Former vice president Al Gore is announcing today his endorsement of former Vermont governor Howard Dean for president today in a move that surprised many campaign observers. Gore, who ran for president in 2000 and won the popular vote, will make his announcement in Harlem alongside Dean who is already seen as the frontrunner in the campaign. For Dean, the endorsement gives him the backing of one of the best-known establishment Democrats. Gore’s decision is being viewed as a major blow to Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman who ran as Gore’s presidential running mate in 2000. Tonight Dean will join the other Democratic candidates for a debate in New Hampshire, where the first primary takes place on Jan. 27.