Waiting for Gore

"Oh, that is wonderful," he said. "This is a great day."

Sipping his tea and smiling, Cohen considered his next move. There would be a three-week street-corner drive, complete with "buttons, lapel pins and stickers," aimed at "spreading DraftGore's message around the state," followed by a petition drive, starting Oct. 30, to place Gore on the ballot for the New York Democratic primary and a "major rally" on Nov. 10 featuring "celebrities and entertainers asking him to run." Cohen was convinced his group's efforts would affect Gore's calculations—and, potentially, the outcome of the election. "He's aware of us," he said. "I'm very proud of the impact we've had on his thinking. And if does step in, I'm sure that he'll win the nomination and the presidency. Easily." (Gore spokesman Kalee Kreider says "we truly appreciate all the enthusiasm out there for the former vice president, but he does not have any intention to run for president.")

Asked why Gore will win, Cohen recalled a trip he and his girlfriend took to California in January 2006. Switching on the TV in a motel room on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the couple saw Gore giving a speech "criticizing Bush for his assault on civil liberties." When it ended, they turned to each other. Both were in tears. "Neither of us could remember the last time a political speech made us cry," he said.

So your girlfriend is also a fan?

"Oh, absolutely," said Cohen. "Just not enough to wake up at 4:30 in the morning."

With that he went back to bed.

© 2007