Gore endorses Obama

Posted: Monday, June 16, 2008 3:08 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, Obama

From NBC’s Lee Cowan and NBC/NJ’s Athena Jones
Former Vice President Al Gore will endorse Obama tonight at an event in Detroit, Mich., at about 8:30pmET.

VIDEO: Al Gore says he is backing Barack Obama. NBC's Lee Cowan has the details.

He even asks members of AlGore.com to contribute to Obama's campaign in a letter: "I've never asked members of AlGore.com to contribute to a political campaign before, but this moment and this election are too important to let pass without taking action. That's why I am asking you to join me today in showing your support for Barack Obama by making a contribution to his campaign today."

Here is the full letter:

Dear ,
A few hours from now I will step on stage in Detroit, Michigan to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama. From now through Election Day, I intend to do whatever I can to make sure he is elected President of the United States.

Over the next four years, we are going to face many difficult challenges -- including bringing our troops home from Iraq, fixing our economy, and solving the climate crisis. Barack Obama is clearly the candidate best able to solve these problems and bring change to America.

I've never asked members of AlGore.com to contribute to a political campaign before, but this moment and this election are too important to let pass without taking action.

That's why I am asking you to join me today in showing your support for Barack Obama by making a contribution to his campaign today:

Over the past 18 months, Barack Obama has united a movement. He knows change does not come from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue or Capitol Hill. It begins when people stand up and take action.

With the help of millions of supporters like you, Barack Obama will bring the change we so desperately need in order to solve our country's most pressing problems.

If you've already contributed to Barack Obama's campaign, I ask that you consider making another contribution. If you haven't, please join the movement right now:

On the issues that matter most, Barack Obama is clearly the right choice to lead our nation.

We have a lot of work to do in the next few months to elect Barack Obama president and it begins by making a contribution to his campaign today.

Thank you for everything you do,

Al Gore

EMAIL THIS

Comments

Who is Gore?

NeedAKnow (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:16 PM)

YES!!

MI, NY (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:16 PM)

Thank you for that endorsement Mister President!

Steve A Jonesboro IN (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:17 PM)

IN HIS DREAMS ,little late who was he going to endorse MACAIN?

kenn (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:18 PM)

WOOHOO! This is huge!

That rumble you hear McSame? That's the change train, and it's bearing down on you already!

HOPE Express (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:18 PM)

Looks like Al finally found his way out of 126 room mansion in Tennessee. And not a moment too soon, almost had to send the bloodhounds in after him.

Detrich Wilson III (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:18 PM)

yes. I love Al Gore. I hope you can give him some advise since you were vp.

voter (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:19 PM)

Maybe they both could take the huge amount of money and give it to some of them poor people OBAMMA left behind in CHICAGO

kenn (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:20 PM)

Al Gore, my fellow Tennesseean, what took you so long????

Glad you're here...

Go Obama!!

Happy and Excited in TN (Formerly Sick and Tired in TN) (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:20 PM)

Great news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ty, Al Gore.

Obama '08

Eric, Indiana (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:20 PM)

Yes, we, can!

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:21 PM)

And WHO said Michigan would not vote for OBAMA!!!!!!!!!

WOO HOOO....It is about time Mister President!

Thank you Mr. Gore!!!!!!! Isn't it quite ironic that Edwards and now Gore endorse Barack in MICHIGAN!!!!!!

Take that McCain....OLD MAN SCREAMS AT CLOUDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matthew, Bloomfield Hills MICHIGAN (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:21 PM)

YaHooooooo!!!

Kelly, CT (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:22 PM)

The true president endorses the next...thanks Al, you've made us all proud. We all know that, had the Supreme Court not blocked your victory, we would not be in the mess we are today. I look forward to your participation in the Obama administration. The team is coming together.
Obama '08

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:24 PM)

Let's make this the summer of

Electing Barack Obama as our next President

The democrats are going to work their tails off trying to get the Republicans out of the White House - for good. They need our help.

Please, everyone - send a contribution. It doesn't matter how much. If he's in your city this summer, go listen to him. Bring your children.

Have a ball. This is an exciting moment in our country. Let's all be a part of it.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:24 PM)

This is good!...but I would love to have Tim Russert around to give it perspective. I truly trusted his take on most things political. I feel like this election won't be fair now that he isn't around. It's taking some time for us out here in viewerland too...Keep the faith, team.

e.d. detroit,mi (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:25 PM)

Thank you for that endorsement Mister President!
************
Steve A: Perhaps, you'll fill us all in on when Gore was President. You must be one of those "highly educated" voters.

As far as Gore: one loser endorses another

NObama4me:Dems for McCain (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:26 PM)

GOod to know. Would have been a little bit better last week, or even two weeks ago.
But, now the quesion is will he go the VP route to help Obama win?

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx. (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:27 PM)

We all know that, had the Supreme Court not blocked your victory, we would not be in the mess we are today.
*********
Michelle Feldman: If you believe Gore was the nominee because he won the popular vote and not the electoral vote, then I'm SURE you feel Hilary was the true Dem nominee since she won more popular votes though not the delegates. You Obamatons are such hypocrites.

NObama4me:Dems4McCain (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:29 PM)

Losers support Obama:
Dodd
Gore
Kerry
This is the reason why the Democrats will not win this fall.

Alice Rea, Greenville, SC (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:29 PM)

Is'nt that just so special!

Was it the way Obama handled himslef with the Iraqi Foreign Minister that impacted Gore's decision? Is it the way Obama has taken full charge of the DNC, and is bold enough to do things entirely differently, when he sees the need, even if he goes so far as to move the Democratic National Committee Headquarters?

I'm so touched, and impressed with the party elder's level of humility, as demonstrated by their willingness to get behind Senator Obama, defend him, and give him their full support.

Color me one proud Democrat today.

donna (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:29 PM)

Larry J Clearwater FL (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:29 PM)

Al Gore needs to actively campaign for him...as do Kerry and the Clintons. This has to be a campaign for the ages.

CJ (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:30 PM)

What's the point? Isn't it a little late for any Democrat to endorse Obama??? Now if Chuck Hagel endorses Obama--that's news!!!

Obama 08 (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:31 PM)

I love ya, Al, but you're a little late to the party. We really could have used you when we were trying to beat the Boss's Wife, so we could have pivoted to beating McThuselah a little sooner.

Man-sized Safe, Corpus Christi, TX (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:32 PM)

I think Al Gore showed good judgment waiting until after the primaries were over to endorse the candidiate who got the most delegates. Obama should figure out some way to get Al Gore into his ADminstration to solve the climate crisis...perhaps making a new cabinet position...Secretary of Global Climate Concerns.

BTW - Kenn, your posts are funny [not in the good way], sad, [i.e., pathetic] and show signs of mental instability [i.e., insane]. Hope you get the mental help you clearly need.

Pat (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:34 PM)

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:34 PM)

Al Gore certainly could have endorsed sooner, especially after Obama cinched the nomination. He also could have done later. The apparent benefit of choosing this time will be felt on three fronts:

1) MI campaigning. Both candidates are working in MI, and Gore's push might be in concert with Obama's campaigning to help open a lead, or stifle McCain's own efforts. One must remember the ongoing narrative of McCain's campaign is that he has almost no voice when compared to the clamoring swell of buzz around Obama. Gore's endorsement does nothing to help McCain on this end.

2) Fund-raising. Gore's open letter provides a nice reason to remind Obama supporters to contribute again. Gore's appeal to the apolitical environmentally-minded folks might open up a niche segment of donations. Nothing large, but nothing hurts when it comes to donations.

3) His own cause. Gore is involved in a multi-million dollar multi-year campaign to raise awareness of global climate changes and the need for a new environment/energy policy, and attaching his name to Obama provides more free press. On a personal level, it reminded me to get a copy of An Inconvenient Truth (which I've put off buying for a bit too long).

While there's never a bad time for good news, there are arbitrary times. This appears somewhat arbitrary, but still welcome for team Obama.

Pander, Picayune MS (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:37 PM)

Sounds like you Obamatrons are surprised. Who did you think ole Global Warming Al would endorse? How many carbon credits does wooden Al have left? Oh, I forget, he's exempt. Yep, ole Al will put you over the top.
Larry J Clearwater FL (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:29 PM)
--------------
within 20 or so years, clearwater will be underwater. chew on that one!

PresidentAlGore (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:39 PM)

Losers support Obama:
Dodd
Gore
Kerry
This is the reason why the Democrats will not win this fall.
Alice Rea, Greenville, SC (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:29 PM)

-----------------

How are these men losers when there name always be in the history books and that is something all of us hope or will do in life..... these men name carry alot of clout.... hummmmmmmm

Pete, MD (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:39 PM)

Thank you, Al Gore. Your input will give another voice to the importance of sound energy and environmental policy in this campaign. I can't wait to hear you as a spokesperson for the causes that are important to you.

http://ilfamilypolitics.blogspot.com

Midwest Mom, Illiana (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:41 PM)

Crazy! I'm crazy for Obama! I love Obama!

kenn (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:42 PM)

Darn! I had Al endorsing McCain in the office pool.

Office Max (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:42 PM)

What a giant political coward. Of course a bunch of them didn't want to get out on a limb before they found out which way the polls were blowing. typical of most democrats

Dave, Tn (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:43 PM)

Obama is my man! Thanks Al for endorsing him!

NObama4me:Dems4McCain (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:43 PM)

Welcome aboard Mr. Gore. Glad to have your support.

Obama '08 / '12

Ross, Maplewood, NJ (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:43 PM)

I am now an Obama-mama!

Alice Rea, Greenville, SC (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:43 PM)

I wish Al was our president. I hate Bush. And I love Obama! McCain is McGeritol. Can't vote for him. He's too old

Detrich Wilson III (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:44 PM)

Stunner! I bet Hillary is so disappointed. I hope AlGore had the dignity to call her prior to his endorsement.

Walrus Mike (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:45 PM)

TO: NEEDAKNOW--Who is Gore??

------------------------------------------------------

Vietnam Vet, Congressman, Senator, Vice-President, Award winning Author, Nobel Prize Winner, Emmy Winner, Oscar Winner,....etc, etc, Oh yeah and the guy who really was elected the President and now OBAMA SUPPORTER!!!!

Kelly, CT (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:48 PM)

"figure out some way to get Al Gore into his ADminstration to solve the climate crisis...perhaps making a new cabinet position...Secretary of Global Climate Concerns."

Hey, I'm for anything that would get Al to shower, shave, and lose a few pounds. Obviously too many rich foods being served on Als Gulfstream.

Claire LeMont (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:49 PM)

Thank you, Al Gore. We are so glad to see you come out to participate in this historic election which emodies so much of our hopes ... many of the same hopes we had for you. This time we will prevail! Bless you.

Inez, Seattle (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:50 PM)

Thank you Al Gore.

Obama needs your support. And I applaud your good work.

Thank you for making our wonderful country even better.

Andrea, New York City (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:50 PM)

Steve A: Perhaps, you'll fill us all in on when Gore was President. You must be one of those "highly educated" voters.
=================

Highly educated Democratic voters! When graded all together, he's about 87th out of 100.

Mermaid Man (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:51 PM)

Dave, Tn:

You just don't get it, do you? Gore is one of the elder statesmen of the party. It would have been inappropriate for him to take sides during the primary, just as it would have been for Dean, Reid or Pelosi.

If any of these four had failed to maintain neutrality ahead of the nomination, they would have lost their ability to help steer the party toward victory in November.

Learn about politics before spouting off.

Sam, Muncie, Ind. (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:55 PM)

Ohmigosh it is like a liberal losers convention now..can we get a photo with mondale and dukakis too...

Rick, NC (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:57 PM)

Love you and admire you Mr. Gore, need Senator Obama's along with your talent. Now if Tennessee would just make the right choice this time. Screwed up before and look at the mess we're in.

Patricia Brown, Brentwood, TN (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 3:59 PM)

I am glad this influential Democrat has decided to endorse and campaign for Senator Obama. Not because Al asked me to but because I finally got my stimulus check, I can break off a few bills to Senator Obama's campaign. Here comes another $200.00 sir. I know you will spend it wisely.

Benny, SFBayArea, California (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 4:01 PM)

For the idiots who obviously are still unaware, Gore would have been our next president if it hadn't been for Fla.

What I don't get is why Gore is endorsing Obama now. It would have been better if he had given Obama his endorsement in May, or when Obama wrapped up the nomination in early June.

Alice in Greenville,

If you were smart, you'd know that those men are true Democrats to their party, and they would endorse any Democratic nominee, no matter who she/he is. It doesn't matter if they lost.

Californian for Obama (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 4:02 PM)

No, it’s too late. It’s time to save the planet and the world.
2 Brilliant anti-war men .

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Monday, June 16, 2008 4:03 PM)

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=1146436