The rhetoric since Bush came in--actually, since Reagan--is just so ridiculously over the top. I blame politics as much as TV for this kind of silliness.
If I was ever at a Q & A for Gore's stupidass movie, I'd mention this and say "You politicians are always talking about leadership, but you keep up with this silly rhetoric because 'everyone else does it'. I know there is no controlling legal authority for good manners, but can't you be a man and engage in political debate without the heated rhetoric? I'll make it simple, Mr. Gore, grow up."
Wasn't Gore considered somewhat of a conservative, in Democratic circles, when he was a senator?