Keeping with the gambling metaphors
A great book, and one that I’d sure like to see updated, is “Crapshoot” by Jules Witcover, a history of the vice presidency through Quayle. You come away with the knowledge that nine times out of 10, the reason presidential candidates pick running mates isn’t the reason it should be, namely: Because they could die. No, it’s usually because they think the VP candidate will help them get elected. The reason I hope this book is updated soon is because as has been often commented, the last three VPs brought little to their ticket in convential wisdom.
And because, as Washington Monthly’s Kevin Drum has it, Dick Gephardt is currently in the lead to be John Kerry’s veep.
Why are we here? Because we’re here. Roll the bones.