The role of the vice president has evolved from a political backwater to a prestigious position that often provides a clear path to the presidency.
The vice presidency has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades, evolving from a political afterthought to a respected position that often serves as a stepping stone to the presidency. This shift has been driven by a combination of factors, including the rise of political primaries and the increasing democratization of presidential nominations.
Prior to the 20th century, vice presidents were predominantly selected as a means of balancing party factions and appeasing political bosses. They were often chosen from a lower rank within the party's hierarchy and were not expected to play a major role in governing. As a result, the vice presidency was often seen as a political graveyard, a place where ambitious politicians went to die.
The Vice Presidency: From Political Graveyard to Presidential Stepping Stone
However, the rise of presidential primaries in the early 20th century began to change this dynamic. Primaries gave ordinary voters a greater say in the selection of their party's presidential nominee, and they increasingly preferred candidates who were well-known and respected. This led to a shift in the selection of vice presidential candidates, as nominees began to seek out more politically prominent individuals who could enhance their own campaigns.
The democratization of presidential nominations was further solidified with the adoption of the McGovern-Fraser Commission reforms in 1972. These reforms weakened the power of party bosses and made it more difficult for them to control the nomination process. As a result, presidential candidates gained greater autonomy in choosing their running mates, and they increasingly selected individuals who could help them win the general election.
The Vice Presidency: From Political Graveyard to Presidential Stepping Stone
The rise in prominence of vice presidents has been particularly evident since the 1960s. Since that time, eight of the last 13 vice presidents have gone on to win their party's nomination for president, including Richard Nixon, Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale, Al Gore, and Joe Biden. Only Spiro Agnew, Nelson Rockefeller, Dan Quayle, Dick Cheney, and Mike Pence have failed to secure their party's nomination after serving as vice president.
This trend is likely to continue in the future, as the vice presidency has become an increasingly valuable asset for any politician with presidential ambitions. Vice presidents are given a unique opportunity to gain national exposure, build a political network, and learn the ins and outs of government. They also inherit the mantle of the outgoing president, which can give them a significant advantage in the primaries.
The Vice Presidency: From Political Graveyard to Presidential Stepping Stone
President Donald Trump's upcoming decision on his running mate will be closely scrutinized for its potential impact on the 2024 election. However, the long-term significance of this decision may be even greater, as the next vice president could be well-positioned to win their party's nomination in 2028.
The transformation of the vice presidency from a political backwater to a prestigious position that often provides a clear path to the presidency is a testament to the changing nature of American politics. As the role of the vice president has grown in importance, so too has the potential for this office to shape the future of our nation.
The Vice Presidency: From Political Graveyard to Presidential Stepping Stone
