The Hidden Power of the Vice Presidency

We’re back to discuss the vice presidency, and today is gorgeous. It’s Sunday, August 2nd, and I’m here to dive deeper into this fascinating role. Yesterday, we explored the importance of experience and judgment in the vice presidency, and today, we’ll continue by looking at some notable vice presidents and their significant impact on our nation. The impact of the vice president goes far beyond what many people realize, often shaping history in ways we don’t immediately see.

Historical Stories of Influence

In the early days, the electoral process was different. Electors voted for the president and vice president, sometimes leading to mismatched pairings from different political parties. This was the case with John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who served together despite being from opposing parties. Such historical nuances shaped the way we view the vice presidency today.

The vice presidency is not just a ceremonial role; it requires statesmanship—a skill that allows the VP to navigate complex political landscapes, manage competing agendas, and find middle ground. We’ve seen vice presidents like Lyndon Johnson and Al Gore use their positions to make significant contributions, from steering the space program to laying the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act.

The Legacy of Vice Presidents

Let’s talk about some of the vice presidents who have had a lasting impact on our country.

• Lyndon B. Johnson: Before becoming president, Johnson played a critical role as VP under Kennedy, especially in the space race. He was instrumental in pushing Congress to fund NASA, leading to the moon landing in 1969. Johnson was also deeply involved in civil rights, using his influence to lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
• Al Gore: As vice president under Bill Clinton, Gore was ahead of his time on environmental issues. He was key in the Kyoto Protocol, the first international effort to combat climate change. Gore’s work didn’t stop after his vice presidency; he advocated for environmental causes, earning a Nobel Peace Prize and bringing the issue to the forefront with his documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.”
• Dick Cheney: Cheney’s vice presidency under George W. Bush was one of the most powerful and controversial in history. He had a significant influence on U.S. foreign policy following 9/11, including the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Cheney’s actions during this time have had long-lasting effects on the U.S. and the world, sparking debate about the role of executive power.
• Theodore Roosevelt: Before becoming one of America’s most famous presidents, Roosevelt served as VP under McKinley. After McKinley’s assassination, Roosevelt assumed the presidency and implemented his “Square Deal,” focusing on fairness for all Americans through consumer protection, control of corporations, and conservation of natural resources.
• Nelson Rockefeller: As VP under Gerald Ford, Rockefeller focused on urban policy and welfare reform. His moderate views sometimes clashed with his party’s conservatives, but he worked to find common ground and push for meaningful change. Rockefeller’s efforts in urban policy and welfare reform aimed to revitalize cities and balance social services with fiscal responsibility.

The Vice Presidency Today

As we look at the vice presidency today, it’s clear that the role is more than just a stepping stone to the presidency. It’s a powerful platform for change, capable of shaping the country’s direction in profound ways. Whether through domestic policy, foreign affairs, or civil rights, vice presidents have often left their mark on history in ways that aren’t immediately apparent.

The vice presidency reminds us that even roles that seem secondary can hold immense power. It’s a position that demands statesmanship, judgment, and a deep understanding of the complexities of governance.

To-Do List:

1. Explore Historical Impact: Reflect on how vice presidents have shaped history through their decisions and actions.
2. Appreciate Statesmanship: Consider the importance of statesmanship in navigating political complexities.
3. Come Back Tomorrow: We’ll kick off the week talking about breaking news, some laws being changed and more!