Just imagine what the lefties would be saying if a losing Republican nominee had failed to endorse his running mate for the top slot in the next campaign. There was a lot more to Al's decision and we have a right to know what it is.
My view, of course, is that Al will try to run at the 2004 convention and wanted to take out anyone who might compete as a centrist and, if nothing else, maitain status as a party leader into the 2008 campaign.