![]() ![]() The faults of this system were soon apparent. The first three presidents-George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson-had no say whatsoever concerning the identity of their vice presidents, as the Constitution stipulated that the runner-up in the balloting for president would get the job. If being vice president is like being lost at sea, it’s because, as history confirms, for too long presidents picked their VPs frivolously or carelessly and then left them to drift. Often, less-than-illustrious vice presidential performances have had less to do with the office itself than with the selection of running mates by presidents-to-be and how well, once elected, they made use of their seconds-in-command. But despite Marshall’s and Biden’s gibes, most latter-day occupants of the second office have been significant-in some cases, essential-presidential partners in governing the country, attesting to the power of the role. Not all vice presidents would say the same, especially most of the early, long-forgotten ones like Daniel Tompkins, George Dallas and William King. ![]()
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