Live Chat: David Gergen

Aug. 16 -- Has the Democratic Party given Al Gore the mandate he needs to carry him to victory in November?

ABCNEWS' Nightline gave a summary of the day's events from the Democratic Convention. After the broadcast, ABCNEWS.com viewers chatted live with David Gergen, former presidential advisor, and editor-at-large for U.S. News & World Report.

Moderator

Welcome to our conversation with David Gergen. Thanks for joining us, David.

David, what did you think of Sen. Lieberman's speech tonight?

David Gergen

Sen. Lieberman's speech was first rate. It displayed a warmth and authenticity that will be remembered long after the lines themselves. Al Gore has obviously struck people as cool, and they're not quite sure he's authentic. With Joe Lieberman, people saw that he had chosen someone to serve with him who is warm, decent and principled. That will be a plus for the ticket.

Moderator

Did President Clinton's speech on Monday night have the desired effect of establishing Al Gore as the candidate and not just Clinton's vice president?

David Gergen

Clinton's speech was most effective at telling voters the last eight years of prosperity did not come accidentally. Republicans had argued in Philadelphia that the boom was really not a product of the Clinton presidency, and Clinton helped to rebut that.

However, I am very surprised by the degree to which the Democratic speakers in prime time in the two nights since have acted as if a man named Bill Clinton barely exists. They have walked away from him much more than might have been expected after his highly effective speech on Monday night.

Troy says: Gore has served in the Senate, and eight years as VP. Why don't you think the public has a clear picture of who he is?

David Gergen

That's a very good question. In part, it's because as vice president he had to fade into the shadows and become subservient to Bill Clinton.

Even so, one might expect that he would have established his voice as a political leader before now. That's why his speech tomorrow night is so critical — perhaps the most critical event of the campaign — because for one hour he will have the attention of the country, and he can help everyone determine more fully who he is and what he believes.

Moderator

What does Al Gore need to address in his acceptance speech tomorrow at the Democratic National Convention to appeal to independent voters?

David Gergen

There is a debate among Democrats surrounding Gore: whether he should engage in a populist appeal to independents, of the kind he has waged in recent weeks when he has attacked various industries and talked about representing the people versus the powerful. There are some consultants around Gore who would like him to take the populist approach.