It would be a subversion of everything done in the primaries. In a representative republic, we don't all vote democratically on all issues. Thus, the ability to participate in elections on a regular basis is crucial. Plucking Gore at a late date, rather than him entering as a third party candidate, would galvanize centrist support for McCain as a form of protest.

I'll admit that Obama's outwardly calm way of dealing with the recent Rev. Wright controversies was impressive. I can see where some might fear that Obama would bring Rev. Wright's agenda to the Oval Office, although Obama's limited record in public service doesn't support this. It seems to me that his manner of response made him look more sure-handed and even-tempered than does Hillary Clinton or John McCain. In any other election year, his association with a moderately radical church might have been a killer. But coming off the Bush presidency, I think he's got a good chance to survive it.