Vice President Al Gore is often lampooned as a wooden, reserved politician. But a relaxed and animated Gore showed a different side in appearances before enthusiastic crowds in Spokane and Seattle.
The vice president lashed out Monday at what he called the Republicans' "extremist course" - and urged his own troops to work for a big voter turnout Tuesday.Much of Gore's Seattle speech was delivered at a hoarse shout.
"This is the Al Gore I know," said Joe Cerrell, who resigned from the vice president's staff to act as his chief campaign spokesman in Washington state. "He has a lot to be happy about."
"Listen! The name of the game is turnout!" Gore shouted to about 500 supporters who escaped a driving rain when organizers chose a hangar-like Port of Seattle building on the Puget Sound waterfront as a rally site.
He also headlined a $250-a-person reception to raise money for a coordinated campaign for all Democrats on the Washington ballot.
State Democratic leaders, seeing a potential downside to the steady, substantial lead in the polls for president and governor, say they worry about complacency and no-shows that could doom Democrats down the ballot, such as congressional challengers.
After offering a withering description of congressional Republicans' proposals and performance, and outlining a rosy picture of the Democrats' record, Gore yelled "It depends on electing Democrats! It depends on turnout! It depends on you!"
He led a similar pep rally earlier in the day in Spokane, urging activists to launch an all-out drive to turn out supporters for the entire Democratic ticket.
After his stop in Seattle, Gore flew to Eugene, Ore., for an overnight stay before a morning rally at the University of Oregon.
"Washington state, among all the 50 states, has the chance to call Newt Gingrich's bluff," the vice president said. He said if Republicans lose the majority - an 18-seat swing - Gingrich may head home to Georgia.
Washington's six competitive House seats amount to a third of the seats needed nationally.