Gore says he’s through with VP job

Al Gore has a lot of advice for the next president of the United States, whoever that may be. But he won’t be beside him as vice president, even if the Democrat wins.

Gore dashed the hopes of those who think Obama-Gore would be a dream ticket, in an interview Thursday with Katie Couric on the “CBS Evening News.” The interview was conducted after Gore suggested an ambitious energy plan for the future administration at a speech in Washington.

“I have a personal term limit,” said Gore, who served for eight years as Bill Clinton’s vice president. “Only two terms as VP.”

Couric then wondered what Gore would do if Barack Obama came to him and begged, “Al, buddy, listen. I really, really, really need you.”

Gore said the answer would still be no.

Speculation about an Obama-Gore ticket has bubbled in the blogosphere. Last month Gore gave Obama a hearty endorsement.

Gore, who won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to draw the world’s attention to global warming, even used his website to solicit donations for Obama.

But when Couric suggested that Gore was playing coy in denying interest in the VP spot, Gore shook his head and vowed: “This interview will not come back to haunt me. You can believe me.”

-- Kate Linthicum