At a rally in Michigan, Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama picked up an endorsement from Al Gore, the former Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate. Gore said, "Looking back over the last eight years, I can tell you that we have already learned one important fact since the year 2000. Take it from me, elections matter. If you think the next appointments to the Supreme Court are important, you know that elections matter.”
Gore added, "The outcome of this election will affect the future of our planet," and Obama emphasized his commitment to the environment, "When I am president. I will be counting on Al Gore to help me lead the fight for a clean energy future here in the United States and around the world.” The NY Times points out that presumptive Republican nominee John McCain "called for lifting the federal moratorium on offshore oil drilling for states that want to permit it," due to the oil crisis.
This is the second significant endorsement Obama has received in Michigan--former Senator John Edwards threw his support for Obama there last month--showing that Obama wants to quell those upset over the Michigan primary debacle. However, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm's mention of Senator Hillary Clinton drew boos from crowd, which prompted Obama to declare, "I want everybody here to be absolutely clear. Senator Clinton is one of the finest public servants we have in American life today.... She is worthy of our respect. She is worthy of our honor."
