VP Responsibilities Are What?

Question

Most of us have a clue as to what the VP does. But what if we are on the brink of electing a VP nominee that has no clue as to what the VP does? What would happen if that VP became President? Isn't that a concern to voters? Shouldn't it be? Shouldn't we be researching the VP? Please read the quoted passage below concerning this issue. Thanks!

"Asked about rumors the Alaska governor was being considered as McCain's running mate, she told CNBC: "As for that VP talk all the time, I'll tell you, I still can't answer that question until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day? I'm used to being very productive and working real hard in an administration. We want to make sure that that VP slot would be a fruitful type of position, especially for Alaskans and for the things that we're trying to accomplish up here for the rest of the U.S., before I can even start addressing that question."

"Working real hard"? Doesn't the University of Idaho require its graduates to learn English? Does she know that she isn't running for VP of Alaska? Or that the VP presides over the Senate? With the nation facing enormous economic, political and military challenges, do we need another numbnut in the White House? "

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ucru/20080904/cm_ucru/sarahpalinqueenofthenobodies

Answer 1

i am so sick of people saying obama has no experience.  the man has written and passed 853 pieces of legistlation and has more experience than anyone wants to give him credit for.  

vp's are supposed to do all the sideline stuff the prez can't, like go to funerals or talk to people in medium authority.

Answer 2

Palin is swift.

Answer 3

Article I Section 3 of the Constitution states:

"The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided."

The 25th Amendment states:

"In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President."

The only official duties are to sit and watch the Senate Majority leader actually run the Senate hoping for a tie so they can then cast a vote or for the President to become unable to perform their duties so they can take over.  

Any other tasks or duties they are given is solely at the discretion of the President.

Answer 4

palin has had decision making responsibilies since 92.

obama has no experience making decisions and we have no clue how he would react given presidential decisions.

what's you point?

Answer 5

I think she was being specific to "what the VP does every day". I don't have a clue of the daily schedule of any politician. Naturally, knowing that different VP's have had varying levels of involvement in a wide variety of projects (outside the obligation to be President of the Senate) - this shows the reality that no-one could know what a President McCain would like a VP Palin's role to be. Just like Cheney was involved in foreign policy/war decisions and Gore was involved in environmental issues and how Quayle was non-existant - the role is ambiguous.

Based on the little I know about Palin, I would expect she'd be involved in a number of issues - probably energy policy and family issues - but there's really no way to know for sure.

Answer 6

Dusting the knick knacks at the Naval Observatory (VP residence)