Al Gore: A Subtle Observation genre: Polispeak & Six Degrees of Speculation

Al Gore appeared on Saturday Night Live last night. Crooks & Liars has video here. I enjoyed the skit but I wanted to share an observation that struck me as I watched his performance. Of late, Al Gore has made a number of appearances at venues around the country. I've seen footage from many of these speeches and I've also heard many comments on the changed persona he seems to be presenting. Generally, the feeling is that he has begun to demonstrate a passion that was absent during his presidential campaign. I certainly agree.

Last night, I felt I was once again watching the Al Gore that I witnessed during the 2000 presidential campaign. To be fair, he was participating in a scripted event so his performance was necessarily constrained. Nonetheless, in my opinion, I think it was a mistake because it reinforced the perceptions that did not serve him well during the campaign. I realize some readers may be saying..."what is your point Daniel?"...Al Gore won the popular vote. That is true but I think the 2000 election was Gore's to lose...and he did.

Here's my point. Not unlike some actors, Al Gore performs best when he avoids his long established typecast role. I don't know the man personally, but as I watch him from a distance some patterns emerge. Al Gore grew up as a part of the political establishment. He strikes me as a person who never actually fit or felt the part he learned to play. In so doing, his true personality became secondary to his adopted caricature. I don't think that ever works and I'm inclined to think that was demonstrated last night. I don't say that to simply criticize Al Gore...I say it because I don't think it's good for Al Gore.

As I think back on the 2000 campaign, the debates are vivid in my memory. He was a different person in each debate. In one he was petulant and combative; in another he was measured and restrained. Clearly, the Al Gore of recent did not participate in any of the debates. Throughout the campaign he was stiff and robotic...even his infamous kiss of Tipper seemed inconsistent and out of character. At the time, I recall thinking that the only thing missing was being able to actually see the strings from which the puppet was suspended. The question I am asking is who is the real Al Gore?

After the election, he seemingly began a period of rebellion. He grew a beard. He got involved with creating a television network and has been involved in producing a movie that was viewed at the Sundance Film Festival. He challenged convention and spoke his mind without restraint. He made people stop, listen, and take note. Within the Democratic Party, many are talking about Gore finding his voice and running in 2008. I found myself thinking the same thoughts. Last night, I recoiled.

I like Al Gore. I think he is a decent man with good intentions. If he is to make a run for president in 2008, he will need to break the ties that bind him...he must once and for all accept the Al Gore that I contend is dying to emerge. Last night I saw the Al Gore of 2000. Ironically, in what should have been a venue for the new Al Gore, the old Al Gore returned. In the end, I'm rooting for Al Gore to win the most important election of his life...the one that gives him permission to be the authentic person that I believe is so very close to victory. Good luck Al.

Daniel DiRito | May 14, 2006 | 10:01 AM
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Comments

1 On May 15, 2006 at 10:37 AM, thx1200 wrote —

This is an excellent analysis, but I disagree on one point. I believe he knew exactly what he was doing on the skit on SNL and was going into the "stereotype" completely tongue-in-cheek. I think he slipped back into that "role" for the humor value. He can obviously laugh at himself as well as anybody. Anti-hurricane machine that he invented (with emphasis on the invented part)? That is just bursting with the whole out-of-context "I invented the Internet" and he said that on SNL with a sly grin that can only come when you can truly roll with the punches, find humor in yourself, and not take yourself too seriously all the time. That is why today, more than ever, I think he would make a fine presidential candidate, and quite possibly, one of the greatest presidents ever. I have a feeling he will not run, though. He has said he does not want to (yes, minds can always change). But a presidential campaign is truly a grueling endeavor and I can see why he would rather work behind the scenes to "save the world." When you are behind the scenes, you can do fun things like that SNL skit. You can't do that as president.

2 On May 15, 2006 at 1:31 PM, Daniel wrote —

thx1200,

Thanks for you thoughtful comments and observations.

I don't think we disagree. I stated that I thought it was a "mistake" for Gore because it promotes his established typecast. His recent speeches indicate he has chosen a new path. He was likely just having fun being on SNL. However, if his new path includes a run for president in 2008, and that is a big if, the skit didn't help him.

You and I and many other Democrats aren't the problem. Logically, his appearance shouldn't have hurt him...but voters don't always employ logic. For him to have a shot at winning in 2008, I believe he needs to be the new Al Gore. Any candidate making a second run faces some inherent built-in resistance. Anything that returns voters to the past risks being interpreted as dated and negative. I realize these are subtle observations...but I think they warrant review and discussion.

Obviously, I don't know what Al Gore has in mind. As I said in my post, I simply hope he continues to embrace the Al Gore of late. Hopefully, he is doing and will continue to do what makes him happy.

I hope to hear more of your thoughts.

Daniel

3 On May 15, 2006 at 1:39 PM, Talcott wrote —

Gore was smeared by the Big Money Press in 2000.

I voted for Nadar, but Al has my vote if chooses to fight again.

Anyone who want's to know the real Gore should download his MLK 2006 speech. Very Powerful.

Peace

T

Thought Theater at Blogged

Post a comment


Trackback Pings

TrackBack URL for this entry


© Copyright 2024

Casting

Read about the Director and Cast

Send us an email

Select a theme:

Critic's Corner

 Subscribe in a reader

Encores

http://DeeperLeft.com

Powered by:
Movable Type 4.2-en

© Copyright 2024

site by Eagle River Partners & Carlson Design