(Broadcast editor’s note: Vanderbilt has a campus broadcast facility
with a dedicated fiber optic line for live TV interviews and a radio
ISDN line)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Former Vice President Al Gore has seized the
opportunity to be a major player in the 2004 presidential campaign by
endorsing Democratic candidate Howard Dean at this time, according to
Vanderbilt University political scientist John Geer.
"Gore’s sense of timing is excellent in terms of demonstrating
leadership at a critical juncture in the political process," Geer said.
Geer believes that Gore’s endorsement could bring a faster resolution
to what has become a divisive primary process for the Democrats. Also,
Dean now appears more of a mainstream candidate after securing the
former vice president’s support.
The timing of this announcement further weakens the candidacies of
Lieberman, Clark and Edwards, according to Geer. "They were hoping to
block Dean’s nomination in the February 3rd primaries," Geer said. "But
now the bar has been set even higher with Gore’s announcement. Other
prominent Democrats could easily follow suit."
Geer is teaching a class on the modern American presidency this
semester. His areas of research include elections, campaigns, public
opinion and the presidency. He is also writing a book that analyzes the
impact of negative political ads in the presidential races from 1960
through 2000. His previous books have included From Tea Leaves to
Opinion Polls and Politicians and Party Politics.
Media contact: Ann Marie Deer Owens, (615) 322-NEWS
annmarie.owens@vanderbilt.edu