by Brandon Gay

Created on: June 18, 2008   Last Updated: June 19, 2008

Despite all the talk of a Barack Obama / Hillary Clinton "dream ticket," Al Gore's recent endorsement of Barack Obama brought to mind a perhaps even dreamier ticket. Al Gore may not be a ground-breaking candidate like Obama or Clinton, but his appeal and respect among Democrats and growing legions of young independents and even some Republicans gives him a dynamic he and he alone could bring to Obama's campaign. Could Gore's endorsement event in Michigan be a precursor to his vice presidential candidacy?

Obama's two major vice presidential needs are conflicting and rule out many of the top contenders: 1) A candidate who is not a Washington insider and therefore will not clash with Obama's theme of "change." 2) A candidate with significant experience, especially in foreign policy, to compliment Obama's lack of experience. Clinton has vast experience, but has been a Washington insider for 16 years and represents more of a throwback to the 1990s than the ushering in of a new era. Other experienced contenders, such as Joe Biden and Bill Richardson present similar dilemmas. Change candidates, such as Governors Tim Kaine of Virginia and Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas and Virginia Senator Jim Webb all lack the experience to balance the ticket.

Enter Al Gore.

Al Gore could be the most experienced eligible vice presidential candidate on the planet. Not only does he have vast foreign policy experience, his early opposition to the Iraq war pares him nicely with Obama, making them a prophetically anti-war ticket.

Gore would also help Obama bring in one two of his key demographics: youth and independents. While the environment has become an issue which appeals to all age groups, it has special appeal among young voters. Likewise, the environment and global climate change are key issues for independents, many of which might fall in line with Republican nominee John McCain on economic and social issues. Polls show Obama and McCain in a dead heat for independents. Gore's environmental heroism and principled stance on the Iraq war would help Obama win this crucial demographic.

A Gore pick is not without a downside, however. One thing you like a vice presidential candidate to do is bring a state into play and it's not clear if Al Gore would be able to put Tennessee within reach for Obama. John Kerry lost Tennessee by 14 points in 2004 and Gore himself lost the state by four points in 2000.

Gore could also conjure up memories of the scandals of the Clinton years and of his own miscues

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