The Vice Presidency Must Go Founding fathers created institution in very different context By Drew Nelles Posted Oct 2, 2008 4:57 PM CDT Copied Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., accompanied by his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, speaks at a rally in Columbus, Ohio, Monday, Sept. 29, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Few countries have vice presidents, and the US shouldn’t either, Bruce Ackerman writes in the LA Times. The founding fathers established the office as a consolation prize, the Yale law and political science professor explains, and it's morphed into a ticket-balancing slot. "This isn't a question on which the founders deserve any deference," he writes. "They designed their system for a very different political world." McKinley's and Lincoln's VPs turned out to be the political opposites of their assassinated bosses. To take a more relevant example, "John McCain's surprising choice should lead us to think again,” Ackerman writes. "We should designate the secretary of state to be in charge until a special election can be held to replace a president." Read These Next Who added bill's proposed tax on clean energy? No one knows. Bryan Kohberger has admitted his guilt. Keith Urban interview ends after Nicole Kidman question. Sean Combs jury reaches a decision on all charges. Report an error