VP Al Gore and Speaker Pelosi at Netroots Nation

Vice President Al Gore made a surprise visit to Netroots Nation this morning to talk about www.wecansolveit.org and challenge us to become 100% energy independent by switching to 100% renewable resources. He and Speaker Pelosi are sharing the stage right now, talking about some of the most important issues to young voters this election: the job market, the war in Iraq, and of course global warming.



The two have answered audience questions on everything from wind power to sending more care packages to our soldiers in Iraq. Nancy Pelosi gave a great response to a question about sex education. One audience member has just asked Speaker Pelosi if Congress accepts Vice President Gore's challenge.

Her answer: "It is absolutely possible."

Al Gore Speech

Rock the Vote interns took a break today to go hear Al Gore speak at the DAR Constitution Hall.

Wow! That was such an amazing experience! I just got back from seeing Al Gore speak about the environment and what we can do to help solve the energy crisis that we are currently facing. The DAR was packed! There were only a few seats left empty. The seats were filled with people such as will.i.iam from the Black Eyed Peas, Al Gore's daughter and wife and several other important members of congress.

Today, Al Gore said "never have I seen so much wrong simultaneously". He spoke about changing the way we live our lives and that the answer to several of the problems that we currently face is ending our reliance on Carbon based fuels. Gore said that this solution, and other environmental solutions are in actuality, the answer to sky-high prices everywhere from the gas pump to the grocery store, problems with taxes and problems with employment.

Next, Gore posed a challenge to America. He challenged us to commit to producing 100% of electricity from alternative energy sources (i.e, non-carbon based fuels). Ryan Lee, 21, who also attended the speech thought that Gore's proposals were realistic and could be achieved.

He continued by saying that America has an appetite for a "new, different and bold approach". That is where Gore and I differ. I strongly disagree with him. I think that Americans are hesitant to change their old habits that they have grown up with and become accustomed to.

The excitement for me however, started after Gore's speech. I met will.i.am and even talked to him about Rock the Vote. He seemed very impressed with what we are trying to do and liked and approved with our main missions.



As if I wasn't star struck enough, I then met and interviewed Congressman Bob Barr. In regards to what Gore spoke about, Barr believes that he is deeply sincere. He believes Gore has nothing politically to gain from talking about and helping to solve the current environmental issues. I then asked Barr about youth vote and what his views are on its importance and its role in politics. Barr said that "[the young people] are the future of politics and cannot be overemphasized". He also noted that young people tend to be much more "open" and they "look down the road towards long term solutions." When asked the weight that young people will play in the upcoming presidential campaign, he responded by saying "pivotal".

-- Jane Maglaque