Look, I love Al Gore, and I love what he's done for climate change awareness, but there simply isn't a more polarizing figure in American politics right now (with the exception of George Bush and Dick Cheney, of course).

These reasons simply aren't compelling and each would open themselves up to a strong counter-attack very quickly. For example, "he served in Vietnam even though he opposed the war." I could swift boat that for you right now: He was a reporter in the War and only signed up because he was a politician's son "destined to be president." He went to Vietnam for future political gain, pure and simple, and stayed out of harms way with a pen in his hand -- not a rifle.

Gore is too smart, and he's got too much going for him right now to run for office, which all of us Democrats should be thankful for.  

In any case, Gore wouldn't consider anything less than Climate Czar or International Climate Ambassador.  As for VEEP, been there, done that, memories -- not so fond....