The role of Vice President is largely determined by the President, the Constitution names the Vice President as the president of the senate and provides them with the power to break a tie in the Senate votes. Other than that the office has grown through precedent and tradition.
An often-derided office, Former Vice President to Franklin D. Roosevelt, John Nance Garner famously said of it “the vice presidency is not worth a bucker of warm spit”.
The relationship between President and Vice President has been one that has proved fascinating to pundits and scholars in that it is often seen as a direct reflection of the personal relationship involved.
John F Kennedy was openly hostile to Vice President Lyndon Johnson, much preferring to view his brother Robert as his closest advisor, George Bush Sr and Ronald Regan famously had lunch each week but largely kept separate in their offices, Barack Obama and his then Vice President Biden were known to be close friends with the younger, more inexperienced Obama seeking advice, guidance, and expertise from his Vice President.
Current Vice Presidential candidates Governor Tim Walz and Senator JD Vance have so far played minor roles in this election cycle. However, both have important parts to play for their ticket. Governor Waltz brings his mid-west leadership style, his executive experience, and his liberal policies to the ticket. Senator Vance brings his right-leaning policies, his senatorial position, and his support of Trump’s style with him.
The key to a good vice presidential candidate is that they bring to the ticket something that the presidential candidate doesn’t have. Walz brings his age and his gender to the ticket for Harris and has been seen as a balance to her potentially historic presidency. Vance brings his youth to the ticket and also his polished media style. Importantly, for a Trump vice president, he also brings complete loyalty.
The two candidates faced each other in a debate in late September which was widely seen as a surprisingly civil encounter, especially given the hostility between their ticket-mates.
Vance has largely become the spokesperson for the Trump campaign, appearing in front of the media to explain his running-mates remarks, or to fend off criticism of him. Walz, on the other hand, has been focused on bringing his folksy charm to the ticket.
Vice Presidential candidates, historically, have little sway over election results and this cycle looks no different. Their main goal will be to stay in favour with their running mate in order to stand the best chance of being given a meaningful role when, or if, they enter the White House.
Words: Dr Amy Tatum
Dr Amy Tatum is a lecturer in Communication and Media at Bournemouth University, her research explores gender and political leadership with a focus on US politics. She has published research on women political leaders, AI bias, and gender and media representation.
Photos courtesy of Gage Skidmore