Gore stands at the end of the basketball court and addresses the group with a microphone. He opens by telling his life story, beginning with selective biographies of his parents. He follows with a short campaign speech, then he opens the floor to questions. Gore promises to answer every single one. He means it.
Tonight is no exception.
Gore prides himself on being patient. After answering the same question about Social Security for the third time, he seems perfectly happy to answer it again. After an hour or so, the gym begins to get uncomfortably hot. Camera crews from the campaign are filming the event for commercials, and there are large, movie-type floodlights positioned around the room. Each throws off more heat than a steam radiator.