There are of course indefensible statements in his speech–his claim that Bush is not protecting the constitutional rights of racial minorities, non-Christians, and disabled people, for example. And it is annoying that the press won’t call these guys on any of this. But as a piece of writing, with a logical structure, Gore’s speech is better than most I’ve seen this week, including ones that were more effective. It plants down its premises and builds on them; it makes an argument; it demands a bit of attention. It’s a nice change of pace from, say, Bill Richardson.

P.S. He does not associate the peace and prosperity of 2000 with Clinton; doesn’t mention his name. Interesting.