Cheney's affect on the 2008 VP picks

[Padfoot]

I have been thinking about this for quite some time now and I was wondering what everyone thought.  Usually people don't really care a whole lot about the VP picks.  However, Cheney has probably been the most powerful and prominent VP in US History and I am thinking that his use (or abuse depending on your views) of the office will get many people to look a little harder at the running mates next year.

[poughies]

I'm still voting against Bush in 04 if his VP pick was Jesus.

So to answer your question, I think it plays a role if one is really on the fence.... but if the front man is either loved or extremely disliked, then no I don't think it plays any role.

[Lincoln Republican]

Generally speaking, no, most people, except for the politically inclined and politically astute, will not pay any more attention to the Vice Presidential running mates than they have in the past.

Having said that, it is very important, especially in this time of international tension and threat from the forces of terrorism, that the Presidential nominees choose their running mates wisely.  The Presidential nominee absolutely must choose someone who can be taken seriously by the electorate, because the VP nominees will be getting some attention during the campaign. It's just that the electorate will not let the bottom of the ticket determine  which Presidential nominee they will vote for.   

The main thing with choosing a VP running mate is to make sure they will not hurt the ticket.  Most running mates are not likely to substantially help the ticket, however, under some circumstances, they could harm the ticket. 

I agree with your assessment of Vice President Cheney.  He is the most powerful and influential Vice President in history, but I doubt very much that during the 2008 Presidential campaign that the electorate will be thinking much at all, if any, of how powerful and influential Vice President Cheney was during his time in office, and relating it to the 2008 VP nominees.