Wildcat writer needs to research VP duties
Jessica Fraser fails to do her research, as she states that “”the vice president is concretely part of the executive branch, as defined in the Constitution in Article II.”” The duties of the vice president are scarcely laid out in Article II, which defines the executive branch. Essentially, Article II defines the election of a vice president as well as his succession to the presidency in the event that the president is removed. His duties are actually better outlined in Article I (which defines the legislative branch) as the president of the Senate.

Though usually delegated to a president pro tempore, the vice president can assume this duty at any time, contrary to the words of Joe Biden. As president of the Senate, he may not vote except in the case of a tie vote, but again, he can preside whenever he feels inclined to do so. The Constitution gives him that right, though convention has discouraged the practice. In modern times, the 107th Congress had a Senate divided: 50 Democrats, 50 Republicans. Dick Cheney gave the Republicans the majority, and cast 8 deciding votes during that split. Historically, this office has been used to exert greater executive influence on the Senate, even without any vote being cast. John Adams used this power extensively, influencing the outcome of numerous votes. A few other ceremonial duties exist within the vice president’s legislative role, but these are of less importance. In the executive branch, the vice president is merely a counselor and representative, with no more actual power than is delegated by the president, and this power remains undefined by the Constitution.

Though I am admittedly not an expert on the subject, a little research on my part has gone much further than that of Ms. Fraser and other Palin nay-sayers. Sarah Palin, in the unlikely event that she becomes the vice president, is welcome to exercise her authorities as a member of both the executive and legislative branches of our United States government.

Jonathan Rutherford
psychology senior

Columnist uses humor to make her point
Dear Media Arts student who doesn’t understand sarcasm: Andi Berlin is funny.

Elizabeth Coppinger
marketing senior

Palin is qualified if experience doesn’t matter
I read Taylor Kessinger’s articles often and found this one interesting (“”Experience an overrated quality,”” Oct. 10, 2008). I would like to know if the same logic regarding experience also applies to vice presidents.

Detractors claim that Gov. Palin does not have the experience to be vice president. I would love to see you write an article about the vice presidents of the United States and their experience coming to the job.

Detractors have tried to say she has too little experience to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. If I am to accept your argument, then it would be just fine for her to get on the job training for vice president of the United States.

Bryan Scott
assistant director, student financial aid