I have to say that it's intriguing that so many on here just are totally ignorant that VP is the dog's body for a President
they get told what to do, they get all the shit jobs, they get to cop the shit so that the boss doesn't
this is no great mystery here - the mystery is how so many on political forums are ignorant of this very well known idea
The role of the Vice President in the United States is often seen as a challenging and sometimes thankless position, with several aspects that can be considered "dirty work" or less desirable tasks:
1. Limited authority: The Vice President has few constitutionally defined responsibilities, which can lead to a sense of powerlessness or being underutilized[4]. Their main constitutional duty is to be ready to assume the presidency if needed and to break ties in the Senate.
2. Taking on unpopular assignments: Presidents often delegate difficult or politically sensitive tasks to their VPs. For example, Kamala Harris has been tasked with addressing complex issues like immigration, which remains a challenging and contentious topic[4].
3. Being a spokesperson for controversial policies: VPs are often called upon to defend or promote administration policies that may be unpopular or divisive. This can put them in the line of fire for criticism while shielding the President[4].
4. Lack of recognition: Much of the VP's work happens behind the scenes, advising, managing, and negotiating. It can be difficult to discern where the President's work ends and the VP's begins, leading to a lack of public recognition for their efforts[4].
5. Waiting game: The selection process for VP candidates is often described as a passive experience, with potential candidates waiting to be chosen by the presidential nominee, similar to "waiting for the phone to ring weeks before the prom"[4].
6. Scrutiny without power: VPs face intense media scrutiny and public attention but have limited ability to set their own agenda or make independent policy decisions[1][2].
7. Balancing act: VPs must carefully navigate their role as both a supportive team player and a potential future presidential candidate, which can create tensions within the administration[1][2].
8. Handling less glamorous duties: VPs are often tasked with attending events or meetings that the President cannot or chooses not to attend, which may be seen as less important or prestigious[4].
Despite these challenges, the vice presidency can also be viewed as a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience and influence policy from a position just outside the spotlight[4]. Some argue that the role of VP has evolved over time to become more substantive and influential, particularly in recent administrations[1][2].
