Rumors are circulating the Internet this week that Barack Obama would take on Nobel Prize winner and Hollywood darling Al Gore as his running mate.

Channeling David Letterman, the Times Online put together a top ten list of why Obama is likely to pick Gore:

1.) He brings experience to the ticket. Inexperience is Obama’s greatest weak point.
2.) He represented a southern state, so he would broaden the geographical base of Obama’s campaign.
3.) He would rouse the Democratic base, stoking their desire for revenge for 2000 and increasing the turnout on the Dem side. This would allow Obama to concentrate on swing voters.

Strategists are doubtful. The rumors started after Obama, at a town hall meeting in Pennsylvania Wednesday, said he’d include Gore in his administration.

“I would,” Obama said. “Not only will I, but I will make a commitment that Al Gore will be at the table and play a central part in us figuring out how we solve this problem. He’s somebody I talk to on a regular basis. I’m already consulting with him in terms of these issues, but climate change is real. It is something we have to deal with now, not 10 years from now, not 20 years from now.”

Both Obama and Hillary Clinton are actively pursuing Gore’s support. As an influential superdelegate, Gore’s support could sway the opinions of other Democratic superdelegates. Strategists say Obama’s announcement is a political gesture to further ingratiate himself with Gore.

“A former vice president doesn’t go into a cabinet,” Republican strategist Holly Robichaud said.