Did Al Gore invent the Internet? Uhmm, no. But he did have a hand in helping it grow.
Unfortunately for Gore, this stupid quote sounds delusional unless you know the story behind it. (Thank goodness he stopped short of comparing the internet to a truck!) Unlike his colleague, the late Ted "The Internet Is A Series of Tubes" Stevens, Gore understood the machinations behind the internet and was able to see its potential.
The Quote:
"I took the initiative in creating the internet." —Vice President Al Gore
Context:
(LEFT) 1999 photo of CNN Anchor, Wolf Blitzer (RIGHT) Al Gore in 1999In a 1999 interview with CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer, Vice President Al Gore, who was running for President at the time, said, "I've traveled to every part of this country during the last 6 years. During my service in the United States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the internet."
Watch the Video:
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This sparked a firestorm of ridicule and controversy for Gore who to this day, is widely misquoted as claiming to have invented the internet himself. It had never been Gore's intention to take credit for the internet's existence. He didn't mean to claim he invented it so much as convey the fact that he spearheaded funding initiatives and legislation that helped create an environment where the idea could flourish.
If Al Gore didn't create the Internet, who did?
The truth is, no one person invented the internet. It was a collaborative effort involving many scientists, researchers, and engineers over several decades. It's important to note, however, that Al Gore was, indeed, among them. He didn't write code or develop protocols. But the pioneers who did are adamant about giving Gore credit for his role.
"Al was attuned to the power of networking much more than any of his elective colleagues. His initiatives led directly to the commercialization of the Internet. So he really does deserve credit." -- Computer Scientist and Internet Founder, Vinton Cerf
Gore Honored with a Lifetime Achievement Webby Award
To "set the record straight," the National Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences honored Gore in 2005 with the Webby Lifetime Achievement Award for his "contributions to the development of the internet."
The announcement alone was perfectly-worded vindication for Gore.
It read:
Setting the record straight on one of the recent history’s most persistent political myths, The Webby Awards will present Former Vice President Al Gore with The Webby Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of the pivotal role he has played in the development of the Internet over the past three decades. An early advocate of high-speed telecommunications as an engine for economic growth, Gore was among the first members of Congress to recognize the importance of the Internet. As a Senator, Gore spearheaded legislation which created the National Research and Education Network, a critical initiative that spread the Internet beyond the field of computer science. During his eight years as Vice President, Gore led efforts to expand the Internet access to the nation’s schools and libraries and provided critical political support for both the speedy privatization of the Internet and continued research in advanced networking technology. Vinton Cerf, widely credited as a founder of the Internet, will present former Vice President Gore with the award."
At the award ceremony, Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn, the computer scientists who developed TCP/IP (the foundation of the internet as we know it today) praised Gore's contributions saying,
"There's no question that while serving as Senator, Gore's initiatives had a significant and beneficial effect on the still-evolving Internet."
Keeping with Webby tradition, Gore gave a 5-word acceptance speech:
"Please don't recount this vote."
No doubt the Webby looks awesome sitting on the shelf next to Gore's Nobel Peace Prize, Academy Award, Primetime Emmy, Medal of Freedom and Grammy.
Who Said It:
