Skip to content

The vice presidency “ought to be abolished,” he told his…

“The vice presidency “ought to be abolished,” he told his friend Leonard Wood. “The man who occupies it may at any moment be everything; but meanwhile he is practically nothing.” quote by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Download Open image
““The vice presidency “ought to be abolished,” he told his friend Leonard Wood. “The man who occupies it may at any moment be everything; but meanwhile he is practically nothing.””

Doris Kearns Goodwin

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The vice presidency is seen as a powerless role that could be eliminated because its holder lacks real influence.

In simple terms: The VP role is often meaningless and could be removed.

Key Takeaway

Consider the value of positions without real power.

Themes

politics power government institution efficacy

Mood

skeptical analytical

Type

political critical

When to use this quote

  • election campaigns
  • government restructuring
  • public debates about office relevance

Key Concepts

constitutional role political theory symbolic authority

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is a role without power still necessary?
  • How does symbolism affect political stability?
A Different Perspective

A counterargument is that the VP can be pivotal in succession and as a diplomatic figure.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Explore all 196 Doris Kearns Goodwin quotes

More Friendship quotes

Browse all 45,469 Friendship quotes