Gore ran for president in 1988 but was defeated in the Democratic primaries by Michael Dukakis.

In 1989, his 6-year-old son Albert was hit by a car and nearly killed. The accident factored into his decision not to run for president in 1992.

President Clinton selected him as his running mate in 1992. At age 44, Al became one of the youngest people to hold the office of vice president.