Sarah Palin Clueless as to Role of VP

Here’s Sarah Palin, who is John McCain's choice for his VP running mate, in a recent interview with Larry Kudlow on CNBC:

What is it exactly that the VP does everyday?


Her question, "What is it exactly that the VP does everyday?" should be cause for concern. Any person smarter than a fifth grader knows that first and foremost, the Vice President of the United States is next in line for the office of the President, should the President be unable to serve for any reason. And since John McCain is no spring chicken, this should be the first thing which voters should remain mindful. The VP also serves as the President of the Senate. And if for some reason a person didn't know that, I hope that someone like Sarah, who is Governor of Alaska, would know how to talk her way around the issue without making oneself look uneducated. But, in case Sarah needs more help, here’s some of what the VP does, according to Wikipedia: .

The formal powers and role of the vice president are limited by the Constitution to becoming President in the event of the death or resignation of the President and acting as the presiding officer of the U.S. Senate. As President of the Senate, the Vice President has two primary duties: to cast a vote in the event of a Senate deadlock and to preside over and certify the official vote count of the U.S. Electoral College. For example, in the first half of 2001, the Senators were divided 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats and Dick Cheney's tie-breaking vote gave the Republicans the Senate majority. (See 107th United States Congress.)

John Tyler, the first Vice President to assume the Presidency following the death of the previous President. The informal roles and functions of the Vice President depend on the specific relationship between the President and the Vice President, but often include drafter and spokesperson for the administration's policy, as an adviser to the president, as Chairman of the Board of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), as a Member of the board of the Smithsonian Institution, and as a symbol of American concern or support. Their influence in this role depends almost entirely on the characteristics of the particular administration. Cheney, for instance, is widely regarded as one of George W. Bush's closest confidants. Al Gore was an important advisor to President Bill Clinton on matters of foreign policy and the environment. Often, Vice Presidents will take harder-line stands on issues to ensure the support of the party's base while deflecting partisan criticism away from the President... Under the American system the President is both head of state and head of government, and the ceremonial duties of the former position are often delegated to the Vice President. They may meet with other heads of state or attend state funerals in other countries, at times when the administration wishes to demonstrate concern or support but cannot send the President himself.

It’s a big job, one that seems to become bigger with each passing administration, and the duties can vary by administration. The world is also becoming a more complicated place in which to live. The role of the Vice President can have more meaning and more impact with the right person in the job. But if someone - especially someone who is currently a governor - doesn’t even really have a clue as to the role of the VP, maybe they aren’t the right person for the job? While you're thinking on that, think if you would want Sarah Palin to step in as President if something were to happen to John McCain. Personally, I wouldn't.


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