GORE'S GAFFES

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While Gore’s supporters may try to pass him off as a statesman, his history of political clumsiness raises doubts about his ability to lead America. The following are some of those mistakes on the stump:

Gore’s No Al-pha Male

It was revealed in October 1999 that Al Gore’s campaign had hired feminist Naomi Wolf as a consultant. It is no surprise that the Gore camp has the backing of the radical feminist movement, of course. But Wolf was brought on as an image consultant— one concerned that Al was a “Beta male” who needed to become a more aggressive, assertive, “Alpha male” to win the presidency. The Gore campaign paid Ms. Wolf, who has previously written on such topics as the “shadow slut,” $5000 a month for her advice.

Late to Love Canal

In the December 10, 1999 issue of the New York Times, Al Gore took credit for federal involvement in the toxic waste disaster at Love Canal, saying “I found a little place in upstate New York called Love Canal. I had the first hearing on that issue and Toone, Tennessee. But that was the one that started it all.” He did sponsor hearings on October 1978— but that was two months after President Carter had already declared Love Canal a disaster area, and the federal government had offered to buy the homes. Lois Gibbs, leader of the Love Canal Home Owners Association, rebuked him in the December 3, 1999 Newsday with a simple “He did not begin Love Canal.”

Albert “Edison” Gore

“During my service in the United States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the internet.” Quoted on CNN 3/9/99
—The Internet began as a military project called ARPAnet, which was created long before most people (Gore included) had ever heard of the Internet.

McCain-Feingold-Gore?

A campaign finance bill sponsored by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Russell Feingold (D-WI) was proposed and recently rejected by the Senate due to questions about its constitutionality and one-sidedness. Al Gore backed the bill strongly, and even claimed “Unlike Senator [Bill] Bradley, I was a co-sponsor of it” in the November 24, 1999 New York Times. But as even noted by Bill Bradley’s campaign, “Gore not only did not, but could not have co-sponsored McCain-Feingold. Russ Feingold was not elected until 1992. Al Gore quite the Senate in 1992 to become Vice President. Feingold and Gore never served together.” (Press Releast, December 7, 1999). In fact, it was thus impossible for Gore to have co-sponsored this bill.

Full of Bull in Chicago

“I tell you that Michael Jackson is unbelievable, isn’t he? He’s just unbelievable.” Quoted in the Chicago Tribune (6/17/1998)
—Gore, attempting to curry local favor by commenting on Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan.

The Texas Eagle

“Dear Mr. And Mrs. Delgadillo, Thank you for your letter regarding the protecting of the Texas eagle. I appreciate hearing from you. I share your view that the urgent problem of species extinction and the conservation of biological diversity should be addressed. The first step in saving any plant or animal from extinction is to become aware of and respect the fragile ecosystems that make up our environment… Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I look forward to working with you for the future of our planet.”
—A letter from Gore to a couple who expressed concerns about the Texas Eagle, a local railroad train.

Cogito, Ergo Sum

“We can build a collective civic space large enough for all our separate identities, that we can be e pluribus unum— out of one, many.” Quoted in Investors Business Daily (10/25/1996)
—Gore, misinterpreting the Latin phrase on our currency, which really means “out of many, one.”

Sunday School

“2000 years ago, a homeless woman gave birth to a homeless child in a manger.” Quoted in The Washington Times (12/22/97).
—Gore, misrepresenting the story of the birth of Jesus. According to Luke 2:1-17, Mary and Joseph were traveling to register with the Romans in Bethlehem; they were not homeless.

Insensitive

“The extra-chromosome right-wing.” Quoted in The Washington Times (9/4/97).
—Gore, labeling conservative supporters of Lt. Col. Oliver North. Many people considered it an insult toward those with Down syndrome.

The History of the World, Part I

“Who are these guys?” On CNN (1/19/93)
—Gore, asking a Monticello tour guide to identify the busts of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Marquis de Lafayette.

The History of the World, Part II

“I will say that I think that the ethical standards established in this White House have been the highest in history.” Quoted on Meet the Press 10/13/97
 

           

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