16 June 2008Jeff Zeleny
"A few hours from now I will step on stage in Detroit, Michigan to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama," Mr. Gore said in an e-mail sent to his supporters earlier Monday. "From now through Election Day, I intend to do whatever I can to make sure he is elected President of the United States."Throughout the long Democratic primary, Mr. Gore talked frequently to Mr. Obama. But tonight's rally at the Joe Louis Arena in downtown Detroit marked the first time they appeared together on the same stage. The endorsement was announced – on Mr. Gore's terms – to supporters on his vast e-mail list.
"I've never asked members of AlGore.com to contribute to a political campaign before, but this moment and this election are too important to let pass without taking action," Mr. Gore said. He added, "Over the past 18 months, Barack Obama has united a movement. He knows change does not come from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue or Capitol Hill. It begins when people stand up and take action."
As Mr. Obama talked to workers outside a General Motors plant here, he said the former vice president had been helpful throughout the primaries, lending his ear and his thoughts, but always taking care to stay impartial in the Democratic field of candidates.
"It means a lot obviously," Mr. Obama said. "We've had ongoing conversations about a whole host of issues, a lot of them have revolved around issues of climate change and energy and the environment. He's provided good political advice."
Then, he added: "Obviously, he hasn't been speaking exclusively to me. He obviously spoke to senators Clinton and Edwards and others."
The decision to stage the appearance in Michigan underscores the importance of the state for Mr. Obama. It was also in Michigan where former Senator John Edwards unveiled his endorsement of Mr. Obama in a surprise setting.
"Over the next four years, we are going to face many difficult challenges — including bringing our troops home from Iraq, fixing our economy, and solving the climate crisis," Mr. Gore said. "Barack Obama is clearly the candidate best able to solve these problems and bring change to America."
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/16/gore-to-appear-with-obama/
