January 23, 2008
Will Kennedy or Gore Lift Obama to the Nomination? (Brent Budowsky)
Strangely silent in the Democratic nominating process are the Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig of Democratic politics: Ted Kennedy and Al Gore.
They are both standing on deck, wielding the big bat. Will they step up to the plate and swing for the fences on behalf of a candidate?
The most interesting and powerful move would be for Kennedy to endorse Obama and then barnstorm with him in California, especially with Hispanic voters, with whom the Kennedys have lifetime relationships of enormous trust and affection.
I have no prediction. When public reports surfaced of the conversation between Kennedy and Bill Clinton, the word was there was no endorsement coming "at this time."
Kennedy and Gore could endorse no candidate, which is a very real possiblity, or they could endorse any of the three leading Democrats.
Without any "inside information," my guess would be that if Kennedy or Gore endorses anyone, it would most likely be Obama, but in this business, nothing is certain.
My point here is that there are huge events that would transform the campaign in a minute, which could easily happen at any time.
When you hear the talking heads predicting what happened yesterday, or talking about campaign tactics and predictions, remember this:
The Babe and Lou Gehrig are standing in the on-deck circle, and whether they swing the big bat before Super Tuesday could well determine the outcome. Stay tuned.
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I would assume from your article that there are major leaguers within the Democratic Party leadership who are not satisfied with the Clintons. Perhaps you're right. A Gore endorsement would certainly put him over the top with the Global warming devotees. I don't think you are naive but I think it is naive to think that anyone but Hillary will get the nomination no matter who endorses whom. This is due to the mafia like atmosphere in the Democratic Party and the superdelegates controlled by the party bosses. See my blog, The Democratic Primary As A Shakespearean Event.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — January 23, 2008 @ 11:46 am
Excellent analogy and anaylsis Brent.
Comment by Lester — January 23, 2008 @ 11:50 am
Given that Kennedy and Gore couldn't lift themselves to the Presidency, I fail to see how they can lift anyone else to the office.
Comment by JoeCHI — January 23, 2008 @ 12:25 pm
Knowing the Clinton's, they have SOMETHING on both Gore and Kennedy and have threaten to use it IF they endorse Obama.
Unfortunately - because it would be a terrific boost for Obama for either of them to do so.
Coonsey's View'
www.freewebs.com/coonsey/
Comment by Connie Manes — January 23, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
RE: "Given that Kennedy and Gore couldn’t lift themselves to the Presidency, I fail to see how they can lift anyone else to the office."
GORE WON! QUIT REPEATING THEIR LIE.
Comment by bluesky — January 23, 2008 @ 5:37 pm
Since Gore calls for Single Payer Healthcare and is a fierce defender of civil liberties maybe he'll endorse Dennis Kucinich (who by the way announced he's bringing charges of impeachment against President Bush)?
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLZuqbQcCJQ&eurl=http://blog.cleveland.com/openers/2008/01/kucinich_causes_fuss_in_announ.html
Comment by Just 4 Today — January 23, 2008 @ 5:53 pm
Given that Kennedy went so negative against Jimmy Carter, tore the Democratic Party apart for his own ambition and gave this country 8 long years of Reagan, I hope he has the decency to keep his mouth shut!
Comment by kenoshaMarge — January 24, 2008 @ 6:50 am
I am writing this as a progressive fan of Sen. Russ Feingold and Congressman Dennis Kuchinch–a disappointed fan.
The congressman is supposed to be fighting for our progressive values, but only if he can see himself as the lone warriar. He not only choses to support Sen. Obama, a fine man but not progressive, but attacks Sen. Edwards who is the progressive candidate other than Kucinch. How are ever going to make any progress this way?
Sen. Feingold complains that Edwards was not this progressive when he was in the senate. Should we not have hope that politicians can grow in our direction? Feingold further complains that the Edwards platform is what his would be if he were running. This is his second reason for not supporting Sen. Edwards. Heavens–how could he ever support someone with these ideas who is not Sen. Feingold.
As I said I am so disappointed in these two egos–I might not ever support them again since they choose not to support we fellow progressives.
Edith Conrad
Asheville, NC
Comment by Edith M. Conrad — January 24, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
I am an African American female voter. About six months ago, I was a supporter for all three front runners of the Democratic party, but leaning towards H. CLinton. The Clintons have turned me against suporting them. I want the best for our Country and the world. I am supporting Obama. I am along with my 24 year old daughter and two of her friends have voluteered to work on his campaign in Georgia.
Comment by Robyn — January 24, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
President Clinton did so much to bring peace to Northern Ireland that I think Senator Kennedy will not go against him.
Comment by Andy — January 25, 2008 @ 4:11 am