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.

[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

[tmcoop]

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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!!!

[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!!!

[glidescube]

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

[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.

[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.