That's an excellent question from a Rhetorical perspective, m. Harrogate guesses it has mostly to do with signification--for these last eight years, Gore has had so much written and projected upon him --nay, the Idea of him--by those of us who harbor sympathies to the Democratic Party. And then his Nobel Prize only codified this further.
Whether or not this is a good thing, of course, is a whole other barrel or barrels.
All of the living former presidents and former vice-presidents attend and receive very good seats.
ReplyDeleteThat's an excellent question from a Rhetorical perspective, m. Harrogate guesses it has mostly to do with signification--for these last eight years, Gore has had so much written and projected upon him --nay, the Idea of him--by those of us who harbor sympathies to the Democratic Party. And then his Nobel Prize only codified this further.
ReplyDeleteWhether or not this is a good thing, of course, is a whole other barrel or barrels.
I knew you'd know the answer, Solon. I knew former presidents got good seats, but I didn't realize that was extended to former VPs as well.
ReplyDeleteI think it's because he invented the internet and is single-handedly saving the planet. ;)
ReplyDeleteThe symbolic moment is that former leaders can step forward in a peaceful manner to honor the incoming administration.
ReplyDeleteBut Supa D's explanation is as good, if not better, than mine.