Al Gore: Fox News & Talk Radio 'Propaganda' Has Created a 'Hostile Environment' for Progressives

Former Vice President Al Gore talks during an interview, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013 in New York. Gore has recently published a book, "The Future: Six Drivers of Global Change." (AP)

Al Gore said President Barack Obama was forced to be cautious during his first term in office because of the "propaganda" served up by Fox News and talk radio that created a "hostile environment for progressive ideas."

The former vice president -- who has been on somewhat of a media whirlwind since the sale his Current TV to Arab news network Al-Jazeera -- made the comment during an interview to promote his latest book with PBS' Charlie Rose this week in New York.

"I think it has been a pretty hostile environment for progressive ideas," Gore said.

“And why is that?” Rose asked. “That you’re saying it’s a very hostile environment for progressive ideas because of the importance of money in corporations? Or -- "

" -- and Fox News and the right-wing talk radio,” Gore said as the audience laughed. "It's not that complicated. In Tennessee there’s an old saying, if you see a turtle on a fence post you can be pretty sure it didn’t get there by itself. And the fact that we have 24/7 propaganda masquerading as news, you know it does have an impact.”

Gore went on to decry "the lobbying situation, the big money situation" that leave progressiveness at a disadvantage. Rose named the conservative Koch brothers, but pointed out there are equally well-funded individuals on the liberal side. Gore interrupted that that it was a "false equivalency," and the audience cheered.

He also had some kind words for billionaire investor George Soros.

"People talk about George Soros -- George Soros is a wonderful guy and he's had an influence, I wish he had more influence."

(H/T:  Fox Nation)