Gore is about to endorse Dean for the Democratic nomination. What motivated him to do this? Salon's Joe Conason seems to think that this act epitomizesa shift in Gore's views that has occurred since 2000, possibly caused in part by the experience of the post election debacle and the venomous vehemence of the right wing Bush machine. I believe this is true, but I recognize that it may also help position Gore better, as the progressive candidate, to challenge presumptive 2008 nominee Hillary Clinton should Dean fall short in the general election. It's difficult not to have mixed emotions-- I'd like to see Gore run and win again (and also get to occupy the oval office this time), but I still wonder about Dean's viability in 11/04.