German website adds international angle to 'draft Gore' movement
 Democrats heading the still-strong movement to convince Al Gore to mount a presidential run are being given a run for their money in sheer, "Draft Gore" zeal -- all the way from Germany.
This August, Michael Kachel, a 42-year-old IT director from Munich, launched what may be the first foreign website dedicated solely to luring the former vice president into the 2008 race.
"We want to offer a forum for everyone to send a clear signal that there are many people in Europe who are in favor of a candidate Al Gore," Kachel told RAW STORY by email.
"However you will decide," he wants Gore to know, "we want to show you that we appreciate very much what you are doing and what you are: a rare species of politician, a noble man, a man with a genuine vision.”
The website idea occurred to Kachel soon after seeing Gore's film An Inconvenient Truth, during which he found himself "captivated by the character of Al Gore," and decided he should get directly involved.
“I know exactly that there are only few opportunities in history to get a likewise upright and bright character into the most important office in the world," he said. "I believe devoutly that Al Gore is this man."
For Kachel, the benefits of a Gore presidency would extend far beyond American borders and reverse the course of a Bush administration he believes has largely abdicated its international responsibilities.
Listing what he views as as significant Bush missteps -- "Refusal of Kyoto, denial of the competency of the International Court of Justice, non-cooperation with the United Nations in questions about war & peace, just to name few," he says -- Kachel wants a different brand of American president.
"More than ever we now face complex, global questions which can only be solved when international cooperation is functioning," he said, adding that he "could not identify a US administration which broke with almost all rules of cooperation as the current one did."
Acknowledging the fact that most people in his country do not actively follow the inner workings of American politics very closely, Kachel hopes his site can kick-start some international attention for the primary process during what he believes is a critical time.
"That's pretty normal," he said of the relative disinterest he perceives among fellow Germans and others in Europe. "But from my point of view that is not welcomed in these times. Too much is at stake. Europeans should get involved and show their attitude."
"Sure, Al Gore is well-known," he added, "But he is not considered as a potential candidate."
Asked about his feelings toward other contenders for the presidency, Kachel isn't keen on the GOP's 2008 chances.
"I can't see any Republican to be the next President and this is definitely not a question of parties," he said. "I am afraid they are all too much involved in the case of George W. Bush."
As for the Democrats, Kachel praises Hillary Clinton for her "brightness," and singles out Barack Obama as a Kennedyesque charmer that would make an "inspiring vice president."
But there's no talking him out of his man.
"Who else could shoulder the challenges of this time?" he asks, going on to explain that the biggest reason a man like Al Gore should be president is simple.
"America," he said, "deserves it."
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