We discussed this in one of today's classes. Has Cheney fundamentally transformed the office of the vice president, or was his effectiveness in the office a function of his unique skill set?
I think its the later, and so does the Barton Gelman:
Dick Cheney made his mark by transforming the job of vice president into something very close to deputy president. Now the question is whether Sarah Palin, and to a lesser extent Joe Biden, can carry on his legacy—or whether America should want them to. The answer to both questions: probably not.
Cheney brought to office a singular blend of knowledge, experience, discipline, zealotry, and operational talent. The last two are especially rare in combination, and mercifully so. Zealots drive history harder than opportunists do when they get their hands on the wheel. Cheney won room for maneuver from President Bush, and he knew how to use it.
This is a good read.
