Verdell pointed to Gore's statement in his December 2002 announcement that, "I personally have the energy and the drive and the ambition to make another campaign."

She stated:

"I believe that he stepped aside to...see if one of the other Democratic candidates will come out, make a move, and take the lead.  But that has not happened, because in every poll that Al Gore has been in, Al Gore has overwhelmingly won that poll.  So he has given these other guys a chance; no one has captured the heart of the electorate.  It's a wide open field and Al Gore is a true leader.  He can come in and lead everyone to victory."