It's a question I hate to even comtemplate. I want Gore to run for president so bad that I have resisted any temptation to give up and jump on board with anyone else.
It's not that I haven't researched the other candidates. I have and will continue to do so. I've even diaried about some of my concerns regarding Clinton and Edwards.
I have a feeling it may be time to brace myself and start looking elsewhere.
Friends, I'm not giving up on a Gore run, but everyday it starts to look less likely that he will make our dreams come true and become a candidate. This, of course, would be devastating to some of us, but I'm trying to brace myself for it if and when the time comes to accept his non-candidacy.
See, I was one of those die-hard Deaniacs and a political neophyte that never saw the Iowa flameout coming. I was so stunned by his loss that I walked around in a silent fog for three days after. I kid you not. I took it that hard.
I'm older, wiser, and a bit more hardened by politics now. Oh, I'm still a dreamer. That's why I cling to a possible Gore candidacy, and I, like many of you, will be doing one hell of a happy dance if he announces.
But, what if he doesn't? I don't get to opt out and not vote; that's just not who I am anymore. I spent 27 years on the sidelines before ever casting a vote for president, and as irony would dictate, that would be a vote for Gore. I'm also not one to just throw my vote at the frontrunner. I live in California, and as such, I can pretty much vote however I want as California will go Dem next year no matter what. Well, at least if history is on our side.
So, the question is, if not Gore, then who? Who should I vote for when none of the candidates inspire me as Gore does?
Clinton is a non-factor. It won't happen, and yes, it's her war vote. Sue me.
Everyone else is an option, but I have no idea where to look for someone who comes even close to Al Gore. I'm attaching a poll for some independent research.