Pitt prof discusses VP potential

‘ ‘ ‘ With the Democratic and Republican National conventions quickly building momentum and… ‘ ‘ ‘ With the Democratic and Republican National conventions quickly building momentum and attracting attention throughout the last week of August and early days of September, it’s no surprise that Sen. Barack Obama’s and Sen. John McCain’s vice presidential nominations are generating conversation. ‘ ‘ ‘ In fact, one Pitt faculty expert discussed these vice presidential selections and their future impact on Pitt students. ‘ ‘ ‘ Jennifer Victor, assistant professor in Pitt’s Department of Political Science in the School of Arts and Sciences, said that the vice presidential candidates represent a signal of the overall quality and priorities of the two presidential tickets, and these people will campaign for the presidential nominees as much as the nominees themselves. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘VPs act as surrogates,’ said Victor. ‘That’s their job. Understanding the various areas of expertise, background, priorities and policy preferences of the vice presidential candidates allows one to better understand the presidential candidates and the tickets as a whole.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ An expert in the areas of American politics, the U.S. Congress, lobbying, interest groups and campaign finance, Victor said that presidential candidates primarily choose running mates to fill gaps in the nominee’s resume. For example, although many Americans believe that Obama lacks sufficient military and foreign policy experience, his recent choice for vice president, Joe Biden, has acquired firsthand experience with these issues over the course of his political career. ‘ ‘ ‘ At the age of 29, Biden was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972 and is currently serving his sixth term as a senator, Victor said. Additionally, he is a long-standing member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘He is seen by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle as an expert on foreign policy and is known to make frequent trips to visit heads of state and represent America’s interests abroad,’ she said. ‘ ‘ ‘ Although Biden comes from Delaware, a state with citizens who already typically vote Democratic, Victor said his bold and aggressive reputation will undoubtedly benefit the campaign’s future attacks against McCain. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘Biden is likely to fill the attack-dog role and fill it well,’ said Victor. ‘ ‘ ‘ Before McCain formally announced his choice for vice president, Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin, Victor predicted he would pick Mitt Romney as his running mate to also shore up his resume. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘One of McCain’s biggest shortcomings is his lack of experience and expertise with economic issues,’ said Victor. ‘He was even quoted last year as saying that he doesn’t know much about the economy. Romney is a successful businessman. He’s appealing, ran well in the primaries and is a strong campaigner.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ Although Victor said that Vice President Dick Cheney possesses much more power, influence and control of policy in the Bush administration than the majority of other vice presidents throughout history, the next vice president is likely to play small but highly important roles in helping to deliver the kinds of policies that are important to college students. ‘ ‘ ‘ These kinds of policies include the continuously soaring costs of college tuition and oil. ‘ ‘ ‘ These particular policies, however, will ultimately be affected by whether the Republicans or Democrats control the White House and Congress, rather than the vice presidential selections. ‘ ‘ ‘ Nevertheless, Victor acknowledged that there are definite benefits to caring about these candidates and learning more about their unique backgrounds and beliefs. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘If young voters take an interest in the role their government will play in their future, whether for personal finance and consumption, civil rights and civil liberties, or foreign policy and America’s role in the world economy, then it’s important to get to know the leaders who will shape these issues that impact our lives,’ said Victor.