Which is the better job, Vice President or Secretary of State? (user search)
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  Which is the better job, Vice President or Secretary of State? (search mode)
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Question: Which is the better job, Vice President or Secretary of State?
#1
Vice President
 
#2
Secretary of State
 
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Partisan results

Total Voters: 41

Author Topic: Which is the better job, Vice President or Secretary of State?  (Read 3905 times)
Ogre Mage
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Posts: 3,500
United States


Political Matrix
E: -4.39, S: -5.22

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« on: December 03, 2008, 02:01:52 AM »

I saw this discussed among some talking heads and I was curious as to what people here thought. 
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Ogre Mage
YaBB God
*****
Posts: 3,500
United States


Political Matrix
E: -4.39, S: -5.22

P
« Reply #1 on: December 05, 2008, 05:49:51 PM »

Opinion appears closely divided on this question.  IMO, it is a close call and perhaps more dependent on the specific individuals involved.

The Vice Presidency is technically the higher ranking job. It also strikes me as easier, due to the fact that there are few specified job duties.  Because there is a possibility of working on both domestic and foreign policy, it also seems the more flexible office.  Much of the office's authority depends on the deal stuck between the President and Vice President.  For the ambitious, the VP can fundraise and campaign for other candidates, building up valuable political chits for the future.  Due to the fact there are few specified job duties, the VP may wind up doing very little, which can become a perception problem if the press points it out.

The Secretary of State is solely focused on foreign affairs, but is the master of that realm.  He or she has a huge jurisdiction, giving the occupant a vast, global platform to pursue a wide range of policy matters.  Unlike the VP, the SoS is responsible for overseeing a large federal agency and has clearly defined (and very important) job duties.  It is a far stronger position to get things done and carve out a legacy -- but the high level of responsibility means the SoS is more likely to be criticized for actions deemed wrong (as opposed to just being seen as a do-nothing).  Also, the SoS can be fired at any time.

Both jobs are high profile and come with their own private jet and bodyguards.
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