Since 2000, have the President and Vice President roles de facto been reversed?

Question

Leaving the President a figurehead?

Is that why Biden is Obama's choice? Have the popular guy win, while the old guy does everything important?

Answer 1

Cheney is the only VP that has ever run the country. It was the plan all along. Bush was never expected to really run this country without Cheney and Rove pulling the strings. I doubt it will ever happen again unless of course jeb decides to run some day.  

Answer 2

Yes  

Answer 3

Seems that way doesn't it?  But who knows if Obama wins he might prove you wrong. Remember during election time the politicians aren't the leaders they are during the term.