History of Al Gore in Timeline
Al Gore is a renowned American politician and environmental activist. He served as the 45th Vice President under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001. Before his vice presidency, Gore held positions as a U.S. Senator and Representative from Tennessee. In 2000, he became the Democratic presidential nominee but lost the election to George W. Bush. He is also recognized for his environmental advocacy, particularly in raising awareness about climate change.
1947: Al Gore Researches Television's Impact on Presidency
For his senior thesis, Al Gore researched the impact of television on the presidency from 1947 to 1969, earning an A for his work.
March 31, 1948: Birth of Al Gore
Al Gore was born on March 31, 1948, in Washington, D.C.
1953: Joe L. Evins Succeeds Albert Gore Sr.
Joe L. Evins took over Tennessee's 4th congressional district seat from Albert Gore Sr. in 1953. This event is significant because the same seat would later be won by Al Gore Jr. in 1976.
1956: Al Gore Begins Studies at St. Albans School
Al Gore started attending St. Albans School, a prestigious preparatory school in Washington, D.C., in 1956.
1956: National Interstate and Defense Highways Act
The National Interstate and Defense Highways Act of 1956, introduced by Gore's father, had a significant impact on American infrastructure and society, influencing Gore's understanding of the power of networking.
1965: Al Gore Graduates from St. Albans School
After attending for nine years, Al Gore graduated from St. Albans School in 1965.
1965: Meeting Tipper Aitcheson
Al Gore first encountered his future wife, Mary Elizabeth "Tipper" Aitcheson, at his senior prom at St. Albans School in 1965. Tipper, a student at the nearby St. Agnes School, later followed Gore to Boston for college.
1965: Al Gore Enrolls at Harvard College
Al Gore started his undergraduate studies at Harvard College in 1965, choosing to major in government.
June 1969: Al Gore Graduates from Harvard
Al Gore graduated cum laude from Harvard University in June 1969 with a degree in government.
August 1969: Al Gore Enlists, Faces Backlash at Harvard
In August 1969, after enlisting in the Army, Al Gore returned to Harvard in uniform to bid farewell to his advisor. He was met with jeers and negativity from the anti-war student body, an experience he found disheartening.
April 1970: Al Gore Named "Soldier of the Month"
Al Gore was recognized for his service and performance while stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama, being named "Soldier of the Month" in April 1970.
May 19, 1970: Marriage to Tipper Aitcheson
Al Gore and Mary Elizabeth "Tipper" Aitcheson were married on May 19, 1970, at the Washington National Cathedral.
1970: Al Gore Sr. Loses Senate Seat
In 1970, Al Gore Sr., Al Gore's father, lost his seat in the Senate. This event coincided with the Gore family's suspicion that Al Gore's deployment to Vietnam was being delayed by the Nixon administration for political reasons.
1970: Al Gore Enlists in the Army, Father Loses Election
Motivated by a sense of duty and his father's re-election campaign, Al Gore decided to enlist in the Army in 1970. Despite Al Gore's service and appearance in campaign ads, his father lost the election.
1971: Works as Investigative Reporter for The Tennessean
Also in 1971, Al Gore began working the night shift as an investigative reporter for The Tennessean newspaper. His investigations into corruption within Nashville's Metro Council led to the arrest and prosecution of two council members.
1971: Attends Vanderbilt University Divinity School
In 1971, Al Gore enrolled at Vanderbilt University Divinity School on a Rockefeller Foundation scholarship. He sought to explore spiritual issues and grapple with social injustices that he felt challenged his religious beliefs.
1973: Birth of Karenna Gore
Karenna Gore, Al Gore's first child, was born in 1973.
1974: Attends Vanderbilt University Law School
In 1974, Al Gore decided to pursue law and began attending Vanderbilt University Law School. This decision stemmed from his experience as a journalist, where he realized that while he could expose corruption, he couldn't directly change it.
February 1976: Joe L. Evins Retires from Congress
In a surprising turn of events in February 1976, U.S. Representative Joe L. Evins announced his retirement from Congress, leaving Tennessee's 4th congressional district seat, which he had taken over from Al Gore Sr. in 1953, vacant. This unexpected opening prompted Al Gore to run for the House of Representatives.
1976: Gore's Early Environmental Advocacy
Al Gore began his involvement with environmental issues in 1976 as a freshman congressman, holding hearings on climate change and co-sponsoring hearings on toxic waste and global warming.
1976: Runs for U.S. House of Representatives
Al Gore made the decision to leave law school in 1976 to run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. This opportunity arose when his father's former House seat became vacant.
1976: Wins Democratic Primary and General Election
Al Gore won the 1976 Democratic primary for Tennessee's 4th congressional district. He then secured victory in the general election with a significant majority.
1977: Begins Service in the U.S. Congress
Al Gore began his 16-year tenure in the U.S. Congress in 1977, serving in both the House (1977–1985) and the Senate (1985–1993). He maintained a strong connection with his constituents in Tennessee, frequently returning to work with them on weekends.
1977: Birth of Kristin Carlson Gore
Kristin Carlson Gore, Al Gore's second child, was born in 1977.
1977: Attending Mount Vernon Baptist Church
Upon moving to Arlington County, Virginia, in 1977, Al Gore began attending services at Mount Vernon Baptist Church.
1978: Wins Re-election to the House
Al Gore won his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1978. This victory solidified his position in Congress and allowed him to continue representing Tennessee's 4th congressional district.
1978: Gore and Gingrich's Involvement in "Futures Group"
In 1978, Gore and Newt Gingrich were both part of a "futures group" that explored emerging technologies and their potential impact.
March 19, 1979: First Congressman to Appear on C-SPAN
On March 19, 1979, Al Gore made history by becoming the first member of Congress to appear on C-SPAN. This early embrace of technology and media foreshadowed his later interest in and advocacy for advancements in communication technology.
1979: Birth of Sarah LaFon Gore
Sarah LaFon Gore, Al Gore's third child, was born in 1979.
1980: Baptism and Membership at Mount Vernon Baptist Church
Al Gore and his wife were baptized and formally became members of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in 1980.
1980: Wins Third Term in the House
Al Gore secured his third consecutive term in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1980. He achieved this victory despite the strong Republican wave that year, demonstrating his enduring support within his district.
1981: Expresses Views on Homosexuality
In 1981, Al Gore publicly stated his opposition to homosexuality, reflecting the prevailing social views of the time. He considered it "wrong" and not "just another normal optional life style."
1982: Wins Fourth Term in the House
Al Gore won an impressive fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982. His continued success in elections highlighted his strong connection with his constituents and his effectiveness as a congressman.
1982: Birth of Albert Arnold Gore III
Albert Arnold Gore III, Al Gore's fourth child, was born in 1982.
1982: Introduces the Gore Plan for Arms Control
In 1982, Al Gore, as a member of the House Intelligence Committee, introduced the Gore Plan for arms control. This plan aimed to reduce the risk of a nuclear first strike by advocating for the reduction of multiple warheads and the deployment of single-warhead mobile launchers.
1983: Internet Deployment
The year 1983 marked a pivotal moment in technological history with the deployment of the internet as we know it today. Before this, Al Gore had already been advocating for high-speed telecommunications as a tool for economic growth and educational advancement, demonstrating his early recognition of the internet's potential.
1984: Elected to the U.S. Senate
Al Gore successfully ran for a seat in the U.S. Senate in 1984. He emerged victorious despite facing a political climate that favored Republicans, demonstrating his ability to connect with voters across party lines.
1984: Death of Al Gore's Sister
Al Gore's older sister, Nancy LaFon Gore, passed away from lung cancer in 1984.
1984: Reiterates Stance on Homosexuality
During his 1984 Senate campaign, Al Gore reiterated his stance against homosexuality, stating that he didn't believe it was "simply an acceptable alternative that society should affirm." He also declared that he wouldn't accept campaign donations from gay rights organizations.
1985: Transitions to the U.S. Senate
In 1985, Al Gore transitioned from the U.S. House of Representatives to the U.S. Senate. He would continue to serve in the Senate until 1993.
1986: Introduces the Supercomputer Network Study Act
In 1986, Al Gore introduced the Supercomputer Network Study Act, further demonstrating his commitment to technological advancement and his vision for a future shaped by high-speed computing and communication. He also spearheaded hearings exploring the use of advanced technologies in government disaster response and crisis management.
1987: Introduction of Civil Rights Restoration Act
The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 was introduced, a significant piece of legislation aimed at strengthening civil rights protections in the United States. This act would later become a point of contention between Congress and President Reagan.
January 1988: Vote on Civil Rights Restoration Act
Although Al Gore did not initially vote on the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 in January 1988, he later voted to override President Reagan's veto of the act in March 1988. This demonstrated his support for civil rights and his willingness to challenge the president's decision.
1988: Democratic Party's Nomination for President
In 1988, Al Gore sought the Democratic Party's nomination for President of the United States. Although he won seven states in the primaries, he finished third overall. This election cycle saw the rise of "Super Tuesday" and competition from candidates like Jesse Jackson. Gore eventually dropped out of the race.
1988: Super Tuesday and Competition with Jesse Jackson
The 1988 Democratic primaries featured the first "Super Tuesday", where 12 southern states held primaries on the same day. Al Gore faced unexpected competition from Jesse Jackson, who secured significant victories in the South. Endorsements for Gore, like one from New York City Mayor Ed Koch, sparked controversy due to statements about Israel and Jackson, negatively impacting Gore's campaign. Gore's campaign was also affected by his criticisms of other candidates.
April 3, 1989: Son's Accident
On April 3, 1989, Al Gore's six-year-old son, Albert, was struck by a car after a baseball game. The accident left Albert severely injured, and he spent a month in the hospital. This traumatic event had a profound impact on Gore, leading him to describe it as a "moment of personal rebirth" and a "key moment in his life" that "changed everything".
1990: Last Democratic Senate Win in Tennessee
As of 2024, Al Gore's 1990 re-election for Senate in Tennessee marks the last time a Democrat won this seat.
1990: Global Marshall Plan Conference
In 1990, Senator Al Gore presided over a significant three-day conference. This conference, attended by legislators from over 42 countries, aimed to establish a Global Marshall Plan. This plan envisioned industrialized nations aiding developing countries in achieving economic growth while prioritizing environmental protection.
1990: Gore Leads Conference on Global Marshall Plan
In 1990, Senator Gore led a conference with legislators from over 42 countries to discuss a Global Marshall Plan for environmental protection and economic growth.
August 1991: Decision Not to Run for President
Citing his son's accident as a major factor, Al Gore announced in August 1991 his decision not to run for president in the 1992 election. He prioritized his family responsibilities, stating his deep commitment to his children. During this time, Gore authored "Earth in the Balance", a book that addressed environmental concerns and achieved recognition as a New York Times Best Seller.
December 9, 1991: High Performance Computing Act of 1991
On December 9, 1991, the High Performance Computing Act of 1991, commonly known as "The Gore Bill", was passed. This legislation, spearheaded by then-Senator Al Gore, paved the way for the National Information Infrastructure (NII), which Gore referred to as the "information superhighway".
1991: Supports the Gulf War
In 1991, Al Gore was among the ten Democrats in the Senate who supported the Gulf War. This decision highlighted his complex stance on military intervention and his willingness to consider military action in certain situations.
1991: Voted in Favor of the Persian Gulf War Resolution
In 1991, Gore was among a small group of Democratic senators who voted to endorse the Persian Gulf War.
July 17, 1992: Democratic National Convention
On July 17, 1992, at the Democratic National Convention, Bill Clinton and Al Gore accepted their nominations for president and vice president, respectively. This event marked the formation of the "Baby Boomer Ticket" or the "Fortysomething Team," highlighting their status as a "new generation of leadership." At ages 46 and 44, they were poised to become the youngest team to occupy the White House.
1992: Not Running for President
Al Gore did not run for President in 1992. This was influenced by his son's accident in 1989.
1992: Becoming Bill Clinton's Running Mate
Al Gore initially hesitated to be Bill Clinton's running mate for the 1992 presidential election. However, driven by his commitment to environmental issues, particularly global warming, and his disagreements with the George H. W. Bush administration, Gore decided to join Clinton's campaign. Clinton valued Gore's expertise in foreign policy, environmental advocacy, and his dedication to family.
1992: Gore's Stance on Saddam Hussein
During a 1992 speech about the Gulf War, Al Gore revealed that he had twice attempted to persuade the U.S. government to cease support for Saddam Hussein. He cited Hussein's use of chemical weapons, backing of terrorism, and developing nuclear program as reasons for his stance, but his efforts were thwarted by both the Reagan and Bush administrations.
1992: Support for Clinton-Gore Ticket
Jesse Jackson, despite past competition with Al Gore, showed his support for the Clinton-Gore ticket in the 1992 presidential election. This reconciliation demonstrated evolving political alliances and Gore's shift in policies after his time as vice president.
January 20, 1993: Clinton and Gore Inauguration
Bill Clinton and Al Gore were inaugurated as President and Vice President of the United States on January 20, 1993. They initiated their term with a formal agreement outlining their working relationship. Clinton prioritized regular meetings with Gore, recognizing him as a key advisor, and appointed some of Gore's trusted colleagues to significant positions within the White House.
1993: Concludes Service in the U.S. Congress
Al Gore concluded his 16-year tenure in the U.S. Congress in 1993. He had served in both the House (1977–1985) and the Senate (1985–1993).
1993: Advocacy for the Clipper Chip
During 1993, the Clinton-Gore administration sought to promote the adoption of the Clipper Chip, a technology developed by the National Security Agency for law enforcement access to encrypted communications. The initiative faced opposition and was eventually dropped.
1993: Three-Way Tensions in the White House
Starting in 1993, tensions arose within the White House due to differing opinions and approaches among key figures, including Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and Al Gore.
January 11, 1994: The Superhighway Summit
On January 11, 1994, Al Gore discussed his plans to prioritize information technology at The Superhighway Summit held at UCLA.
March 29, 1994: The new job of the federal executive
Al Gore delivered a keynote address titled "The new job of the federal executive" at a Georgetown University symposium on governmental reform on March 29, 1994. He discussed the impact of technology on government and public administration.
1995: Start of the Dot-com Boom
The dot-com boom, which took place approximately between 1995 and 2001, was a period of remarkable growth in the technology sector. During this time, Al Gore, an advocate for information technology development, played a role in fostering this economic expansion.
November 5, 1996: Clinton and Gore Re-elected
On November 5, 1996, Bill Clinton and Al Gore secured re-election as president and vice-president, respectively, triumphing over their Republican challengers, Bob Dole and Jack Kemp.
1996: Chinagate Campaign Finance Controversy
In 1996, Al Gore was embroiled in the "Chinagate" campaign finance controversy due to his presence at an event held at the Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights, California.
1996: Support for Clinton-Gore Ticket
Jesse Jackson continued his support for the Clinton-Gore ticket in the 1996 presidential election. This ongoing support highlighted a shift in their political relationship and a recognition of shared goals.
March 1997: Gore Explains Fundraising Phone Calls
In March 1997, Al Gore addressed phone calls he made to solicit funds for the Democratic Party during the 1996 election. He asserted that all calls were charged to the Democratic National Committee and maintained his counsel advised him there was no violation of any law.
January 1998: Talk of Gore's Potential Presidential Run
Speculation about a potential presidential run by Gore in the 2000 election emerged as early as January 1998.
1998: Gore's Objection to Anwar Ibrahim's Arrest
At a 1998 APEC conference hosted by Malaysia, Al Gore voiced his disapproval of the arrest and imprisonment of Anwar Ibrahim, the then-Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. This stance was met with criticism from leaders in attendance.
1998: Justice Department Interviews Gore
In 1998, the Justice Department conducted interviews as part of an investigation into campaign fundraising activities. FBI agents were not permitted to directly question President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore during these interviews and were only allowed to take notes.
April 1999: Clinton Fatigue and Impact on Gore's Campaign
In April 1999, public sentiment reflected "Clinton fatigue" due to scandals and controversies surrounding the Clinton administration. This negatively impacted Gore's campaign as he struggled to distance himself from the administration's issues while capitalizing on its successes.
June 16, 1999: Gore Announces Presidential Candidacy
Al Gore formally declared his candidacy for president on June 16, 1999, during a speech delivered in Carthage, Tennessee. His central campaign theme emphasized strengthening the American family. Notably, Gore distanced himself from Bill Clinton, alleging that Clinton had lied to him.
1999: Misinterpretation of Gore's Internet Remarks
Following a 1999 interview, Gore's comments about his role in supporting the development of the internet were misconstrued, leading to the false claim that he claimed to have "invented" the internet.
March 9, 2000: Bill Bradley Withdraws from Presidential Race
After a series of losses against Gore, Bill Bradley withdrew from the 2000 presidential race on March 9, 2000, and endorsed Gore.
March 2000: Gore Wins Arizona Presidential Primary
Gore secured the Democratic nomination and won the first-ever internet-held Arizona Presidential Primary in March 2000.
August 13, 2000: Gore Selects Joe Lieberman as Running Mate
Gore chose Senator Joe Lieberman as his running mate on August 13, 2000, marking the first time a Jewish person was nominated for the nation's second-highest office. This decision was seen as an attempt to distance Gore from the Clinton scandals.
December 13, 2000: Conceded the 2000 Presidential Election
On December 13, 2000, after a controversial Supreme Court ruling halted the Florida recount, Al Gore conceded the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush, despite winning the popular vote.
2000: Shift in Political Stance
After serving as Vice President, Al Gore's political stance shifted, particularly on issues related to his previous "moderate" label. This evolution became evident during his presidential campaign in 2000.
2000: Gore Considers Presidential Race
Al Gore contemplated running for president in the 2000 election.
2000: Al Gore Loses 2000 Presidential Election
Al Gore lost the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush, despite winning the popular vote. The Supreme Court's decision in Bush v. Gore, halting the Florida recount, ultimately led to his defeat.
2000: Donna Brazile Served as Gore's Campaign Chairwoman
Donna Brazile held the position of campaign chairwoman for Al Gore during his 2000 presidential campaign.
2000: Gore Jokes about Internet Claim on David Letterman
In 2000, Gore humorously addressed the controversy surrounding his internet remarks on the Late Show with David Letterman, reading a Top 10 List that included a joke about taking away the internet.
2000: Gore Uses Leftover Funds From 2000 Bid
In March 2004, Gore gave Kerry $6 million in funds left over from his own unsuccessful 2000 bid.
2000: Support for Gore-Lieberman Ticket
In the 2000 presidential election, Jesse Jackson campaigned for the Gore-Lieberman ticket. This support demonstrated Jackson's confidence in Gore's leadership and the alignment of their political views.
2000: Reno Declines Independent Counsel
In the spring of 2000, Robert Conrad Jr., head of the Justice Department task force investigating Gore's fundraising, requested Attorney General Janet Reno to appoint an independent counsel. Reno ultimately decided against appointing an independent counsel, deeming it unnecessary.
2000: End of Clinton-Gore Administration
The year 2000 marked the end of the Clinton-Gore administration, during which they launched the first official White House website and subsequent versions.
2001: Al Gore Focuses on Environmental Activism
After his term as vice-president ended in 2001, Gore shifted his focus towards environmental activism, becoming a prominent voice on climate change.
2001: End of the Dot-com Boom
The dot-com boom, a period of significant growth in the technology sector, came to an end around 2001. This era, marked by innovation and investment in internet-based companies, eventually experienced a downturn.
December 2002: Decided Not to Run for President in 2004
Gore seriously considered challenging Bush in the 2004 election but ultimately chose not to run.
December 16, 2002: Announced He Would Not Run for President in 2004
On December 16, 2002, Gore announced his decision not to seek the presidency in the 2004 election.
2002: Began Publicly Criticizing the Bush Administration
Starting in 2002, Gore became a vocal critic of the Bush administration, publicly addressing his concerns on various issues.
December 2003: Gore Endorses Howard Dean
After announcing he would not run in the 2004 U.S. presidential election, Al Gore endorsed Vermont governor Howard Dean in December 2003.
March 2004: Gore Endorses John Kerry
After Howard Dean's campaign failed, in March 2004, Gore endorsed John Kerry.
2004: Departure from the Southern Baptist Convention
Al Gore announced his departure from the Southern Baptist Convention in 2004 while still identifying as a Baptist.
2004: Gore Co-founds Generation Investment Management
Al Gore co-founded Generation Investment Management, a company focused on sustainability, in 2004.
2004: Supporters Formed a Draft Campaign
Despite Gore's decision not to run in 2004, some of his supporters launched a national campaign to draft him into the race. However, their efforts were unsuccessful.
2004: Accused George W. Bush of Betraying the Country
During the 2004 presidential election, Gore made a strong accusation against George W. Bush, stating that Bush had betrayed the country by using the 9/11 attacks to justify the invasion of Iraq.
2004: Gore Avoids Repeating Past Mistakes
Some argued that Gore waited to endorse Obama because he did not want to repeat his calamitous early endorsement of Howard Dean during the 2004 presidential election.
2005: Webby Award
Al Gore won a Webby Award in 2005. While the specific details of the award are not provided, it signifies recognition for achievement related to the internet and digital media.
2005: Gore Receives Webby Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2005, Gore was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Webby Awards for his contributions to the internet. He made light of the "invention" controversy during his acceptance speech.
2005: Criticized Bush Administration's Response to Hurricane Katrina
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Gore publicly criticized the Bush administration's handling of the disaster. He also took action by chartering two planes to evacuate 270 people from New Orleans.
2005: Helped Evacuate Patients from Charity Hospital in New Orleans
On September 3 & 4, 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, Gore helped evacuate 270 patients from Charity Hospital in New Orleans to Tennessee.
2006: Release of "An Inconvenient Truth" Documentary
Al Gore's documentary film, "An Inconvenient Truth," premiered in 2006, bringing global attention to the urgent issue of climate change and its potential consequences.
2006: Release of "An Inconvenient Truth" and Speculation of a Presidential Run
Following the release of his documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" in 2006, Gore's popularity surged, leading to speculation about a potential presidential bid in the upcoming election.
2006: Criticized Bush's Use of Domestic Wiretaps and Treatment of Arabs
Throughout 2006, Gore voiced criticism against the Bush administration on multiple fronts. He condemned the use of domestic wiretaps without warrants and denounced the treatment of Arabs in the U.S. following the 9/11 attacks.
2007: Al Gore Wins Primetime Emmy Award
Al Gore received a Primetime Emmy Award for Current TV in 2007.
2007: Receiving "Baptist of the Year" Award
Al Gore received the "Baptist of the Year" award from Ethics Daily in 2007, recognizing his dedication to environmental activism.
2007: Nobel Peace Prize and Primetime Emmy Award
Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize alongside the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2007 for their efforts to raise awareness about climate change. In the same year, he also received a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on Current TV.
2007: Al Gore Receives Nobel Peace Prize
Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, jointly with the IPCC, for his efforts to raise awareness about climate change.
2007: "An Inconvenient Truth" Court Case and Response
During 2007, a British court case challenged the accuracy of data presented in Al Gore's documentary "An Inconvenient Truth." While acknowledging the film's broad accuracy and scientific basis, the judge upheld nine alleged errors. The ruling allowed the film's screening in UK schools with guidance notes to address the perceived political bias. Gore's spokesperson maintained that the court validated the film's central message and educational value.
2007: Criticism and Controversy over Energy Consumption and Investments
In 2007, Al Gore faced criticism regarding his stance on environmental issues. Critics, including Senator Marsha Blackburn and a conservative think tank, pointed to a potential conflict of interest due to Gore's investments in green-energy technologies while advocating for government subsidies in the same area. Further criticism arose from his reported use of private jets and ownership of multiple large homes with high energy consumption. Gore's spokesperson responded by stating that the Gores rely on renewable energy sources, which are more expensive, and that their Tennessee home has undergone energy-efficient retrofits.
2007: Published "The Assault on Reason"
In 2007, Gore authored and published "The Assault on Reason," a book examining the perceived decline of reasoned discourse in American politics during the Bush administration. He argued that the influence of television contributed to this trend, posing a risk to democracy, while suggesting that the internet could offer a solution.
June 3, 2008: Obama Becomes Presumptive Nominee
When Obama became the presumptive Democratic nominee for president on June 3, 2008, speculation began that Gore might be tapped for the vice presidency.
June 16, 2008: Gore Endorses Obama
On June 16, 2008, one week after Hillary Clinton had suspended her campaign, Gore endorsed Obama in a speech given in Detroit, Michigan.
December 19, 2008: Gore Praises Obama's Environmental Choices
On December 19, 2008, Gore described Obama's environmental administrative choices of Carol Browner, Steven Chu, and Lisa Jackson as "an exceptional team to lead the fight against the climate crisis".
2008: Keynote Speaker at New Baptist Covenant Convention
Al Gore served as a keynote speaker at the 2008 New Baptist Covenant convention.
2008: Al Gore wins Dan David Prize
Al Gore won the Dan David Prize for Social Responsibility in 2008.
2008: Dan David Prize and American Philosophical Society Election
Al Gore's contributions were recognized with the Dan David Prize in 2008. Additionally, he was honored with election to the prestigious American Philosophical Society in the same year.
2008: Decided Not to Run for President
Despite speculation and grassroots campaigns urging him to run, Gore ultimately decided against entering the 2008 presidential race.
2008: Publicly Supported Same-Sex Marriage
Gore expressed his support for same-sex marriage on his Current TV website in 2008. He advocated for equal rights for gay men and women, including the right to marry.
2008: Wolf Blitzer Clarifies Gore's Internet Remarks
In 2008, Wolf Blitzer, who conducted the original 1999 interview, clarified that Gore's comments about the internet were taken out of context and that he never claimed to have invented it.
2008: Expresses Support for Same-Sex Marriage
In a significant shift from his earlier views, Al Gore expressed his support for same-sex marriage in 2008. He believed that gay and lesbian couples should have the same right to marry as heterosexual couples.
August 2009: Reunited Publicly with Bill Clinton
In August 2009, after maintaining a public distance for eight years, Bill Clinton and Al Gore reunited before the media. The reunion occurred after Clinton secured the release of two journalists held hostage in North Korea, both of whom were employees of Gore's Current TV.
2009: Grammy Award for "An Inconvenient Truth" Book
Al Gore's book, "An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It," which expands upon the themes of his documentary, earned him a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album in 2009.
2009: Misrepresenting Scientific Data on Climate Change
At the COP15 climate change conference in 2009, Al Gore faced accusations of misrepresenting scientific data. Gore, citing research from Dr. Wieslaw Maslowski, claimed a 75% chance of the entire north polar ice cap melting in summer months within 5-7 years. However, a Reuters fact-check deemed this claim as misinformation. Maslowski himself distanced himself from Gore's statement, expressing uncertainty about the figure's origin and stating he wouldn't estimate with such precision.
2009: Commented on Dick Cheney's Criticism of the Obama Administration
During a 2009 CNN interview, Gore addressed former Vice President Dick Cheney's criticisms of the Obama administration. He drew a parallel to his own criticisms of the Bush administration, noting that he had waited two years after leaving office before voicing his concerns.
2009: Al Gore's Remarks on British Court Ruling
In 2009, Al Gore characterized the 2007 British court ruling on his documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" as being "in my favor." This statement reflects Gore's perspective on the ruling, which addressed the film's accuracy and suitability for educational purposes.
June 2010: Separation from Tipper
In June 2010, Al and Tipper Gore announced their decision to separate after "long and careful consideration" via an email to friends, marking a significant turning point in their relationship.
2010: Gore Attends WE Day in Vancouver
Al Gore showed his support for youth empowerment and global change by attending WE Day in Vancouver, Canada, in 2010.
May 2012: Relationship with Elizabeth Keadle
Reports emerged in May 2012 indicating that Al Gore had begun a relationship with Elizabeth Keadle, residing in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
2012: Selling Current TV to Al Jazeera
In 2012, Al Gore drew criticism for selling his television channel, Current TV, to Al Jazeera for approximately $100 million. The criticism stemmed from Al Jazeera's funding source: the government of Qatar, a nation heavily reliant on revenue from the fossil fuel industry.
2013: Gore Adopts Vegan Lifestyle
Al Gore adopted a vegan lifestyle in 2013, citing personal health and environmental concerns.
2014: Gore Discusses Veganism
In 2014, Gore discussed his decision to become vegan, noting the positive impact on his well-being.
2014: Interest in Gore's Potential Presidential Run
Interest in a potential presidential run by Al Gore arose in 2014, although he didn't express any intention to run.
2015: Interest in Gore's Potential Presidential Run
Interest in a potential presidential run by Al Gore continued into 2015, although he didn't express any intention to run.
July 25, 2016: Gore Endorses Hillary Clinton
Gore endorsed Hillary Clinton on July 25, 2016, the first day of that year's Democratic National Convention.
October 11, 2016: Gore Appears with Clinton at Rally
Gore appeared with Hillary Clinton at a rally on Miami Dade College's Kendall Campus on October 11, 2016.
2016: Interest in Gore's Potential Presidential Run
In 2016, there was interest in a potential presidential run by Al Gore, although he didn't express any intention to run.
January 2017: Gore Revives Climate and Health Summit
After the CDC canceled a planned Climate and Health Summit in January 2017, Al Gore revived the summit.
2017: Premiere of "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power"
"An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power," a follow-up to his 2006 film, premiered in 2017 at the Sundance Film Festival.
May 2018: Appointed to Indian Government Committee
In May 2018, Gore was selected to join the Indian Government committee responsible for coordinating the year-long celebration of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary.
October 2, 2019: Member of Indian Government Committee
Starting on October 2, 2019, Gore served on the Indian Government committee to coordinate the year-long celebration of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary.
2020: Gore Helps Launch Climate TRACE
In 2020, Gore helped launch Climate TRACE, an initiative to independently monitor global greenhouse gas emissions.
November 2021: Gore Speaks at COP26
Al Gore spoke at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, in November 2021.
2023: Gore's Unique Primary Win Record
As of 2023, Gore holds the distinction of being the only non-incumbent presidential candidate in U.S. history to win every single contest in their party's primary.
2023: Reflecting on the 1992 Vice Presidential Debate
As of 2023, the 1992 vice-presidential debate between Al Gore, Dan Quayle, and James Stockdale stands out as the only televised debate in history to feature more than two candidates. This unique event reflects the dynamics of the 1992 election and the presence of a strong third-party candidate, Ross Perot.
2024: Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon Al Gore, acknowledging his lifelong commitment to environmental advocacy and his influential role in raising awareness about climate change.
2024: Al Gore Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Joe Biden awarded Al Gore the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024.
2030: Gore Criticizes Australian Government on Emissions Target
Al Gore criticized the Australian government for not increasing their emissions reduction target for 2030.
