He is one of those people who wants to be president, but doesn't really want to run for it. So he wants the party to come to him. In keeping with this desire, the movie is a painless way to advance his political ambitions: if the buzz around it doesn't increase his standing in the polls, he can say, “Hey, what's the big deal, it was only a movie about an issue I care about, and never had a political purpose”; if, however, it does create some sustained political momentum, he can capitalize on it if he wants. Apparently he is telling the people closest to him what he is saying in public, that he isn't interested in running. People are all over the map, though, on whether he will ultimately run or not. The conventional wisdom seems to be correct: that he will only do it if he sees a clear path to victory. . . .

Gore-watchers often repeat the old saw that America loves a non-candidate, noting that Gore's best day politically will be the day before he gets in. Gore surely is aware of this too. But no one doubt this: he is very much enjoying his new-found acclaim, and that he plays his cards very close to his chest. He will be fascinating to watch.