Last night Hollywood was able to do what both the United States Supreme Court and the State of Florida refused to do – declare Al Gore the winner. The victory of An Inconvenient Truth in the Oscar category of Best Documentary was one of the evening’s better highlights. It’s difficult to think of another film that has created so much discussion and literally changed the world. Children are being assigned to watch the film in Europe. Screenings for decision makers are occurring all around the globe. If we ever get a handle on climate change there is no question that historians will point to Al Gore and An Inconvenient Truth as the much needed stimulus for our success.

Interestingly, the film has made Al Gore more popular than ever, sparking some speculation that he’ll run for President in 2008. 

For the life of me, I can’t think of why he would want to run now. He has made millions in Google stock alone, never mind his own business ventures. For his work on climate change, he has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. And as he celebrates an Oscar win, he is organizing what could be the largest set of charity concerts ever to take place in order to educate the global population about climate change. Finally, given his success, he probably has more influence with world leaders now than he did as Vice President.

In addition, Gore can relax and spend time with his family. For the first time in his life he can enjoy public acclaim while maintaining a private life. Gore can stay at suites in Cannes and doesn’t have to report it to anyone. He can vacation when and where he desires with Tipper.

But the calls for him to seek the presidency continue. In Monday’s politico.com, writer Mike Allen quotes former Gore aide Donna Brazile:

So the crescendo will rise. Brazile, now the founder and managing director of Brazile and Associates, is neutral in the race but says she would work for Gore if he declared. She acknowledges that after the near miss of 2000, she was among those who said “hell, no” about a 2004 bid. But she feels very differently now.

“He could come in at the end of the day as a candidate who can truly unite his party as well as his country,” Brazile said. “He can help repair our country’s image abroad. He’s someone who can go toe-to-toe with world leaders and doesn’t need a crash course in diplomacy.” She remembers back in the ’80s when Gore was in Congress and used to often cite a quote from Gandhi, ““Be the change you want to see in the world.” Brazile said: “I believe he has become that quote.”

Allen continues by noting that there are three upcoming events where Gore will be in the spotlight over the next six months:

--On March 21, he’ll star at global-warming hearings in both the House and Senate, testifying before a committee he once served on. He will be the sole witness before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. On the House side, he will testify at a Joint Subcommittee Hearing on Climate Change, held by the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, and the Science and Technology Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.

--A new book by Gore, The Assault on Reason: How the Politics of Fear, Secrecy, and Blind Faith Subvert Wise Decision Making, Degrade Our Democracy, and Put Our Country and Our World in Peril, is due out in May.

--On July 7 (7.7.07), he will be among the luminaries heading a 24-hour “Save Our Selves” (SOS) concert marathon across all seven continents. The “Live Earth” concert will bring together more than 100 of the world’s top musical acts and is designed to reach more than 2 billion people through attendance and broadcasts. SOS – The Campaign for a Climate in Crisis was founded by Kevin Wall, who won an Emmy.

So my guess is, that throughout this period people will play the 'Waiting for Gore' game. My advice to Al Gore is to hold on to your winning ticket – great wealth, a private life, people who know how to count votes and great influence. Enjoy it.