Obama: Gore Would Make 'Formidable' Foe

Also Vows To Avoid More Wars Of Words With Clinton

(CBS)  Barack Obama concedes that Al Gore entering the presidential race would seriously alter the political landscape.

The Illinois senator told The Early Show national correspondent Tracy Smith that the former vice president would be an "extraordinarily formidable" candidate if he were to join the Democratic fray, adding, "He would have as good a resume as anyone in the field, better — uh — than anybody in the field."

Even so, "I would welcome him to go anywhere he wants to go," Obama remarked.

Speculation about a possible Gore candidacy has been increasing since his appearance on the Oscars. Gore's global warming documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," earned two statuettes.

On another former White House insider, Obama told Smith he hopes to tone down the rhetoric between himself and fellow presidential contender Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York.

Both are slated to speak in Selma, Ala., on Sunday. But don't expect any heated exchanges like the recent give-and-go between them after Obama backer and Hollywood mogul David Geffen criticized Hillary and her husband, former President Bill Clinton. At the time, Obama refused to apologize for Geffen.

But Obama says he wants to take the high road from now on.

"I told my staff that, in those kinds of situations, we should just show some restraint and refrain from some of the snappy comebacks," Obama said.

Did his staff err by responding?

"I think we should have responded," Obama replied, "but in a more restrained way."

This weekend, both Obama and Clinton will head to Selma for a commemoration of the civil rights marches of March 1965.

Obama said the appearance will be personal, not political.

"I think this weekend is actually not about politics. … To me, it represents some of the best moments in American history, where ordinary people stood up to injustice."

Asked if the Selma appearance presents a chance to answer critics who charge Obama hasn't been connected enough to the black community, he replied, "A lot of that has been stuff at the national level. It's not based on the work I've done in Illinois. You don't hear that chatter back home, where I'm well-known."

As Obama gains recognition nationally, he appears to be making inroads. One recent poll shows him winning support from black voters at the expense of Clinton.

On a personal note, Obama told Smith his efforts to give up smoking are working so far, but he knows the pressures of the campaign trial will continue to present challenges to those efforts.

[richardoe-2009]

Al Gore would definitely be the one to beat if he decides to jump into the race. Barack Obama has the momentum right now but the people would eventually vote for experience. Hilary Clinton becomes the wild card if Al Gore runs. It will be interesting to see what kind of trash each candidate can find on one another when the going gets rough. This is the Democrats presidential election to lose. If they destroy each other in the primaries, it will cost them the White House. It is sad that even though the country will not be best served with a Democrat in the White House, the Republicans are yet to come up with a candidate that stands a chance against Gore, Obama or Clinton. R.O.E.

[cperrym]

Gore/Obama is the ticket most likely to succeed. It will give Obama eight years of experience and the DEMs a shot at sixteen years in the White House. Al Gore can win again.

[anopinion1]

gore with obama as vise president sounds way better then anything to do with hilary clinton.

[melrose1960]

Gore/Obama 2008

Gore/Obama 2012

Obama/Clinton 2016

[anopinion1]

actually richardson of the rep side has the most crudentials of any canididate that could run but this is for some reason a racial election with talks non stop about a woman and a black man running ?????
he is milano anyway and clinton has absolutely no chance anyway..

[fuzzyice]

Any combination of Democrats would beat Republicans in 2008. Bush has damaged the party, people won't trust them for a long time.

[bjr361]

From what little I know about Obama, I think he is probably a decent fellow but his lack of experience on the world stage makes me cringe. He is a rookie politician and what we need after 8 years of Bush is a real leader. It's going to take someone with a thorough knowledge of the world and national crises to get us out of the messes Bush has made. Bush is a self-annointed King instead of a public servant and this has been a monumental problem. We need leadership and experience for the future so we really need to take a long hard look at the candidates and what they have to offer.

[hawksprings]

After more information comes out in the next few days about Algore's "buying" carbon credits to offset his mansion from a company that he owns and only sells carbon credits to him, this discussion will be moot.

Have a nice day! :)

[grazinggoat]

Gore/Obama 2008

Gore/Obama 2012

Obama/Clinton 2016
Posted by melrose1960

Good combination, except for the last. She'd be too old by then, prefering taking care of her grand-son/daughter(s) rather than running for presidency unless you meant Bill by Clinton...

[geri2008a]

Obama has the depth of intellect and judgement to be a great president. Gore seems so so shallow in comparison. After Bush, America and the world, needs the best.

Obama/Sebelius '08 looks interesting. Watched an Obama rally for dems in 06 in Kansas, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius was impressive and the chemistry between Obama & Sebelius seemed like a strong Pres/VP relationship. They would not just be in it to win it, but in it to change our politics for the better.

[boldtalk]

In response to hopertrumps,


I totally opt for the opposite of what you're saying. It make sense for Obama to continue with his policy of "playing nice." The Presidential race is still 2 years away... what's the point in blasting a fellow Democrat rival so early ? It's just the type of stuff the Republicains want the world to see in hope of changing the momentum in their favor. Blasting a candidate are like "weapons" and you reserve it for the battles that count. You dont come out in the early stage shooting off slap-backs after slap-back, that's amaturish.

Obama is doing the right thing to take the "high road" now until the time is right to blast his rivals. Attacking the Bush administration, reminding the Americans of the mess of this administration and the nuclear ambitions of Iran, are the things to focus on. Obama is shaping up to be a "real player" and his popularity is soaring because of it.

As far as Edward is concern, I think he's a decent guy but he looks dull and doesn't have the charismatic, that "spark" like Obama and Clinton have. You would think after running as a Vice President to Kerry, he would be higher up in the rating but sadly he's a distance third and sinking. You should suggest Edward to "drop out" instead of Obama.

[sandy994]

I think GOre would be a most formidable candidate and am hoping he will run.Obama would make him and great vice president. After two terms of getting this country back on track, working on global warming and gaining back our good name with the world community, Obama would be in a great position to run for president.By then Hillary would be Senate leader, we would have our debt paid and all would have healthcare.

[rohink-2009]

Gore is a joke...... Obama is inexperienced.......And the election is still 2 years away.

[inventagod]

Noticed CBS has closed comments on the REAL hotbutton stories, leaving us to read and comment on the boring stories. Wondering just what the reasoning is here?

Hmmmm?

I mean - who cares about another Republican president following the Bu$h years?

[hawksprings]

Here's a link to a nice little story about how Gore buys 'carbon offsets' from himself.
How Convenient.
http://www.ecotality.com/blog/?p=350

[hawksprings]

An excerpt from http://www.ecotality.com/blog/?p=350

"Algore is chairman and a founding partner of Generation Investment Management LLP, a boutique international investment firm that invests other peoples%u2019 money, for a fee, into the stocks of %u2018green%u2019 companies. %u2026 So when Al beats the drum for possible future global warming, he%u2019s also drumming up business.
And profiting from hyping the %u201Cglobal warming%u201D crisis.
In a nutshell, Gore consumes large amounts of carbon-based electricity while he trumpets the global warming crisis that drives up the value of %u201Cgreen%u201D companies like the ones in which he buys carbon offsets, I mean, invests in their stocks."

Sounds like an Inconvenient Truth to me.

[the74blaster]

I would have to agree that Gore could make a formidable candidate for president.

The truth is he has done more good for our children and our country than President Bush has since 2000.

What has Clinton and Obama done during the same period?

[dlong391]

I think Obama is inspirational. But Gore is and has been a knowledgeabe, sincere and proven leader. I pray for a Gore/Obama ticket for the Democrats. (Can you even imagine how exciting that could be?!) It is time for the world to respect the US again as a kind and caring country that leads by example. These men have the strength and character to show the world what we are truly all about - heart.

[bellal-2009]

Even if I thought Obama was qualified enough to be President, who could vote for a smoker. That's crazy, we spend how much money a year in anti-smoking education programs. It certainly shows a weak character and lack of will. It's like electing a drug addict or an alcoholic. The guy can't quit otherwise he'd have done it.

[glidescube]

Giuliani is the only person that can stop Clinton. Gore is the only person that can stop Giuliani.

[dmfanning-2009]

I must admit, I was very excited to read this story. As of now, Obama is my candidate. However, if Gore was to enter the race, I would have to back him for President. It's so nice and refreshing to hear Obama speak highly of Gore, as it's a possible indication that he might be willing to join Gore's ticket. That would be ideal! Gore/Obama in 2008, that's like a dream come true. As a proud American, proud veteran, and proud democrat, I could once again say I was proud of my President, unlike how I feel now! Go (Gore Obama) in 2008!!!

[down-ndirty]

"Obama... who could vote for a smoker. That's crazy... It's like electing a drug addict or an alcoholic." Posted by bellaL

LMMFAO!!! The last two presidents both did drugs and Bush was, and still is, an alcoholic!!! LOL!!!

[down-ndirty]

"Giuliani is the only person that [who] can stop Clinton." Posted by glidescube

Guiliani couldn't manage his way out of a wet paper sack. Three marriages. Adultry. Bernie Kerick. LOL!!

Besides, he'll have more than Clinton to face.

Gore/Obama!! The only team that can lead this country on the path to recovery.

[dirtydog55]

Obama, ...his lack of experience on the world stage makes me cringe. He is a rookie politician and what we need after 8 years of Bush is a real leader." Posted by BJR361

What short memories we have! Bush was a rookie politician (Gov. of TX is not a political position) with zero experience who left behind a string of failed businesses.

Obama's experience far outweighs Bush's dismal resume.

[monmacent]

It is as I have said before that leadership qualities are what are to be one of the measurments for our next president. Along with this should be looking at the one who wants to unite the people(I know impossible task), and lastly if as some has said to play nice is to be defined as acting like ladies and gentelmen then the distinguished gentelman from the state of Illinois Senator Barak Obama has been recognized as the man I will be voting for. I can only hope a lot of Americans do some thinking when they go to vote for the next president of the United States of America.

[tmcoop]

Dennis Kucinich is the answer! Visit www.kucinich.us

[toolmangler-2009]

"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right. Here I am, 'stuck in the middle with eeeewwwwwww!!!

Dems = The three stooges
Gop = Dumb and Dumber