WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, March 10) -- Vice President Al Gore said Tuesday the 2000 presidential campaign will be "about the American people" and he has a "vision for America" to propel the nation into the 21st century.

"The 21st century is not only the beginning of a mew millennium, it's the beginning of an entirely new era in human history and we have to take new approaches," Gore told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on "Late Edition Primetime."

Gore, who has yet to officially declare his candidacy but is considered the front-runner among Democratic hopefuls, said he plans to formally announce his presidential intentions later this year.

"I haven't formally announced my candidacy yet, but when I do, I will lay out a vision of what I want to see in this country in the 21st century," he said.

"The campaign won't be about me, it'll be about the American people, and I hope they'll choose that vision of a nation with strong families and livable communities, in harmony with all of our diversity and fully prepared to lead the world."

The vice president said his vision for America will contrast that of President Bill Clinton's.

"The challenges we face in the future are different from the ones we faced in the past. I have been very much involved in shaping our current economic policies, and I feel as if I know a great deal about how to keep our prosperity going," he said.

Gore does not feel he will have to "step out of the president's shadow" to be noticed by voters.

"I don't feel like I'm in his shadow," he said. "I think the job of vice president is very different and very distinct from the job of president. And for the last six years-plus, I've concentrated on doing the best job I can as vice president to help him be the best president he can be."

(Full transcript of Gore interview)

Wednesday, March 10, 1999

• Dole announces presidential exploratory committee
• House to debate sending troops to Kosovo
• GOP leaders pledge to lock away Social Security trust fund
• Republicans hammer Gore over U.S. policy toward China
• Opening statements begin in McDougal trial
• White House names new communications director
• Lamar Alexander kicks off second GOP bid without the plaid
• Justice seeks to overturn recent Miranda ruling
• Gore: Campaign will 'be about the American people'
• Senate hears divergent views on Cuba policy
• Committee sends steel imports quota bill to House
• House panel overwhelmingly approves ATM fee disclosure measure
• Campaigns under way to influence Social Security overhaul debate
• Alabama's Senate standoff moves to state Supreme Court
• Appeals court upholds charges against Cisneros
• Arkansas lawmakers reject money for Clinton museum
• Reno, lawmakers wrangle over anti-crime funds
• Gov. Bush's abortion stance challenged
• House votes to protect nursing home patients

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