Palin VP Runs Senate

Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin came under scrutiny for explaining the vice president's role as being "in charge of the Senate." The comment was made during an interview with a television station, where she was asked a write-in question by a third-grader, "What does the vice president do?"ABC News: Palin Says Vice President "In Charge Of" Senate (October 22, 2008)

According to Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution, the vice president acts as the President of the Senate but does not have executive power when it comes to presiding over the chamber.CNN: Palin Takes Heat for Saying VP "In Charge"... (October 22, 2008) The vice president may break tie votes in the Senate, but has no power to make policies. The vice president would be next in line for the role of president in the event of the death, resignation or removal of the current president.Political Intelligence: Palin's View of Vice Presidency Critique (October 22, 2008)

"Brandon Garcia wants to know, "What does the vice president do?" -- InterviewerABC News: Palin Says Vice President "In Charge Of" Senate (October 22, 2008)

"A vice president has a really great job because not only are they there to support the president's agenda, they're there like the team member, the teammate to the president. But also, they're in charge of the United States Senate, so if they want to they can really get in there with the senators and make a lot of good policy changes that will make life better for Brandon and his family and his classroom. And it's a great job and I look forward to having that job." -- Sarah PalinABC News: Palin Says Vice President "In Charge Of" Senate (October 22, 2008)