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In the Crossfire

Should other Democrats step aside for Gore in 2004?

(CNN) -- Al Gore has returned to the national spotlight with a speech critical of the Bush administration, indicating he may want a second shot at the presidency after narrowly losing the 2000 election.

But the former vice president may be facing some competition for the 2004 Democratic nomination. Among Gore's possible opponents is U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, who spoke last weekend at the same Florida convention as Gore.

"Crossfire" host Tucker Carlson queried Kerry about his presidential ambitions Tuesday.

CARLSON: Sen. Kerry, you may be running for president. Gore supporters, both of them, are saying, "Wait a second, Al Gore served as vice president for eight years, fought this very bitter election." Some Democrats, both of them, I said, believe he actually won. Shouldn't other Democrats just stand back and let him have it? He earned it.

KERRY: Well, first of all, I haven't made any decision, Tucker, and I think you know that. I'm running for re-election this year in Massachusetts. I haven't made any decision. ...

CARLSON: But you are not technically opposed by a Republican yet.

KERRY: Not only not technically but not really.

CARLSON: Good, just wanted to get that straight.

KERRY: But I'm holding my breath. It's not done yet, and we'll see where we are. You know, you respect the process, and you prepare for whatever eventuality, and that's exactly what I am doing. I think it is healthy to have a party that has different people with different ideas and can test any kind of office.

CARLSON: But Gore ... you must admit, he spent eight years. Don't you think people should -- not just you, but [Sens. John] Edwards and [Joseph] Lieberman and all the rest who are thinking about it, shouldn't they just stand back and let him have it? He earned it.

KERRY: No, I think we should think about it when the right time comes, but I'm not going to make my decision based on anybody else's plans or decision. I'm going to do it based on my sense of where the country is, what the priorities are and whether or not I think I can contribute constructively to a debate about it.