Al Gore, the ... firebrand orator?

In an absolutely stunning King Day speech, he rips furiously into the Bush Administration's arrogance and disregard for the Constitution. (Text here; podcast here; commentary here and elsewhere.) If he'd displayed this kind of clear-spoken, remorselessly logical ferocity in the 2000 presidential campaign, he might very well be president now.

Political bloggers are taking note of the speech and forwarding it around the blogosphere at a fevered pace, although the "mainstream" media seems disinclined to pay attention. (Check Technorati.) I think Gore has struck a nerve. And I don't think the country can afford to ignore his warning.