2023-11-05 14:27:11
Very formal at its core, the mission of vice-president has evolved significantly over time. Historically, the person dedicated to this task did not even live in the White House. For a long time, his role was almost non-existent, being “content” to be the president’s understudy in the event of his death. “He was nothing and overnight he could be everything“, summarizes Serge Jaumain, professor of contemporary history at the Free University of Brussels. The second highest person in the State therefore had no power.
Since the 1930s, its stain has gained consistency. “The position of vice president varies greatly from one presidency to another. Because this person can only act under the directives or fields of action entrusted by the president. With Bil Clinton and Al Gore, we could see that the function was becoming more and more important. But it all depends on the wishes of the president“, adds Serge Jaumain.
The task is complex and not always understandable to the public. “Indeed, it is very difficult for the population to form a precise image of the person in this position because they are very locked in communication so as to never put the president in a delicate position.“, adds our interlocutor.
He is generally a character in the shadows. That’s what he’s there for.
However, the function seems quite transparent under Kamala Harris. But for Tanguy Struye, professor of international relations at UCLouvain, this is mainly due to the weight exercised in the past by his predecessors: “Over the past 20 years, vice presidents have been very visible and powerful. Whether it’s Al Gore, Biden or even Dick Cheney. They were more vocal. With Kamala Harris, we are returning to a less visible vice-presidency but that is not why she did not do the job“.
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