Quotes of the Day

Howard Dean and Tom Harkin were supposed to be the stars Saturday at an event at the University of Dubuque. A day earlier, Dean had received what is considered a huge coup for any caucus contender, the endorsement of the popular Iowa senator Harkin. But it was Al Gore who stole the show. His endorsement of Dean is old news, but Gore, constantly derided as the dull candidate when he ran four years ago, drew huge applause and laughs from the crowd of more than 300 he joked about life outside the White House. "I'm still getting adjusted to this,” Gore said. “I used to be the vice-president for eight years and now I’ve got to take my shoes off to get on an airplane.” Gore sharply defended both himself and the candidate he now supports, Dean. "Bill Clinton said you have to be able to take a punch," Gore said. "Well, here's a guy who takes 10 punches and keeps coming back.”

When the event ended, a throng of Iowans walked to the front of the auditorium to shake hands with the three men. Harkin and Dean drew large crowds, but Gore had by far the largest group snapping pictures and pushing one another to get close to him. And he seemed to love the moment, looking every person in the eye as he chatted with them. As it neared time for the men to leave, Dean was looking towards the door, trying to stay on schedule. But Gore, while not wanting to upstage Harkin or Dean by overstaying his welcome, was glowing from the attention. As an aide motioned him toward the door, he displayed the quick, happy gait of a man whose latest reinvention as a Democratic kingmaker may fit him just right.

• Perry Bacon Jr.
• In Iowa, the former Veep steals the spotlight from Dean and Harkin