So Al Gore was just awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, for  being "probably the single individual who has done most to create greater worldwide understanding of the measures that need to be adopted" to combat climate change, according to his citation. (The United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was also a joint winner of the Prize).   

Gore’s Prize was a blow to U.S. President George W. Bush and his widely criticized environmental policy, ironic considering that Gore lost the bitter 2000 presidential election to Bush by a hair.  "The Nobel Committee's recognition of Vice President Gore shines a bright light on the most inconvenient truth of all - the selection of George Bush as president has endangered the peace and prosperity of the entire planet," said fellow Democrat John Edwards, a 2008 White House contender.

After Gore won the popular vote for president nationwide but lost a crucial Florida vote recount battle, he was forced to reinvent himself.   He became an environmental dynamo, winning an Oscar in 2007 for his documentary film "An Inconvenient Truth” and now, one of the most important honors that a human being can receive.

Seven years ago, there were moments when Gore probably felt like his career was over.  He had failed, and his lifelong goal of becoming president was out of reach.  It says a lot about this man that instead of disappearing from public view, he swallowed his pride and used his celebrity to promote a cause that was dear to his heart. 

Today, many would argue, myself included, that Gore made more of an impact on the world as an environmental crusader than he ever would have as president, and that he realized his true potential only when faced with the greatest setback of his life.  For those of you who have nourished a dream that hasn’t come to fruition, Gore’s story should provide hope and inspiration.  There’s special work out there for you too, even if it’s not originally what you had in mind.

Incidentally, Gore is now being courted by some Democratic supporters who think he should make another go of it in the 2008 presidential race.  He probably won’t do it though.  He has more important things on his mind.