vice president

Veeps: Profiles in Insignificance
$19.95
This is a well-written, highly amusing book on a fascinating if rather neglected subject - the second-class citizens of presidential politics, the vice presidents.

The authors cover each in turn (future presidents included), offering three to six telling stories for each one. Did you know, for example, that one vice president married his former slave? How about the one who may well have been gay? Do you know which vice president (and future president) delivered his inaugural address drunk? Did you know there were arrest warrants for 2 veeps for treason? That one died less than a week before being re-elected?

There are also some definite themes here. It's always been a thankless job, with very little to actually do. As a consequence, there were plenty of very reluctant veeps - and plenty who turned down the job. There were also a lot of Dan Quayles - i.e., the only one who would take it, or someone so young, or old, or incompetent, that they make the presidential candidate look like Abraham Delano Washington.

One theme that was new to me was the number of vice presidents who died in office and, before the law was changed in this century, were never replaced. That amounted to almost 38 years of no vice president in total.

The book is not all trivia however. The writing is really top notch. These guys are very funny. Just to give you an idea, here are some of their section headings: Electoral Dysfunction, "Truman Defeats Daily Tribune," Upward Mobilier. Be sure to check out the index too.

Given all that, I'm almost reluctant to point out a number of errors I found in the book. Did you know, for example, that Martin Van Buren was from Kentucky? Or that James Knox Polk was from Texas? That William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison were father and son? I hate to be one of those reviewers who fixates on that sort of thing, but these errors were rather disconcerting.

1919 Movie Ad, "ALADDIN'S LAMP", A Paramount - Artcraft Motion Picture, from Famous Players - Lasky Corporation, Adolph Zukor, President, Jesse L. Lasky, Vice President, and Cecil B. DeMille, Director General. A1251. **THIS IS AN AD / POSTER, NOT A DVD**
$99.99
This Item is an original Magazine ad, taken from a vintage magazine of the year indicated. The ad is suitable for framing and displaying in your home or office. The scan of this item was taken through plastic film, however it is an accurate representation of the item. The nominal size is 10.5 inches by 14 inches.

Sarah Palin McCain Vice President Nominee 8x10 Photo
$7.99
Show support for your favorite celebrity or athlete with a high quality photo! This 8x10 Photo will look great displayed in any fan's home or office. Many other photos available, including movie stills, actors & actresses, musicians, athletes, and more!

60 Minutes - Vice President Biden (April 26, 2009)
$17.95
Airdate 4/26/09 Joe Biden is one of the most seasoned politicians ever to become Vice President. Biden was a U.S. senator for 36 years and during that time was chairman of two powerful committees. Now he is the second most powerful man in the country, with a reputation for being smart, plain-speaking, outgoing, and, well, a regular Joe. Lesley Stahl profiles Joe Biden.

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