"The survival of the United States of America as we know it is at risk."

By Michael J.W. Stickings

The survival of the world, in fact, the survival of all of us.

There has been a lot of reaction to Gore's speech -- what a visionary, challenging speech it was -- and I recommend Andrew Revkin's Dot Earth post, but please take the time to watch it in full (see below).

You can read the speech here: "There are times in the history of our nation when our very way of life depends upon dispelling illusions and awakening to the challenge of a present danger..."

And yet those are some pretty powerful illusions, promulgated by powerful interests, and Americans will not give them up easily. Which is why one must appeal to baser self-interest: "The way to bring gas prices down is to end our dependence on oil and use the renewable sources that can give us the equivalent of $1 a gallon gasoline."

Renewable, non-carbon-based energy is good not just for the planet -- and the key to our very survival -- but for our pocketbooks. But it will take firm political will...

And Obama has responded: "I strongly agree with Vice President Gore... [T]hose are the investments I will make as President."

Gore praised both Obama and McCain, but Steve Benen makes the point that needs to be made about McCain: "Is McCain 'way ahead' of most politicians? Maybe in today's Republican Party, but he's not where Americans need him to be."

One final thought for now: As much as I like Obama -- and if you read this blog you know that I'm a passionate admirer and supporter -- it is Al Gore who should be president.