"The vice president had a bargaining asset, however, that no ordinary person has: He was next in line to the presidency. I saw no chance that he would resign first, then take his chances on trial, conviction, and jail"
About this Quote
This quote from Elliot Richardson reflects on the distinct position held by a vice president due to their proximity to the greatest workplace in the land, the presidency. The statement underscores the substantial political utilize inherent in the role of the vice president, who is simply an action far from ending up being the leader of the country. Unlike regular people and even other politicians, the vice president possesses a remarkable kind of influence and security due to their position in the hierarchical structure of federal government.
Richardson appears to recommend that the vice presidency functions as a significant "bargaining possession" because it gives the holder a distinct type of political and legal defense. This is not just about being physically next in line, however likewise about the power and influence that come with the prospective to ascend to the presidency. This possible future power can deter both political allies and adversaries from promoting actions that might destabilize the standing government, such as a resignation, which in turn might impact nationwide stability.
Furthermore, the quote indicates a tactical advantage. The vice president, familiar with their position, would naturally be less likely to resign and face the unpredictabilities of a trial, conviction, or jail time. The quote recommends that the vice president would likely leverage their role to work out or to try to avoid legal and political repercussions, instead of relinquish their position voluntarily. This viewpoint highlights a pragmatic understanding of political survival and the fundamental securities of high workplace. It likewise accentuates the more comprehensive dynamics of power and accountability in political systems, where those greater up the hierarchy frequently have more resources and take advantage of to avert unfavorable outcomes. Richardson's insight shows both on the resilience and the often morally unclear advantages that come with functions of fantastic power.