News Tip: Timing Of Gore's Decision Helps Party

Former Vice President Al Gore's decision not to run for president in 2004 may have been based on personal reasons, "but his timing serves to give Democratic candidates the equivalent of millions of dollars of free advertising," says a Duke University political science professor.

"This is a great service to the party, compared to waiting a year to withdraw," said Michael Munger, chair of Duke's political science department.

Gore announced his decision Sunday night on the CBS news show "60 Minutes," one night after he appeared on "Saturday Night Live." Munger doubts this was coincidental. "It is as if he calculated the withdrawal for a time when it would have maximum effect and surprise the most people.

"The consequence is that newspapers and television outlets all over the nation, and parts of the world, all have a 'Gore won't run!' headline. But not far into the stories is an account of all the prospective candidates who will run. The result is a great service to the Democrats, who get enormous free advertising and exposure as a result of the timing and nature of the withdrawal."

Gore also stands to personally benefit from announcing his decision now, Munger said. "His decision to bow out just when he seemed to be riding a crest of popular sympathy and enthusiasm gives him credibility as a genuine person and family man. Paradoxically, our political system gives more power to those who seem not to want it. Candidates who openly seek power are ridiculed, but those who seem to turn away are sought out for their opinions."

Munger can be reached for additional comment at (919) 660-4301, or munger@duke.edu.