Now who do you suppose that Gore is fronting for now that the Soviet Union is bankrupt and can't pay him off?
Posted on 04/13/2002 12:16:10 PM PDT by buzzyboop
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) - Al Gore told cheering Florida Democrats Saturday it was time "to speak out boldly" and rejoin the political debate with President Bush and Republicans because much of their agenda "is wrong for America."
The former vice president and 2000 Democratic presidential nominee told the Florida Democratic Convention that both parties can stand together on the war against terrorism, while holding vital political debate on many other issues.
The speech at a state party gathering also attended by other possible 2004 White House hopefuls was Gore's most partisan political performance since the campaign against Bush two years ago.
"Here in America, patriotism does not mean keeping quiet, it means speaking out," said Gore, who kept quiet for almost a year after the election was settled but gradually is re-emerging in the political arena.
He has said he has not decided whether he will run for president in 2004, instead focusing on helping in this fall's congressional races.
"Let there be no doubt when we talk about our differences on these issues, we do stand shoulder to shoulder with the president and with the troops," Gore said. He said he will be "drawing the line where we have strong differences."
Gore focused his differences with the Bush administration on spending priorities, the environment and the economy.
"The time has come to speak out boldly, not only when right, but to offer constructive alternatives," Gore said. "A lot of what they're doing is wrong for America."
Concerning the economy, he said the administration is "selling out the future in exchange for satisfying short-term political demands from special interests."
He contrasted that with his assessment of the Clinton administration's handling of the economy. `I don't care what anybody says, I think Bill Clinton and I did a damn good job with the economy," he said, drawing some of the loudest applause when referring to the former president.
Gore went into pent-up criticism at the Bush administration on a long list of issues, from Social Security to budget cuts for domestic programs, to failure to support a treaty on global warming.
He defended his right to criticize the administration, something Democrats have done sparingly since Sept. 11.
"They are wrong to vilify those who stand up against them as unpatriotic," Gore said.
Other potential presidential candidates attending the convention are North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, and the two senators from Connecticut — Gore's 2000 running mate Joe Lieberman and Chris Dodd.
The fresh face among the Democrats is Edwards. Speaking before Gore, he told the crowd that it is fine to rally around the flag, but the American flag represents "freedom, justice and opportunity for all."
"The character of our party is being challenged," Edwards said. "While we fight the war overseas, we can never forget to stand up for our values here at home."
He criticized the administration for its environmental policies, handling of prescription drugs and education. He praised the work of the troops in Afghanistan (news - web sites), but questioned the administration's handling of peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan.
That peacekeeping force is right around Kabul, "while the rest of the country is going to chaos," Edwards said. "This is an enormous mistake — Mr. President do not win the war and lose the victory."
Edwards got an enthusiastic standing ovation that was overshadowed by the sustained cheering and shouting that started when Gore was introduced. They chanted "Re-elect Gore, re-elect Gore, re-elect Gore" for several minutes, referring to the disputed end of the 2000 election in Florida.
Gore left the room to a song piped into the convention hall that left no doubt that he has re-entered the political debate full force. The crowd cheered and waved signs that said "Still Gore Country," almost drowned out by the rock song "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet."
Must not be Tennessee they're talking about..
You are right Gore and Edwards. You ain't seen nothing yet...
".....as soon as we think of something intelligent to say."
Now who do you suppose that Gore is fronting for now that the Soviet Union is bankrupt and can't pay him off?
Since 1992, Bill and I continuously lied to you.
We traded secrets and pardons for cash and votes.
The good economy was created when Republicans won the Congress in '94 and forced Bill to agree to cut federal spending, something the democrats couldn't do.
Environmental issues trumped jobs and human rights in my administration.
We encouraged terrorists by doing nothing or very little when they struck against us.
We strongly encouraged the attacks of personal destruction and demogougery in order to win elections. In fact, we never did stop campaigning for 8 years, even at the expense of governing!
Anyways, this is the BOLD truth. It will never get said, sadly.
How long ago did the Perjury Party accept Red Chinese loot?
We'd all be speaking arab by now.
I think that you owe an apology to all of the asses out there.
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