Obama: Al, I've come to talk to you because I want to run, but if you're going to, I'll leave it for you.
Gore: I'm not sure Barack. I've still gotta reach a decision. I mean, maybe I should leave the field open for younger Democrats like yourself.
Obama: Al, you'd be a great president. But it's your choice, not mine.
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February 25, 2007. 79th Academy Awards Ceremony
Al Gore took to the stage with Leonardo diCaprio. This was his big moment, not just for An Inconvenient Truth but when he'd first announce a run for the presidency. This was his last chance and he had to be in the game. Gore announced" I have decided, I will be running for the presidency." Cheers and gasps of surprise from the audience. " There are many reasons I'm running, but one is the pressing global crisis of climate change. The Bush administration ignores this grave danger to our planet, and tries to deny it exists. We can't afford four more years. I'm running for a fresh start and a better America!" Crowd cheers.
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Senator Barack Obama declined to run and endorsed Gore, actively campaigning with him. Gore faced Hillary Clinton and John Edwards. Polls had Clinton narrowly leading 32% against Gore's 29%. Gore and Clinton campaigned for Iowa, with both sides mudslinging at each other. Gore attacked Clinton as 'the past', 'anti-progressive' and ' out-of touch'. Clinton attacked Gore as an 'opportunist' and hypocrite, along with portraying him as an environmental extremist. Gore surged in the polls.
Iowa primray results:
Gore 41%
Edwards 30%
Clinton 27%
Gore got 19 delegates while Clinton and Edwards were tied at 13 delegates.
Gore gained momentum with his Iowa victory. On January 7, Edwards from the race but declined to make an endorsement. Pundits predicted Gore would seize New Hampshire. Gore declared " The people have stood up and called for change. The status-quo may attack, but we'll beat them!" Clinton retaliated " Al Gore does not stand for change. He is the past. I stand for a new beginning for America! Change isn't about speeches and false hopes. It's about action!"
New Hampshire primary results:
Clinton 53%
Gore 47%
Clinton won 14 delegates against Gore's 8 delegates.
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The Republican primaries went underway. Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Massachusets Governor Mitt Romney and Arizona Senator John McCain were the major candidates. Huckabee defeated frontrunner Giuliani in Iowa.
Giuliani adviser: Let's go for Florida. The momentum lies there!
Giuliani: Why?! The momentum is in New Hampshire, you idiot!
Rudy Giuliani decided that tomorrow, he would campaign for New Hampshire.
Giuliani attacked McCain and Huckabee as incompetent extremists. In the polls, Giuliani had 35% to McCain's 31% and Romney's 16%. Giuliani in the end won New Hampshire with 36%.
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OOC: This is my new timeline on an alternate 2008 election and (maybe)beyond. Enjoy!