WASHINGTON -- Democratic presidential candidates got the best Christmas present possible from former Vice President Al Gore when he opted to stay out of the 2004 presidential elections. The decision made him a winner as well. It could not have been an easy choice, but it was sound and courageous.
One of the great cartoons of the year was one that depicts Gore sitting in front of the television and reacting to a story about the Republicans' midterm-election victories. The fact that the party that has won the presidency in the preceding election almost always loses seats in the midterm elections leads him to exclaim, "See, more proof that I won!"
The first of January in the year before a presidential election is a big day. It is the day in which contributions to campaigns for presidential candidates can be eligible for matching funds. What better way to make an official starting time for the race? The candidates seem to respect it as such.