Bwaha-ha-ha!
January 22, 2001 8:04 PM   Subscribe

Bwaha-ha-ha! (insert 'things in common' joke here)
posted by tiaka (11 comments total)
 
Boy, doesn't this story make Al Gore sound like the nerdy kid who tries to hard to be liked and is the subject of joyful derision by the cool kids.
posted by rcade at 9:29 PM on January 22, 2001


That... is so wrong.
It is even hard to tell which of them is giving the thumbs up.
Is it just gossip, or could it be true?
posted by thirteen at 11:14 PM on January 22, 2001


The one thing that rings the most true:

It is a mistake to underestimate him.

I don't doubt it.
posted by frykitty at 12:08 AM on January 23, 2001


Doesn't surprise me; Bush and Clinton both have the gift of having very little to prove ... Bush because he clearly accepts his imperfections and acknowledges the benefits that privilege have bestowed upon him, Clinton because he has such a legendary combination of social and intellectual skills.

People like that have an instinctive affinity for one another and an instrinctive disdain for people like Gore, who have a constant need to show off and a constant craving to demonstrate and be rewarded for their devotion and intelligence.

My theory on Gore's lack of grace: unlike many bright people with Gore's tendencies, Gore was never humbled and never learned to act more like an ordinary Joe because of the many trials and disappointments which confront the "nerdy" in adolescence and young adulthood. Gore never had to to confront those trials, because, despite his interpersonal and intellectual geekiness, he was, in fact, very handsome, a competent athlete, and the son of a Senator, all of which together got him the "cool kid" treatment despite his nerdiness, for long enough into adulthood for his traits to be set in stone.
posted by MattD at 6:05 AM on January 23, 2001


< /i >
posted by MattD at 6:06 AM on January 23, 2001


Okay
posted by MattD at 6:07 AM on January 23, 2001


Of course, the "article" is practically plagiarized from Time magazine. That crazy Matt Drudge, he's the sleaziest. :-)
posted by jpoulos at 6:21 AM on January 23, 2001


Doesn't surprise me either. The Freepers take this as a case of "keep your friends close, your enemies closer", but both men are undeniably charismatic, and good at dealing with people face-to-face. Politics makes strange bedfellows.

Let's hope that GWB has the grace to call Clinton for advice in these first months when he feels the need, and that Clinton has the grace to offer it, quietly and discreetly. Because you can be damn sure that Clinton will still be following world affairs with that obsessive, all-night-essay-writing quality he's shown during his time in office.

(MattD: so Gore should be condemned for a successful life of public service? You sound like a scriptwriter for VH1's rock biography slots. Where, for instance, was Reagan's great triumph over hardship?)
posted by holgate at 6:39 AM on January 23, 2001


It's undeniable that Al Gore has traits that make it harder for people to like him, even when you don't bring politics into the mix. Though I appear to be in the minority, I trust people who are earnest, self-doubting and socially inept more than I do charismatic, back-slapping show offs like Clinton (and, I think, Bush). I think Gore's much more sincere in his beliefs, and in his efforts to understand matters of public policy, than the other two politicians.

One thing I can't figure out is how Gore could be in public life for a quarter century and attract so few loyal allies. If Clinton really mocked him to George W. Bush in their recent meeting, it shows a profound lack of respect for Gore's place in the Democratic Party. I wonder if Clinton is trying to slide Gore offstage to clear the path for a presidential run by Hillary in 2004. If he is, I think it's woefully misguided. Hillary is an atrocious politician. Her speeches are more aloof and workmanlike than Al Gore on his worst day.
posted by rcade at 10:14 AM on January 23, 2001


It's hard to tell from one comment reported third-hand, not even in quotes, what Clinton thinks of the man. They had a terrific relationship as Prez and Veep, by historical standards. (Bush Sr. was the first real "deputy president", and Cheney will be even more so.) They shared an early history in the Democratic Leadership Council (the New Democrats), and together they've literally taken over the party. But yes, there are differences in personality, and I can't see Bill spending time on the golf course with Al "talking p*ssy" as he does with best friend Vernon. Dubya, on the other hand ...

So I see this as more about the two of them getting along. Which is good. We'll see what influence this has against notorious Clinton-haters like Peggy Noonan joining the administration.
posted by dhartung at 2:02 PM on January 23, 2001


Dennis Miller's got Al Gore's problems figured out.
posted by Optamystic at 8:52 PM on January 23, 2001


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