Clinton and Gore insiders watch each other -- and Al's weight

Newsday: Sizing up the odds for a run
Gore a heavy hitter in ’08? Chances may be slim
BY GLENN THRUSH

...."If he's running, he'll start losing weight fast," said a Clinton insider, who didn't want to be identified. "Judging from where he is now, I'd say he's not running ... But that could change fast. "

That opinion was confirmed by one of the former vice president's closest friends, who also requested anonymity.

"When Al Gore decides to do something, he gets into physical shape," the person said. "When he was campaigning in 2000, he would have a treadmill in his room ... Gore is a former athlete. He's a very competitive man. Just ask anybody who's ever played a game of pick-up basketball with him. "

But one Gore insider cautioned against waistline-gazing, saying Gore was watching Clinton as closely as she is watching him.

"I don't think if you asked him today if he were running for president, he'd know one way or another," the person said, not wanting to be identified. "But if she stumbles, I guess he'll have to lose weight on the campaign trail. "

Clinton's supporters are hoping that never happens. Clinton scheduled three environmental announcements in upstate New York yesterday, hours after Gore spoke at the Academy Awards....

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