No one really still thinks Al Gore is going to run for president (hair’s too long, waistline too expansive). But here’s one more signal that he’s not running: Gore yesterday announced that he’s joining a prestigious venture capital firm in Silicon Valley, where he’ll direct investments that help combat global warming.
Despite the green-sounding job description, and promises from the firm that Gore would be an “active” partner, it’s hard to imagine Gore will be doing much to save the world there. After all, when would he find the time? He also serves on the board of Apple, he’s a senior adviser to Google and has a pretty extensive public speaking schedule. No doubt he’ll be out campaigning for a candidate or two this year as well. The new job does, however, offer something his nonprofit climate change group doesn’t: stock options, which Gore apparently needs after a lifetime in public service.