First thoughts: Gore-acle finally speaks

Posted: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 9:29 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** The Gore-acle finally speaketh: For months, the question wasn't if Al Gore was going to endorse Obama, but when. And would he do it at a time that was pivotal in the primary? Well, he chose not to poke the Clintons in the eye, waiting until last night to finally endorse Obama. But why was the event in Michigan? It presents risks and rewards for the Obama campaign. On the plus side, it’s obvious that Michigan has become a HUGE priority for Team Obama. After all, it has now unveiled two of its biggest endorsements in the state -- Edwards (on May 14) and Gore (last night). And those kind of big rallies enable a campaign to build up its field program. And where is Obama today? For a second day in a row, he’s in Michigan…On the other hand, Gore's stances on auto emissions are NOT popular with the auto industry. Having Gore endorse Obama in Michigan, of all places, might have been a risk for the campaign. But it was a risk it thought was worth taking.

VIDEO: NBC Deputy Political Director Mark Murray gives his first read on the political headlines of the day and takes a look back at a 2005 prediction by Tim Russert, saying that this year's electoral map may take on a different look.

*** Off-shore gambling? One day after Mr. Environment endorsed Obama in Michigan, McCain today gives a speech in Houston in which he will call for lifting the moratorium on off-shore drilling. It’s a move that's already generating plenty of criticism from environmental groups and Democrats, and it provides opponents with another example of McCain pursuing policies similar to Bush’s -- in this case, increased oil production (although McCain opposes drilling in ANWR). But McCain’s call for lifting the ban could also be seen as a pragmatic, short-term solution to high energy costs that could play well in places like Michigan, even if it’s loathed on the coasts. In fact, McCain may be gambling three things about Florida with this decision to back a lifting in the ban on offshore oil drilling: 1) the price of gas is high enough that voters are going to be more open to finding new energy sources; 2) his lead is big enough in Florida than he can afford to alienate some voters on this specific issue; and 3) forcing Obama to defend not drilling for oil on the coasts of Florida and California might give McCain a way to make Obama not look like he's trying to find a solutions to the nation's energy needs. One other thing to keep in mind: No Republicans in Florida have gotten elected statewide without endorsing the moratorium on off-shore oil drilling, so McCain's decision is going to get its share of criticism even from VP wannabe Charlie Crist. And if Crist tries to rationalize the McCain decision then we'll really find out just how much he wants on the ticket.

*** But still playing up those environmental credentials: To make sure that voters don’t see McCain’s call for lifting the off-shore drilling ban as another way in which the Arizona senator seems similar to Bush, McCain is unveiling a new TV ad that will run in battleground states and on national cable. It goes: “John McCain stood up to the president and sounded the alarm on global warming -- five years ago. Today, he has a realistic plan that will curb greenhouse gas emissions. A plan that will help grow our economy and protect our environment.”

VIDEO: Former Clinton campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle will join the Obama campaign as chief of staff to his future vice president choice. A Race for the White House panel discusses.

*** Title obsessions: We're amused by all the chatter, either pro or con, regarding Team Obama’s appointment of ex-Clinton manager Patti Solis Doyle as the chief of staff for the eventual VP nominee. First, it's not uncommon for a nominee to control the staffing of a running mate -- you don’t want a competing group of folks staffing a VP candidate who ends up more loyal to the veep than to the nominee. Two, they had to put her somewhere. A chief of staff on a campaign sometimes isn’t as powerful as a chief of staff for elected officials in office. This isn’t to assume PSD is being given an inflated title with no power; it's just a reminder that it could be that. Bottom line: Too much is being made out of this decision. It signals nothing other than getting the chattering class to attempt to read in between the lines on something that is just not there. A blind man could see that.

*** When CW is wrong: There was a growing consensus during the Democratic primary season that Obama was going to struggle with Latino voters -- due to the exit polls, his race, and McCain’s immigration stance. In fact, in that now-famous conference call in which Hillary Clinton indicated that she would be open to serving as Obama’s running mate, that response was spurred by concern by New York Rep. Nydia Velasquez (D) that Obama was going to have trouble with Latinos. But it looks like that CW -- at least right now -- was wrong. In addition to our recent NBC/WSJ poll, which showed Hispanics breaking for Obama 62%-28%, a new survey of 800 Latino voters from 21 states finds that 60% of them plan to vote for Obama versus 23% for McCain. That is down considerably from the 40%-plus Bush received in 2004. It’s no longer fair to say that Obama has a problem with Latino voters; McCain does. This was a case of conventional wisdom that was never based on fact, just semi-informed speculation based on primary exit polling and bad stereotypes of Latinos.

*** On the trail: McCain is in Texas, raising money in San Antonio and giving a speech and hitting another fundraiser in Houston. Obama spends another day in Michigan -- this time meeting with students at Wayne County Community College in Taylor.

*** Bill Clinton watch: The former president, in New York City, gives a speech tonight for the Radio City Music Hall Speakers Series. Per a spokesman, Clinton will talk about how corporate philanthropy and individual action can help find solutions to global challenges.

Countdown to Dem convention: 69 days
Countdown to GOP convention: 76 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 140 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 217 days

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Comments

Gore is a Democrat
Who did you think he would endorse, McCain?

alecki, Greenville, SC (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:27 AM)

In response to the question on the Hindenburg exploding from Hydrogen, from what I've read it was dirgible's skin that caused the huge fireball. I think it was the material that the skin was soaked in that caused the Hindenburg to explode like it did.

Someone more scientific can probably offer the explanation.

sotiredofignorance (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:31 AM)

Al Gore's a great man and will be remembered positively by future generations. Of course there are the unimaginative, the people who fear science and would deny Gore's integrity and stature. Those same people will be telling lies to their children and grandchildren in the future.

bill, okla (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:31 AM)

McCain talking about off-shore drilling is just another form of pandering. Just how many years will take before any new discoveries will be at the refineries? At the rate we’re using fossil fuel today it will not relieve our dependence on foreign oil.

The only thing that will relieve our dependence on oil, either foreign or domestic will be the development of alternative fuels.

OneOleMan, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:32 AM)

Gore gave a good speech - it had some highs, got the crowd going. I noticed during the part where he talked about retooling the auto industry to build green vehicles the crowd got quiet and really listened to what he was saying. This is most important for those folks who are going to be hit by even more layoffs as the economy falters. I thought Gore tried and somewhat succeeded in presenting climate change policy tied to economic policy and jobs.

Jim, Santa Cruz (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:35 AM)

The only thing that Obama has changed in the past 18 months is his church and it took him 5 months to do that.

The majority of his campaign staff and his advisors consist not only of Washington INSIDERS, but a large number of the people advising Obama are former Clinton advisors.

So you've spent the past six months bashing the Clinton's and everything they've done and stand for, and yet you turn around and have former Clinton advisors advising you. What do you think that will get you?

And let’s talk about the Patti Solis Doyle appointment. You haven't chosen a running mate (or have you?) and yet you've chosen a Chief of Staff for your running mate. Ever thought the Vice Presidential candidate would want to choose his or her own Chief of Staff? Not to mention the fact that Patti Solis Doyle was one of the people that was responsible for mismanaging Hillary Clinton’s campaign along with Marc Penn.

Picking Patti Solis Doyle is nothing more than a BIG SLAP IN THE FACE to Hillary Clinton. You're really winning the Clinton supporters over let me tell you.

What a fraud (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:35 AM)

Karen from Duluth,

If you really paid attention to news and current events, you would know that contaminated pet food (from China) sickened and killed several animals and needed to be recalled, much like the lead paint toys (I know, I had to send enough Thomas & Friends trains back to be replaced.)

So, yes, Gore is correct...this election matters, as even dogs and cats have been affected by the inadequacies and carelessness of the current, repugnant administration.

PAMama4Obama (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:37 AM)

This is a big problem for McCain among at least those with some rational thought processes. The oil problem can not, and never will be solved by drilling. That's just a temporary fix and will only continue to line the pockets of the oil giants. And it will likely lead to higher cost because the oil is deeper or harder to extract. And nobody wants to see our shores lined with oil rigs...that's just stupid. The investment has to be in finding ways to replace oil.

Al, KS (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:42 AM)

I feel it is the Clintons who should be making amends after the campaign they ran. I feel angry when I hear Senator Obama praise them to me in a way that seems undeserved. I know he wants them working with him but frankly I don't. I do not have respect for the Clintons. I do not want them campaigning for Senator Obama. It think that they were absolutely awful during this campaign. Bill Clinton said awful thigs on a regular basis that the press didn't even mention but I heard him on Cspan and frankly some of it was apalling. I had to stop listening to him completely. I can let bygones be bygones but that doesn't mean I want the Clintons involved in governing my country. I absolutely don't.

lauren, Boulder, CO (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:50 AM)

If only you can look up information for yourselves, but since you can't, I will do you that one favor and post the accomplishments of Senator Obama (and msnbc please post this, I am tired of trying to post, looks like you guys only like posting stuff that generate conflict and confusion).

Of the 15 bills Senator Obama sponsored or co-sponsored in 2005-7 that became law:

Two addressed foreign policy:
Promote relief, security and democracy in the Congo (2125)
Develop democratic institutions in areas under Palestinian control (2370).

Three addressed public health:
Improve mine safety (2803)
Increased breast cancer funding (597)
Reduce preterm delivery and complications, reduce infant mortality (707).

Two addressed openness and accountability in government:
Strengthening the Freedom of Information Act (2488)
Full disclosure of all entities receiving federal funds (2590)

Two addressed national security
Extend Terrorist Risk Insurance (467)
Amend the Patriot Act (2167)

One addressed the needs of the Armed Forces
Wave passport fees to visit graves, attend memorials/funerals of veterans abroad (1184).

Senator Obama's Accomplishments (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:59 AM)

WE NEED A PRESIDENT WHO WILL BOLDY & AGGRESSIVELY DEAL WITH THE HIGH COST OF OIL:

1.) WE NEED to DRILL for oil everywhere it is available on USA lands and waters, on a expedited basis;
2.) WE NEED to OFFER financial REWARDS for the development and implementation of cost-effective and/or renewable energy sources;
3.) WE NEED to BUILD nuclear power plants, on an expedited basis, to provide for at least 80% of our electric power needs.

The OUTRAGEOUS increase in the price of imported oil & refined gasoline will drive our economy into a depression --- AND IT WILL HURT people on fixed incomes, and the working-poor, and the middle-class the most.. It is a crime that our political leaders, both Republicans and Democrats, have allowed this crisis to happen.. The 'tree huggers' and 'greed merchants' have controlled our country's energy supply for too long.. We need to take immediate steps to provide cost relief; we cannot wait 10 or 20 years..

We cannot expect that people on fixed incomes and the working-poor will be able to purchase new, energy-efficient automobiles fast enough to provide significant relief to our energy costs --- those are the people who will be relegated to paying the highest costs for driving an automobile.. A long-term energy plan must be developed ---- but we cannot fool ourselves into thinking that our economy and way of life can endure the current outrageous energy costs --- for long --- without irreparable harm..

WE NEED A PRESIDENT WHO WILL ATTACK THIS CRISIS AS IF THE COST OF FOREIGN OIL WERE AN ACT OF WAR AGAINST THE UNITED STATES --- BECAUSE IT IS --- AN ECONOMIC WAR.

OPEC OIL PRICES ARE AN ACT OF WAR AGAINST USA .... (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:07 AM)

Alecki, Greenville, SC - stopping being a racist and if you do not want Barack Obama to be President...Find someone positive to say about John McCain.

Oh that's right ..there is nothing positive about John McCain.

Seems like you are in deep do -do.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:08 AM)

"Senator Clinton was the only candidate ready to serve the post of President of the United States."
--Alecki, Greenville, SC

Dear smart, am I supposed to believe anything you write after I read that howler of a sentence. From my viewpoint nearly all of the Democratic candidates and half of the Republican candidates were ready. You didn't think that Edwards, Biden, Richardson, Dodd, Daschle, etc had qualifications and experience? Go get a life.

nuanced (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:10 AM)

Bomber and all the bomberacts,the whole idea on oil is to find ways for us to stop using (depending on foreign oil).This is more Mcbush big oil lobbying,see the repubs have tied there wagon to there money men at Oil and intend on riding the wave That brought us G.W.Bush.Bomber has said that the reason we are in Iraq is to protect our Big Oil intrest.Bomber we need alternative fuels before we are paying 100$ a gallon

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:11 AM)

Poor Gore- stuck between barak and a hard place!

Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:11 AM)

Regarding the Hindenberg:

It was a combination of the Skin and Hydorgen. Then Paint that was used on the cloth skin of the Hindenberg, served as an accelerant. By itself it doesn't burn that explosively, nor does hydorogen by itself. This is not to say that Hydrogen isn't dangerous if misshandled. How ever the combination of the two created a greater amount of heat, which caused the Hydrogen to burn faster, which in turn caused the skin to burn faster.

The two fed off each other. Mythbusters did a show on this and came to that conclusion after several tests.

Brian, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:14 AM)

" That dog and cats line from Gore last night may have been the dumbest thing I've ever heard that robot say. What in the world was he talking about?"
--Karen, Duluth

You had to listen to his previous line about tainted pet food from China to understand.

nuanced (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:15 AM)

I don't understand why these die hard Hillary fans will not let it go. This is the time for our democratic party to come together, not split apart!! To say you would rather have another little bush in the office over McCain is a slap in the face. Although it should not be a surprise that Hillary supporters should feel this way. They are following their role model. Sore losers. If it is not your way then it is the highway. I don't know about others but, right now I cannot afford food, gas, rent and the other necessities in life!! And I will not even begin to discuss the ways we are trashing the earth!! I be dang if I put another bush in office because Hillary did not win!!!

Gravely, Richmond VA (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:16 AM)

I've been saying for a while,
Obama doesn't have a problem with latino votes, women votes, jewish votes or poor working white votes. If they vote against their own self interests they are the ones with a problem.

Who's Sane (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:19 AM)

If America puts McCain in office, America deserve the overturn of Roe vs. Wade, America deserves no health care, America deserves lack of attention to our education system and under paid teachers thus under achieving students so we can continue to fall behind in the world while foreigners take over our high tech jobs. McCain voted against equal pay for women, voted against health care insurance for children, voted against extened unemployment comp., and voted against law preventing discrimination against women.

If America puts McCain in office, America deserves a Supreme court that will always side against the common American for Corporate America. America will deserve continued infringement on our privacy with warrantless wiretabs. America will desearve continued tax breaks for the richest 1% while we can't afford gas to get to work. America deserves the same energy policy that will take gas to $12 a gallon like in Europe. America will deserve food prices where milk is $6. America will deserve that devaluation of the US dollar which at this point, not only is the Canadian dollar now worth more, but the Mexican peso is now catching up.

If America puts McCain in office, America will deserve to have more of our jobs going over seas. America will deserve losing their high paying jobs and have them replaced with low paying jobs. America deserves to have the biggest tax breaks going to corporation that close our plants to reopen them in China and Mexico. Ameirca will deserve the forclosure rates to continue to grow faster than at any other time in our history.

If America puts McCain into office, America also desrves to be at war in Iraq for the next hundred years, plus as McCain promised, there will be more wars fellow Americans. America's brave military forces will return after serving our country with nothing because McCain says it cost to much to take care of them. America deserves to have billions, and maybe up to trillions of ours and our children's tax dollars spent in Iraq while we have to wonder if we have another natural disater, McCain will say helping Americans cost too much.

If America puts McCain in office, she deserves exactly what McCain will do.

McCain preparing America for a future of being a third class nation.

Celeste, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:20 AM)

Alecki in Greenville, SC....don't pretend you are a Democrat, you are the epitomy of those Hillary supporters who would have always voted Mepublican in the fall, even if Hillary had been the nominee.

I try to be a tolerant person, but my tolerance falls short when it comes to the bigotry that your type of person represents.

Carrie in TX (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:31 AM)

Alecki, Greenville, SC--I guess someones name is important--Bush, I wonder what that says about him? Be careful because your post makes no sense. Hopefully no one judges me by my crazy family members or friends. Interesting logic. You probably voted for Bush

David, Boulder Creek, CA (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:36 AM)

Off-shore drilling is a short term solution (actually not much of a solution) because it does not address the fact that fossil fuels will be in a greater and greater need as countries like China continue to modernize. That means supply will not keep pace with demand and as long as all fossil fuels are traded on the international market, then speculators and big oil companies will continue to manipulate the market for profit maximization. The only long-term solutions for the USA is to get off the fossil fuel teat ASAP and conservation is the only thing that will help us short term.

Tommy, Detroit, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:41 AM)

Are we better off today than we were eight years ago? The answer is a resounding NO and McCain has had alot to do with it by voting 95% in line with Bush's policies. We are blowing $12 billion per MONTH in Iraq during these hard economic times and the Repubs have the gall to accuse Democrats of wasteful spending? The Republicans are EXPLOITING the American people and trying to pay us off with meager tax cuts and rebates to get our votes. Voting for McCain is voting for Bush's third term. Wake up people, we need a change and fast. That's not just a slogan, that's reality.

Jonathan (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:58 AM)

"Nice. So, where do fill them up? At the hydrogen station? Haven't seen to many of those stations around my neighborhood. Isn't hydrogen what took out the Hindenburg?"

Sigh. Why does every conversation with a Republican end up like a conversation with my kid.

I suggest you read a little about hydrogen fuel cells. You don't go to a "hydrogen station" and pump in the same gas that was used in blimps. It might surprise you to learn this, but you have hydrogen running out of your kitchen sink faucet. And you drink it - or maybe you prefer the bottled hydrogen.

Have you exploded like the Hindenburg yet?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 12:02 PM)

For those of you who say you trust John McCain, cut and paste this You Tube link. You really should see it before you vote to put him in office.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/30/la-times-john-mccain-has_n_104407.html

sedonakaren (Sent Tuesday, June 17, 2008 12:05 PM)

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