Gore Asks Republicans and Nader Supporters Tough Questions

Former Vice President Al Gore delivered a rousing speech to Democrats on the first night of the Democratic National Convention. He injected humor and sincerity into his speech. He also reminded Democrats that "every vote counts" and that "every vote must be counted".

Gore also asked tough questions of Republicans, saying:

And it is in that spirit, that I sincerely ask those watching at home tonight who supported President Bush four years ago: did you really get what you expected from the candidate you voted for? Is our country more united today? Or more divided? Has the promise of compassionate conservatism been fulfilled? Or do those words now ring hollow?

For that matter, are the economic policies really conservative at all? For example, did you expect the largest deficits in history, year after year? One right after another? And the loss of more than a million jobs?

By the way, I know about the bad economy. I was the first one laid off. And while it’s true that new jobs are being created, they’re just not as good as the jobs people have lost. And incidentally, that’s been true for me too. Unfortunately, this is no joke for millions of Americans. And the real solutions require us to transcend partisanship. So that’s one reason why, even though we meet here as Democrats, we believe this is a time to reach beyond our party lines to Republicans as well.

Gore also asked tough questions of Nader supporters, reaching out to those who voted for the third party in candidate:

And I also ask tonight for the consideration and the help of those who supported a third party candidate in 2000. I urge you to ask yourselves this question: Do you still believe that there was no difference between the candidates? Are you troubled by the erosion of America’s most basic civil liberties? Are you worried that our environmental laws are being weakened and dismantled to allow vast increases in pollution that are contributing to a global climate crisis?

Al Gore rightfully should have been elected in 2000. He won the popular vote, and he should have been President for the last four years. Instead, America was stuck with a President who feels free to act unilaterally, disregard and pollute the environment, squander the goodwill towards America that we gained after September 11th, show no concern for the jobs and healthcare of millions of Americans, and not do enough to protect us from the terrorist threat, choosing instead to invade Iraq.

Gore's entire remarks will be available from the NPI Elections Center.