As I said, those who are using the front runner strategy are the exception to the rule. It is a fairly successful way of manipulating the credulous, as you were manipulated, and there is nothing wrong with doing it. It is rather silly to think that this is due to some sort of virtue, as opposed to a political calculation.
By the way, what 'praising' are you stating that Keyes made of Gore.
From the article:
"So when he stands toe to toe with Al Gore on issues like abortion, he will come off looking second best because he doesn't know how to make the case properly and effectively -- and so we'll lose."
Now if that doesn't say that Gore is better than Bush at making his point then nothing does! BTW are you keyes?