“We need to set aside” the issue of what is causing global warming, the president said, in defense of his decision not to watch Al Gore’s movie. To which Gore later thundered back, “Why should we set aside the global scientific consensus? Is it because Exxon Mobil wants us to set it aside?” Not that this is a surprise, but what a tragedy nonetheless that the man who could most effect meaningful change on the issue of global warming won’t even watch an acclaimed movie on the issue.


L.A. Times:

WASHINGTON ? Is President Bush likely to see Al Gore’s documentary about global warming? “Doubt it,” Bush said coolly Monday. But Bush should watch it, Gore shot back. In fact, the former Democratic vice president offered to come to the White House any time, any day to show Bush either his documentary or a slide show on global warming that he’s shown more than 1,000 times around the world.

“The entire global scientific community has a consensus on the question that human beings are responsible for global warming and he has today again expressed personal doubt that that is true,” Gore said in an Associated Press interview from France where he attended the Cannes Film Festival.

Bush and Gore have had bitter disagreements about the environment and other issues. Bush defeated Gore in a disputed presidential election that was finally settled by the Supreme Court in 2000.

Gore’s documentary chronicles his efforts to bring greater attention to the dangers of climate change.

“New technologies will change how we live and how we drive our cars, which all will have the beneficial effect of improving the environment,” Bush said. “And in my judgment we need to set aside whether or not greenhouse gases have been caused by mankind or because of natural effects and focus on the technologies that will enable us to live better lives and at the same time protect the environment.”

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