on Reason, he appeals for a grass-roots movement to restore American democracy. It is my greatest hope that those who read this book will choose to become part of a new movement to rekindle the true spirit of America.
If we can create a movement that is "his greatest hope" and we ask him lead us, could he then honorably refuse? Also, in Time magazine in May, he said: I'm not convinced the presidency is the highest and best role I could play. ... It would take a lot to disabuse me of th[is] notion....
"What it would take, specifically?" he was asked.
I can't say because I'm not looking for it. But I guess I would know it if I saw it. I haven't ruled it out. But I don't think it's likely to happen."
Strong draft movement in Massachusetts, California and other states would transform the political landscape in ways that no one has foreseen. (The last successful draft of a presidential candidate occurred in 1952 under a very different nomination system.) - The draft would be seen as a direct response to his appeals for action both on the climate crisis and to "rekindle the true spirit of America."
- It would knock the legs from under if not silence the detractors in the reportariat who so foolishly found fault with him in 2000.
- It would spark the enthusiasm in Democratic establishment that will be needed for a successful campaign.
If you want a candidate who is sure to run, Gore is not for you. But if you believe that we need the best possible candidate to lead our country and help the world deal with the looming climate crisis now is the time to act. Draft Gore Massachusetts needs your help in the next six weeks to make Gore hear the sound of boots/shoes/sneakers/sandals on the ground and feel the draft that he is "not looking for." |
