Gore Still Ponders 2008

An old friend may prove a roadblock to Hillary Clinton's plans to win the Democratic nomination for the presidency in 2008 - Al Gore.

Gore says he has no plans of running in 2008.

But Gore's friends view his recent political and business moves as a sign that he's preparing for another run for the White House, U.S. News & World Report column Washington Whispers reports.

In recent speeches Gore has been increasingly airing his views on domestic and international issues.

"And in raising money for his Current TV network, which targets the critical youth market, Big Al has built an issue base and donor network that's competitive with Sen. Hillary Clinton's," U.S. News says.

The columnist said a top aide in the previous Bush administration is planning meetings with the Gore camp to urge an early entry in the 2008 race while Hillary runs for re-election in New York next year.

And Gore's supporters have already handpicked his preferred running mate: Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.

One thing is for sure. If Gore doesn't run - he, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry and Howard Dean (the ?Gang of Four') will be actively working to stop Hillary Clinton.