As he took the stage to the applause from about 200 supporters, former Vice President Al Gore said in Florida that the choice between the two presidential candidates – Barack Obama and John McCain – is a clear one. He added that it was practically the choice between change and more of the same.  

Gore’s visit to Florida marked the first time he has hit the campaign trail for Obama after endorsing him in June, and speaking at the Democratic National Convention in August.

Gore ticked off economic disasters, foreign policy blunders and environmental tragedies that he said took place under President Bush. He cast Tuesday as the chance to recover the indomitable spirit and reputation of the United States.

Praising the Floridians for a spirited campaign, Gore said that polls suggest Florida has turned the battleground state from the Republican camp to the Democratic, but he stopped short of predicting victory.

Accompanied by his wife, Tipper, Gore reminded the crowd of what happened eight years back, when Palm Beach County’s confusing ballot was blamed for people mistakenly voting for third-party candidate Pat Buchanan instead of Gore. His White House dreams were dashed when George W. Bush won the presidency by just 537 votes.

Gore urged Florida supporters of Barack Obama on Friday to take advantage of early voting, and to take nothing for granted. He said: “Take it from me -- elections matter. Every vote matters.”