“The former vice president joins Apple Computer’s board,” writes The Baltimore Sun’s David Zeiler in his article, “Al Gore: Asset or liability?” He asks, “Will he help the company, or serve as a lightning rod for criticism?”
“Few additions to a company’s board cause even the barest ripple of reaction from shareholders, never mind customers. But few companies are the lightning rod that is Apple Computer Inc., and few board additions list ‘vice president of the United States’ on their resume.”
“When Apple said March 19 that former Vice President Albert Gore Jr. had been elected to its board, the initial reaction was that of surprise, with some mild approval and criticism.”
“Famous arch-conservative and longtime Mac user Rush Limbaugh promptly posted his dismay on his Web site, characterizing it as ‘devastating.'”
“‘I have to see if one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch,’ Limbaugh wrote. ‘Gosh, I hope not, and I hope he doesn’t have anything to do, other than ceremonial duties, with this outfit.'”
“Reaction in forums on the Mac Web was considerably more fierce,” reports Zeiler. Full article here.