Meaning: This quote by Fred Barnes, a journalist and political commentator, makes a comparison between former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Al Gore in their approach to two different issues. The first part of the quote draws a parallel between Obama's rhetoric on the stimulus bill and Al Gore's stance on global warming, suggesting that as the case for man-made warming weakens, Gore becomes more hysterical about an imminent catastrophe, just as Obama embraces fear-mongering as public support for his stimulus bill declines.

The comparison between Obama and Al Gore in this quote is quite thought-provoking and warrants a closer examination. Let's break down the quote and explore the context and implications of the comparison.

Firstly, the comparison between Obama and Al Gore is centered on their messaging and response to challenges. Fred Barnes suggests that as the case for man-made global warming weakens, Al Gore becomes more hysterical about an imminent catastrophe. This alludes to the idea that Gore's advocacy for action on climate change becomes more heightened and urgent as the scientific evidence supporting man-made global warming is questioned or undermined.

Similarly, Barnes suggests that as public support for Obama's stimulus bill declines, the former President embraces fear-mongering. This implies that Obama resorts to using fear tactics to drum up support for his policy initiatives in the face of waning public approval.

To fully grasp the significance of this comparison, it's important to consider the broader context of the issues at hand. In the case of Al Gore and global warming, the debate over climate change has been a contentious and polarizing topic for many years. While the scientific consensus supports the existence of man-made global warming, there are often dissenting voices and skeptics who challenge this consensus. Gore's advocacy for urgent action to address climate change has been characterized by some as alarmist, especially in the face of skepticism about the severity and causes of global warming.

Similarly, the stimulus bill referenced in the quote likely pertains to the economic stimulus package proposed by President Obama in response to the 2008 financial crisis. The bill faced criticism and opposition, and as public support waned, Obama may have felt compelled to employ fear-mongering tactics to rally support for the legislation.

Barnes' comparison between Obama and Gore can be seen as a commentary on the use of fear and urgency in political messaging. It suggests that when faced with challenges to their positions or policies, both Obama and Gore ramp up their rhetoric and employ fear-based tactics to bolster their agendas. The quote implies a level of cynicism about the motivations behind their communication strategies, framing them as reactionary responses to declining support or legitimacy.

In conclusion, Fred Barnes' quote draws a compelling comparison between the communication strategies of Barack Obama and Al Gore in response to challenges to their respective positions and policies. The comparison raises questions about the role of fear and urgency in political messaging and the motivations behind such tactics. By examining the broader context of the issues at hand, we can gain a deeper understanding of the implications of this comparison and the dynamics of public discourse on complex and contentious topics.