Taking time out from actively campaigning for her husband in the Upper Valley, Tipper Gore talked to The Dartmouth about her role in her husband's ultimate quest for the Presidency and what she envisions her role would be "First Lady Gore."
With New Hampshire primaries less than two weeks away, Gore is a veteran when it comes to the campaign frenzy. With her husband Al in public service for 23 years, she has supported him in his bids for the House of Representatives, the Senate and most recently for the Vice Presidency in 1992 and 1996.
"This [campaign] is no different in terms of the level of my support," Gore said. "He's the kind of leader that I think we need, and I would probably be involved in his campaign anyway, even if I were not married to him."
Gore said she believes in what her husband stands for, citing Al Gore's record as evidence for his consistent fights for Democratic principles, and his belief that the party serves the greater good, especially with regard to health care or the environment.
According to Gore, she shares dedication to environmental issues with her husband, whom she regards as "the person" on the environment. With commitments to clear air, clean water and land preservation, he understands domestic challenges and the need to collaborate as a global community, she said.
As a potential leader, Gore describes her husband as "compassionate" and "caring deeply" for the underprivileged.
"Obviously the job is not done on social justice. We have to continue to build progress in the areas of human rights, civil rights and women's rights," she said.
Gore also credits her husband for plans that will insure all children with health care and improve Medicaid. She mentioned such programs are a fiscally responsible way to use the surplus and keep the economy strong while addressing the needs of the populace.
When she casts her ballot, Gore cites her husband's extensive experience, especially in foreign policy, as what would determine her vote.
On the domestic front, Gore said the vice-president's involvement with the current administration has created 20 million new jobs and contributed to high home ownership and the lowest unemployment rate in history. The trend of prosperity requires a national leader like the vice-president who knows how to continue the economic surge, she said.
While on the Presidential campaign trail, Gore said one change in her husband has been his shift from being a team player while in the White House to now campaigning on his own and looking towards the future.
Gore strongly supports the multitude of political debates in New Hampshire because they combat cynicism and are a vehicle for campaign finance reform through lessening the dependency on television ads to disseminate ideas and issues to voters.
In fact, Gore said she has been somewhat disappointed by the number of debates, wishing there were more, and said that her husband would never turn one down.
When asked about the projects she would pursue if she became the First Lady, Gore mentioned a slew of social causes, including improved access to mental health.
"It's time to make it easier for college-age kids [to get] counseling if they need it and for them not to be hesitant to do that because of the past stigma of mental health," she said, using college students as an example.
For the past 20 years hunger and homelessness have also been a project for Gore. She said she would promote federal programs such as substance abuse, counseling, day care and job training to help people get back on their feet.
"I would like to see a lot more done on the continuum of care services," she said.
Gore also volunteers her spare time to assist the homeless.
"The spirit of volunteers that is alive with college students inspires me because the government can't solve all the problems that we have," she said.
Gore is no stranger to Dartmouth's campus. In attendance at last October's Democratic town meeting in Moore Theater, Gore also visited Hanover last spring when she spoke on mental health care and the need for greater access and inclusion in the health care system.
"I think this school is unique and terrific. I like the feel here," Gore said, referring to the intimacy of the campus. "I like the quality of education here and the fact that kids here seem to be responsive to civil duty and volunteering."
In order to best utilize the educated youth of America, Gore said one meaningful way would be to address social problems of racial tensions, school violence, poverty and homelessness by "ask[ing] people to do things that help become solutions."
"If kids harness the idealism that they have and be inspired to put that to good use in their communities [that will lead to] progress in solving problems."
