"The presidency is more than a popularity contest"

In this quote, Al Gore is stressing the value and seriousness of the role of the presidency. He is recommending that being a president is not almost being well-liked or popular, but it requires a lot more than that. The presidency is a position of great duty and needs strong leadership abilities, intelligence, and the capability to make tough choices. It is not something that should be ignored or dealt with as an appeal contest. Gore is reminding us that the presidency is a serious job that requires a serious and capable individual to satisfy its responsibilities.