Well, it's a done deal. Former Vice-President Al Gore officially endorsed Barack Obama last night, shocking - well, no one. In addition to stressing the importance of the individual vote, Gore went on to blast the Bush administration and echoed the electoral zeitgeist: After eight years of incompetence, neglect and failure, we need change. After eight years when our Constitution has been dishonoured and disrespected, we need changes." The crowd ate it up, of course.

Hoping to dispel doubts about Obama's readiness, Gore took some time to compare the Senator to another dynamic candidate, the oft-cited John F. Kennedy:

[Gore] quoted a “prominent Republican” who called a Democratic nominee as being too young, inexperienced and naïve. He wasn’t referring to something John McCain said about Barack Obama, however. “Who are they talking about?” he asked. “Every single one of those quotations came from the campaign of 1960, when the Republicans attacked John Fitzgerald Kennedy for allegedly lacking the age and experience necessary to be president. Richard Nixon’s slogan in that campaign was “experience counts."

Gore certainly has experience with the White House and his post-veep career as an environmental advocate captivated an entirely new generation of Americans. In theory, Gore's appearance in Michigan should give Obama a boost. Unfortunately, it may be too late:

Some early overnight reaction to the belated endorsement of Barack Obama by Al Gore. And it might disappoint the former vice president and loser in the 2000 White House race.

Exactly what Gore was waiting for in the past two weeks since Obama sewed up his party's nomination is unclear. Maybe he just wanted to go to Michigan where his prize-winning environmental pitch is so very less welcome than other places that don't make so many large cars.

Or maybe he was waiting until his endorsement meant absolutely nothing.

Why would it mean nothing? Well, it's a bit late to make a big stink over Obama. It's not as if Gore's going to back Bob Barr.

Former President - oh, sorry, Vice-President - Al Gore released this video advocating for gay equal rights. Or is it equal gay rights? Regardless, Gore's loving the gays:

Gay men and women ought to have the same rights as heterosexual men and women — to make contracts, to have hospital visiting rights, to join together in marriage, and I don't understand why it is considered by some people to be a threat to heterosexual marriage.

Did we mention he has a Nobel Peace Prize?

The Republicans' actions and words at this weekend's Values Voter Summit prove one thing: the party simply refuses to evolve. Editor Andrew Belonsky explains why the Grand Old Party needs to embrace change, look beyond the walls of social conservatism and expand its definition of family values.

CONTINUED »

Don't be distracted by the 1986 synth awesomeness, Europe's "The Final Countdown" has a serious message. We think. Consider these lyrics:

We're leaving together
but still it's farewell
and maybe we'll come back,
to earth, who can tell?

Fleeing ecological disaster, perhaps? Europe does hail from Sweden, which has gone ga-ga for electric cars. Why isn't Europe playing at Live Earth?

The song's also appropriate because today's Friday, so "The Final Countdown" is, quite literally, the final countdown to freedom. Also, it makes us think inappropriate thoughts about Will Arnett, who played Gob (pronounced "Job) on Arrested Development. Gob, of course, used "The Final Countdown" as his magical theme song. We've included two samples - and lyrics - after the jump. (Again, it's Friday.)

CONTINUED »