Today, the Alternet released the results of its June straw poll regarding the 2008 presidential election. The 13,000 people who participated showed overwhelming support for former Vice-President Al Gore. Gore received 35 percent of the vote, followed by Senator Russ Feingold at 20 percent, John Edwards at 11 percent, Hillary Clinton at 7 percent, Wesley Clark at 4 percent, and John Kerry and Mark Warner at 2 percent.

Of course, this poll is far from scientific, as Alternet readers certainly do not represent the interests and perspectives of most Democrats. Also, the bulk of the readers stated that the war in Iraq was their priority issue, which would explain the poor showing of Hillary Clinton, who has been disturbingly centrist/conservative on the issue. Still, the intense grassroots support for Gore from the more distant Left suggests that he may be a more viable candidate than anyone imagined four years ago. Suddenly, the stiff, boring, and inaccessible Clinton understudy is a media darling being secretly wooed by many in the Democratic party to deliver them from Hillary.

The problem is, he can’t win.

Although he looks attractive from a distance, Gore’s own failings will re-enter the public imagination the moment that he enters the fray full-time. The reality is that Gore’s best chance at the presidency came and went with the smack of a 2000 Supreme Court gavel. Despite being part of a wildly popular administration and inheriting a relatively strong economy, Gore’s lack of political savvy allowed him to squander a golden opportunity. This time around, he may not survive the primary.

If Gore is sincerely interested in improving the country, he should continue to use his considerable gifts in his current work. His recent documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, as well as his tireless environmental advocacy will certainly have more effect on public policy than a failed presidential bid. Hopefully, someone reminds him of this uncomfortable truth.

Peter Coors, chief executive of Coors Brewing Company and chief pitchman for Coors Beer, recently confirmed that he was arrested for drunk driving.

Am I the only one that thinks this is funny?

Lessons in Avoiding Mass Ignorance: Black People and Cell Phones
By Kennedy Johnson, Black Commentator.com

It’s come to my immediate attention that some, not all, black people need a lesson in how to avoid mass ignorance.

While at the bank the other day, I found myself waiting in an unusually long line. Now, I bank with a black owned bank and this bank, no matter how many people are in line, will only open two teller windows max at any given time, adding to the frustration of their customers. But I digressed. Believe it or not, this isn’t about the horrible customer service of the bank.

As I am waiting in a line intertwined in my own thoughts, I am suddenly jolted back to reality when I hear a loud beep followed by a loud, “Where you at!”

Immediately I look around to find the idiot who is in the bank with their chirp on full blast so the whole world can partake in their conversation.

Then, as if that wasn’t enough, the person chirps back, “I’m in the bank,” which is followed by “What you doin’,” which is followed by “I said I’m at the bank. Don’t worry about where I be at!”

Well for starters, I say to myself, you can get behind a preposition and learn to speak English properly. If the entire world has to be subjected to your conversation, the least you can do is speak correct English.

For the rest of the commentary, click here.

I know the content is light today but your boy needs a little break. After days of traveling, speaking, and hanging out in airports waiting for delayed flights, I’m a bit drained. I promise to have my swagger back tomorrow and bring you what you deserve.

Peace and Love,

MLH

Just a reminder to vote for the Greatest Hip-Hop Group of All-Time. Even if you feel as if your group (e.g.,Wu-Tang Clan!!!) was wrongly dismissed in the early rounds, you still must choose between PE and Outkast. That’s how good ol’ American democracy works, right?

Click here to vote.