Cheney Legacy?

[ThomWV]

Despise the Bush Administration as much as I do there is still one aspect of it that I think might be worth repeating. That is the Vice President's high place in the affairs of the nation. I believe that Clinton heeped responsibility on Gore, much more than had been the case with any previous Vice President, but its nothing like this. Set aside the notion that its really Cheney that runs the Presidency and that the pimp is just a brainless face, even if it is Bush that is running things the power of the Vice President is obvious.

I hope that Kerry picks a running mate who is not only capable of stepping up if the need be but more importantly is deeply immersed in the activities of the President. I'm not talking about a Co-Presidency here but something awfully close. I honestly think that the precident is the one good thing to come out of the Bush/Cheney Administration.

[caledesi]

1. I don't care whether Kerry runs w/ Charlie Manson! LOL!

I want * out. He's inept, dangerous and a liar.

[mulethree]

2. Chief of Staff?

The White House Chief of Staff position, and other unelected White House advisors have a lot of power and impact even in the Cheney white house. I've heard Cheney referred to as the COO (Chief Operating Officer) lately (?John Dean I think?) and that seems more in line with Chief of Staff to me.

When the founders made up the post of Vice President it was pretty much strictly to have spare president on hand.

But they also had an issue with the President of the Senate, That role in other Parliaments was not allowed to vote, but if it were filled by a senator, then one of the states would have only half a vote.

So the VP, who would "otherwise lack any employment" was given the senate presidency. Of course in the old days the VP was usually the runner-up from the presidential election, and so couldn't be expected to be in the White house following orders.

This link is interesting : http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Vice_President.htm