The Gore/Alexander Young People's
Political Leadership Workshop - -
You Are There!

Al Gore and Lamar Alexander chat breifly with the media on their way to lunch. Will isn't in this picture, but the curly headed Republican guy in the jacket is.

Well everyone, I have just arrived back from Nashville. I left early; I decided not to go to the Titans-Bears game tonight. The game was our activity to do tonight. I am pretty sure Gore is there right now. I am pretty tired, it's been a long day and I knew that I would be REALLY tired after the game tonight. It's a two-hour drive to Nashville.

I went to Nashville with a mission. I am extremely proud to say today was a HUGE SUCCESS! Far better than I thought it would be, and I had pretty high expectations. I promised this group a complete summary, so here it is. I took notes and outlined the whole event. I spent all day writing in my little notebook so I could report the news back to you. Forgive me for not being completely accurate. I doubt the quotes will be 100% right due to my slow writing. But, you will get the essence of the day.

When I arrived at the Wyatt Center in Vanderbilt University, I didn't know anyone but I mingled, and learned a few new names. To my surprise, one of the very first people that I saw was AL GORE HIMSELF!!! Al Gore walked right through the lobby, shaking hands and talking to people like he was just one of us. I just froze, because I couldn't believe my own eyes. Good thing he didn't try to speak to me or shake my hand.

The conference started. I sat next to the curly headed guy in the jacket in the background of the first two photos that Janet has already posted. A very articulate and intelligent young man, but a Republican.

The opening segment, given by Lamar Alexander and Al Gore was titled, "Why We Do This". Lamar talked first and welcomed Gore back to Tennessee, he pointed out his "Fence mending" reference in his concession speech and presented him with a gift. A "Fence Mending Kit" filled with tools and books and everything you need to know about "Fence Mending". It received a good laugh, and Gore laughed and thanked him. Lamar talked about the importance for a politician to be a "Political Warrior". He mentioned how Gore served as a great Political Warrior by giving the greatest speech he has ever gave, his concession speech. Lamar praised Gore for that speech and pointed out how "people either one: thought that speech should've been made much earlier; or two: thought it should have never been made at all."

When Gore's turn came up, he stated: "It's a funny thing you mention my concession speech, because the very next night, Dave Letterman said (Gore did a Letterman impression) "Al Gore gave one of the greatest speeches of his life last night, NICE TIMIMG AL!" - - which got a great laugh. Gore stated how he and Lamar have been working with each other in politics for many years. Being in different parties they argued a lot. They've disagreed and argued many times over the years. "But, Lamar and I have never had one cross word towards each other. He remains a good friend."

After each session, the audience was free to ask questions. I will not go into depth on all of the questions, but one young man said in this session, "It was actually Mr. Gore who got me interested in politics, in one of your Senate races, you had lunch right here in downtown Nashville with me, bought me a sandwich and talked with me and left a great impression on me, having a U.S. Senator taking time to have lunch. Working with Governor Lamar's last presidential Campaign, I am sorry to say I eventually went the other way, Mr. Gore." Gore shot back, "What kind of sandwich was this?" Another good laugh.

Following this session, I was talking to a few people then Gore walked up behind me and shook my hand. I was wearing a nametag, so he called me by name. "It's such an honor to meet you sir." I said. He answered, "Well, I am really glad you could come." I was able to keep my cool pretty well.

The next session began after the short break was about: "Grassroots Organizing". The lead speakers for this session were Donna Brazile, 2000 Gore campaign manager, and Ken Mehlman, the White House political director. Mehlman talked about Bush's last campaign and the ways they got personally connected with people. Brazile spoke about the importance of talking to people. "When you volunteer for a National Campaign, you are representing that client for the people. Most people will not be able to get to Al Gore, so YOU have to know about Gore's policies and what he represents." The subject of the Internet came up in this session. Gore talked about how the Internet is a good way of connecting with many people in less time. He added, "And I am sure you've heard about me and the Internet." A big laugh filled the room.

Gore finished off by praising Donna Brazile for her outstanding work in the last campaign. Lamar pointed out how lucky we are to have Brazile and Mehlman here. "They are the best in the nation at what they do."

It was after this session that I talked to Gore again. I wrote on a yellow legal pad piece of paper: "WWW.AL-GORE-2004.ORG". I walked up to him and this is what happened:

WILL: Mr. Gore, I thought I would let you know that I actually found out about this event through this group I belong to on the Internet.

AL: (interested) Oh really?

WILL: Yes, and I've been asked to deliver a message on behalf of our group. Have you ever heard of this? (I gave him the paper.)

AL: (reads) Ha! No, I haven't. Is it good?

WILL: Yes, it's VERY good, and it's VERY comforting to me.

AL: Well, I will take a look at it. (Gore then gave the sheet to the man who was holding all of Al's stuff.)

We then walked down to the lunch area. For lunch, they divided the Democrats and Republicans up. Now, with all of this partisan stuff aside, it was a great chance for us Democrats to talk over lunch. I got a seat in the front row; Al eventually sat right across from me. I HAD LUNCH WITH AL GORE!!!!!! WOOOHOO!! He wasn't even 10 feet from me!

Carter Eskew, a Democratic media strategist who is a good longtime friend of Gore spoke to the group. He bashed Bush pretty well. He started by pointing out that, "According to the polls, Bush is still EXACTLY where he was during the election. Him and Gore are still dead even despite Gore staying quiet." Gore listened to all of this. Eskew went on to say, "This is the most political White House ever! They are targeting the states they will need in the next election. They are doing just enough to keep their base happy, then picking off the center. It's up to us to fight that in 2002."

Donna Brazile spoke and she mentioned, "Bush is taking the longest vacation for a president in modern history." She talked about the keys to getting the majority in the Senate, House, and Governor races. She handed out maps with the exact numbers. She said, "I am not trying to give the Vice President something to do in 2002, but these states for grabs are states that voted for Gore in the last election." Gore stated, "Oh yes, I will campaign in 2002 regardless of whether or not I am a candidate or not." Janice Griffin, Gore 2000 finance worker spoke briefly. She said, "We are not as good at raising money as the Republicans are. It's not important to raise as much money as the Republicans, as long as we raise enough. In the last election, we raised enough."

Then there were questions from the audience. There was a question about the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races. Eskew said he feels like we will win both of those races. Gore said he will campaign in both of those races. "I know the candidates running, and they are very qualified, good people," he said. Gore also talked about how disgusted he was with the media. He mentioned how "There is two branches of media, Media #1 and Media #2. One is trying to be fair and balanced, while the other is far to the right." Gore seemed to be really moved when talking about the media.

Donna Brazile made a comment: "I've been sitting quietly watching the new administration, and I've been resting, cause I am gonna kick their butts!" Gore and everyone else laughed.

Eskew talked about how Gore did a good job of showing what he stood for in the last campaign. "I've known Gore for a long time and it's the same things he has always stood for." Gore responded with a smile, "That's why I am President today!"

Will isn't in this picture, either.

The next session was about "Grassroots fundraising". Ted Welch, Alexander's main fund raising man and Johnny Hayes, Gore 2000 finance chair led this talk. They both did an excellent job. But, this is the one point all day that started any kind of argument between the parties. There was talk about limits on campaign spending. Alexander said, "Let's say you are running a state-wide campaign in Tennessee, and your name is Gore. Or Alexander for that matter. You are running against two lesser-known candidates and you say, 'Okay, we will raise THIS MUCH money, and you can have THIS MUCH money as well and it will be fair'. Well, that's GREAT if your name is Gore or Alexander." Gore responded, "Not necessarily". Everyone laughed and applauded.

The next session was about media and politics. Mike Murphy, who worked for McCain's Presidential Campaign and Carter Eskew were the speakers. Mike Murphy is a very good speaker, one of the best of the day. Carter had an excellent presentation showing several campaign ads. He demonstrated different types of campaign ads and the do's and don'ts of political advertising. The ads he showed were some Gore 2000 ads and some of Lieberman's Senate ads. He also showed a negative ad targeting John Edwards and a pro-Edwards response to the negative ad.

Lamar said, "I never had the chance to participate in the October debates, but they are a good way to show a candidate's spontaneity". Gore, who was wearing a microphone let out a HUGE, exaggerated sigh. Everybody laughed hysterically.

The closing session was "Where is the common ground?" Lamar and Al talked for about thirty minutes. They both seemed really at ease, which they did all day. Lamar thanked Al and said that this workshop was Al's idea, and it was a great one. Al closed by saying how much he has enjoyed today. He said, "When I was your age, I was very cynical about politics. It wasn't until I started at The Tennessean that I started back. For anyone in the room thinking about becoming a candidate, I recommend it." He talked about his first campaign and how awkward it was for him to begin. Al mentioned a married Republican couple who had already left. "They were Republicans who told me they had a friend who was sick and had about 48 hours to live. They were making a video for him. 'He is a huge fan of yours and a huge Democrat,' they said to me. 'Say some Democrat stuff, he'll love that.' So, of course I did the video and while I was doing it, they shed some tears and were quite emotional. It gets me very emotional to see two hardcore Republicans doing something nice for a hardcore Democrat who they loved very much." Al closed with two points, "One: It DOES make a difference if you vote... BELIEVE ME I KNOW!" Big Laugh. "And two: never doubt your own ability to make ALL the difference."

After a standing O, we all went down to the lobby for the reception and pictures. After having my picture taken with Al, I had him sign an autograph for me. I told him, "I will never forget this day, Thank you so much. I have idolized you for a long time." He smiled and said, "That's really nice, and it was great meeting you."

I left shortly after that. Well, there you have it. Although I went into great detail, I didn't put in all that I wanted. Al is so warm and natural. He is VERY funny. After listening to my favorite politician all day, I really feel like he will be running in 2004. I have no facts to base this on, nor did he say that, but when the announcement comes, we will be there to pledge our support.

Will Radford