Richard Whalen

Do you remember all the media hype last year about an Obama-Gore ’08 ticket? Barack Obama responded to those who thought that ticket would take the wind out of Hillary’s sails: “[Gore]…having won the Nobel Peace Prize and an Oscar, being Vice President again would be probably a step down for him.” But Obama added: “I can promise you that as president, I will have him involved in our administration in a very senior capacity….”

Well, that promise has not been forgotten. Asked at a town hall meeting in Wallingford, PA if he would tap Gore to handle global warming, Obama replied: “I would. Not only will I, but I will make a commitment that Al Gore will be at the table and play a central part in us figuring out how we solve this problem. He’s somebody I talk to on a regular basis. I’m already consulting with him in terms of these issues, but climate change is real. It is something we have to deal with now, not 10 years from now, not 20 years from now.” The real headline is that Obama talks to Gore “on a regular basis.” And why? Gore’s endorsement is the most sought after in the Democratic race for the nomination and Obama is well aware that a Gore endorsement would easily put him over the top.

Granted, Senator Ted Kennedy’s endorsement of Obama hit Hillary and Bill Clinton pretty hard. That blow was followed by New Mexico’s Governor Bill Richardson's endorsement of Obama – that by all accounts, has made the Clintons furious – especially Bill. During a private meeting with California Democrats (March 30-31), Clinton grew red-faced as he talked about how he expected Richardson, who was a member of Clinton's Cabinet, to back Hillary Rodham Clinton for the presidential nomination or at least stay neutral, according to several people who attended.

But Gore may wish to remain truly neutral in order to play the superdelegate broker card and prevent a Democratic Party bloodbath. By stepping in after all the voters have spoken, Gore could ask the Clintons to accept the will of the people. Gore knows all hell would break lose if the nomination goes to Hillary after the voters give Obama a lead among elected delegates.

Master politician Obama has made it clear that he wants the best minds – Democrats, Republicans and Independents -- in his administration. In his book – The Audacity of Hope – he writes: “What’s needed is a broad majority of Americans ….who are reengaged in the project of national renewal, and who see their own self-interest as inextricably linked to the interests of others.”

Also – not to be forgotten -- in an interview with Time Magazinelast November, Obama said that he would also offer Bill Clinton a job in his administration! “In a second,” Obama said, adding “there are few more talented people.” Such statements have given Obama the title of unifier, to say the least.