Throwing the book at us

Gore in the Balance might be a fitting title for the former vice president's new book. Or maybe It Takes a Village, Part Deux. Actually, Henry Holt chose Joined at the Heart for its expected November bestseller from the 2000 Democratic presidential hopeful and his wife, Tipper.

Subtitled "The Transformation of the American Family," the book looks like an effort to tie a family-values message to liberal causes, similar to Hillary Clinton's crusade of the 1990s. Promotional copy bills it as a "groundbreaking book about the changing face of the American family."

If the excerpt from the book posted on Amazon.com is any hint, Heart will read like a typical political speech, full of vague expressions and obvious notions. "Work is important, but so is family," the Gores inform us in one "groundbreaking" passage. "We want good jobs, good incomes, and a strong economy. But we also want strong families, good marriages, and the chance to be good parents to our children. We want a decent night's sleep and time with loved ones and friends. In short, we want well-rounded lives that are fulfilling both at work and with our families."