Gore says Obama will spread hope

DENVER, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Barack Obama is the right candidate to help America transition into a new era, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore told the Democratic faithful in Denver.

As President Abraham Lincoln was the right candidate to lead America through a painful period in the 1800s, "once again we have a candidate whose experience perfectly matches this transition," Gore said Thursday, the final day of the Democratic National Convention.

"The question, simply put, is will we seize the opportunity for a change?" the Nobel Peace Prize laureate asked the crowd at Invesco Field at Mile High.

Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain offers the same policies of President George W. Bush, Gore said.

"I believe in recycling," he said, "but this is ridiculous."

Democratic presidential nominee Obama "is telling us exactly what he will do" regarding the economy, the role of government, healthcare, national security and foreign policy, Gore said.

"Why is the election so close? It's close today because the forces of the status quo are desperately afraid of the change that Barack Obama represents."

Gore referred in closing to the proverb, "When you pray, move your feet."

"And then let us leave here tonight and take that message of hope from Denver," he said, "and do everything we can to serve our nation, our world, and our children and their future, by electing Barack Obama president of the United States of America."