I’ve never been a huge fan of Al Gore. I think he got a raw deal in the 2000 election (and certainly would have preferred him to GW), but it was as much his fault for the way he campaigned as it is the fault of anyone else’s shenanigans. I think he’s gotten a raw deal in the press numerous times, but his inexpressive, wooden demeanor is partly to blame for that.

But on Charlie Rose last night, Al Gore was impressive. He’s always had a command of the issues– not just scientifically, but politically as well– but his whole way of speaking has changed. Maybe it’s just six years of farcical Republican rule, but I kept thinking how completely ludicrous it was to imagine anyone in the Bush White House being as knowledgeable, thorough and presenting themselves as well as Gore did… much less Bush himself.

The thing is, Gore gets it. I mean really gets it, not like even those good politicians who seem to get it. And after getting over the sting of the elections, he has the easy satisfaction of someone with events and history on their side. And he’s still innovating. Watching him speak on the environment, Iraq, the economy– it was scary smart.

I have to agree with Scott Rosenberg– Gore should be doing something more important and with more power than just being President. He has real knowledge and real ideas– why waste that in a political morass?