Letterman queries Gore on sale to ‘ultimate foe’

Climate change crusader Al Gore has been thrust into the spotlight once again since selling his news channel Current TV to Al-Jazeera of the oil-rich United Arab Emirates.

"I'm very pleased Al-Jazeera has established itself as a really respected news gathering network," Mr. Gore told Matt Lauer in a Tuesday interview on the "Today" show.

But late-night host David Letterman didn't let him off as easily, joining a chorus of critics on the apparent contradiction during a Tuesday appearance by Mr. Gore on "The Late Show."

"So you're selling this television network to a gas- and oil-supported emirate," the host said. "Isn't that one of the problems with global warming, our dependence on petroleum-producing countries?"

"Yes, it is," Mr. Gore replied.

"So you, Al Gore," Mr. Letterman continued, "are doing business with this country that's enabling your ultimate foe of climate change."

"I think I understand what you're getting at, Dave," the former vice president replied, "but I disagree with it."

Mr. Lauer also pointed out a "bit of hypocrisy" in Mr. Gore's sale to Al-Jazeera, a network that is largely financed by fossil fuels.

"I get the criticism, I just disagree with it because this network has established itself. It's objective. It has won major awards around the world, and its climate coverage, as I said a moment ago, has been outstanding and extensive," Mr. Gore said.

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