I am thinking of Al Gore this morning

I am thinking of Al Gore this morning. A man of talent, ambition, drive and a willingness to serve, he dedicated his life to being in the public eye and trying to impact the world. His desire to succeed was apparent as a student at Harvard, as a soldier in Vietnam, and when he started running for office way back in 1977, a 29 year old candidate and then Congressman. Along the way, he moved from callow youth to statesmanly, including his concern for the planet and our environment. But he never quite had that special electoral something. Perhaps he was just too damn eager, or too damn earnest.

Al Gore, forever the bridesmaid, never the bride. The 2000 presidential election was historic but not for the reasons he was hoping. I am sure it is with particularly mixed emotions that he watches his former boss's wife garner the delegates needed to become the Democratic nominee.

As late as May of this year, he refused to endorse her. Perhaps the bitter taste of defeat curdled his tongue, or had familiarity bred some contempt? If it's the latter, I must confess, I share some of it. Hillary's $12,000 jacket reminds me of Bill's $200 haircut. Remember that? Oh Clintons, we were lost, but now we are found. You have come home again.