Specter of Cheney Hangs Over VP Picks

Dick Cheney's shadow looms large as Barack Obama and John McCain consider possible VP candidates, Jules Witcover writes in Washington Post. Once hailed as a sober, responsible running mate, Cheney overstepped his bounds and impinged on the president’s authority. The next VP must be more restrained, Witcover writes, but not irrelevant.

Cheney’s “co-president” model has been a disaster, yet weak VPs are dangerous too. While the position has been mocked as powerless, nine vice-presidents—nearly 20% of them—have had to take the president's chair. The position needs just enough power to attract talented people—just not ones who plan to rule behind the scenes. (More Dick Cheney stories.)