Gore's book opens new chapter in presidential story

Even their closest friends wouldn't pretend it's a seminal literary event. But Joined at the Heart, meditations by Al and Tipper Gore on the state of the American family, is serving a time-honoured political purpose: testing the waters for a possible presidential run.

Right now, thanks to the book and its 25-day launch tour, the defeated Democratic candidate of 2000 seems to be everywhere. Yesterday alone saw the publication of a magazine interview and no less than three lengthy interviews on television talk shows.

These appearances are certainly pushing the book (politicians too keep a close eye on royalties), but, far more importantly, the publicity is aimed at introducing the "new" Al Gore – not the wooden pre-programmed Gore of 2000 who just couldn't connect, but a liberal-leaning, folksy and speak-from-the-heart Al who vows he'll never employ another political consultant.

The enterprise is perfectly timed, days after a disastrous mid-term election which proved that the Democrats have neither a message nor a messenger. At which point re-enter Mr Gore. "I'm Al Gore and I used to be the next president of the United States," he introduces himself to the crowds queuing up for their signed copies.

Mr Gore, of course, is not alone as an author. Indeed, the likely 2004 Democratic field can be measured in the publishing house catalogues for next autumn, the eve of the make-or-break primary season. First up will be an authorised biography of John Kerry, who has already virtually declared. Tour of Duty: John Kerry and the Vietnam War will project the Massachusetts Senator as a war hero and patriot, touting credentials which Democrats are often held to lack.

Joe Lieberman, Mr Gore's running mate in 2000 and a possible candidate next time around, will offer his personal account of the last campaign. Also on the production line are tomes by two other likely contenders, senators John Edwards of North Carolina and Tom Daschle of South Dakota.

But all of them are eyeing Mr Gore, whose name recognition would make him the automatic front-runner if he takes the plunge. The man himself won't reveal his intentions, but America's last great politically tinged book tour may offer a clue. In late 1995, Colin Powell's My American Journey was widely seen as a launching pad for a presidential run against Bill Clinton. In the end, though, General Powell said "no".