I just received an email from Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America. The email challenges Gore to "Jump In or Drop Out."
My read is that the email does a couple of things: (1) encourages people to vote in the DFA poll, and (2) more importantly, calls out Al Gore to fish or cut bait.
But the way in which it calls out for Gore is very interesting.
Here's how the email begins
Our challenge to Al Gore: Jump In or Drop Out!
Something surprising is happening at Democracy for America; former Vice President Al Gore is leading the race for the DFA Presidential endorsement -- as a write-in candidate.
Here's the link for the DFA Pulse Poll.
The email continues:
Despite the fact that Al Gore has not announced that he will run and wasn't even included in the endorsement poll, DFA members have seized the power and written him in. With over 65,000 votes cast so far, the time has come for Vice President Gore to make a decision.
The clock is ticking. We are deep into the 11th hour. There are fewer than 90 days until the first votes are cast. And filing deadlines to be on the ballot start closing in just days.
You deserve to know. Is Al Gore in or out?
(emphasis mine).
The email concludes with the most interesting (IMHO) bit:
[T]his will be the first poll in the nation that can accurately report both the remarkable support Al Gore has in the progressive grassroots AND which announced candidates earn that support if he never jumps in.
DFA will announce the Pulse Poll results on November 6th, one year from Election Day. Will Gore remain at the top of the heap? Will he accept the clarion call to run?
To quote Hasan, in conclusion,
Don't keep us waiting, Mr. Gore. It is time for an answer.