The vice presidential candidate does not usually make much difference at the polls. But that may be changing as voters become more aware that the understudy must be ready to take over if needed.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
The vice presidential candidate tends to be a bit of an afterthought.
A lot of factors go into choosing a vice-presidential nominee.
Remember, no one decides who they're going to vote for based on the vice president. I mean that literally.
People vote for the president, not the vice president. I think sometimes people that are in the veepstakes talk too much about this and certainly the media does. I don't think that it's that important.
If you're a speech writer for a president, you don't really see all that much of him because there's so many layers between you and him. But with a vice president, it's different.
Anyone who thinks that the vice-president can take a position independent of the president of his administration simply has no knowledge of politics or government. You are his choice in a political marriage, and he expects your absolute loyalty.
There are three opportunities that you have during a general election campaign where you can substantially move the needle of public opinion. One, is your convention speech; two, are the base; three, is the selection of your vice president.
Ah, political physics. Someone wins an election and, poof, they are a candidate for vice president. Ridiculous.
After being sworn in to office, vice presidents have usually been relegated to the sidelines, where they just don't get to do very much.
People don't vote for vice president, they vote for president.