McCain picks Palin as VP Options

[Rogue_Ewok]

WTF? I guess he's lost it... I did not see this coming.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25970882/

Discuss.

[*paperplane*]

Well. Ok. Everyone's all up in arms because she wondered what a VP actually does. Does anyone actually know what a VP really does?

Have you never taken a government class?

[sixfive]

Have you never taken a government class?

Everyone knows that the only role of a VP is to be a tiebreaker.

[The-March-Hare]

^ No, it doesn't work in a 'bump-up' style. If a VP is sworn in following the death of a sitting president, or any other circumstances which cause them to leave office, the new President is entitled to name a Vice-President of their own, who will then assume the post of next-in-line. Although interestingly, historically the post has remained vacant, presumably because the new appointee would have to be confirmed by Congress, and would have no elected mandate, which woul dbe problematic were they, in turn, have to assume office.

The SPH would only be elevated if both the President and the Vice-President were both killed at the same time. Or, I suppose, if the new president were to die/leave office before naming a new VP.

Everyone knows that the only role of a VP is to be a tiebreaker.

Only formal role. The office itself holds a great deal of influence and sway, given the correct circumstances and the correct occupant.

Also, I really have to wonder... Has it occured to anyone who is screeching about her remark about 'not knowing' what the VP does that, in the time since she said that, someone may have told her? I mean, you know, just as a courtesy, before they offered her the job, and all.

I mean, I don't like her views, her party, or her running mate, but let's have THAT be the reason why people aren't thrilled with her name being on the ticket, rather than a throw away remark. K?