The Dominatrix of Capital Hill

Sarah Palin (R-AK) proclaimed during her debate with Joe Biden (D-DE) that she no longer wished to speak to the American people through the filtered main stream media, however this did not prevent her from being interviewed by Fox’s Carl Cameron twelve hours later.  Palin, in clearly a friendlier environment, has redefined “filtered” to meaning anyone not opposed or against her ideals or ideology.   Although much meat can be analyzed in the FOX interview (attacks on Katie Couric, stating Barack Obama should be disqualified from consideration as Commander in Chief because he does not support the war in Iraq, and her inability to defend the mathematics of her surge gaffe), Palin’s loose description of the powers of the Vice Presidency have left many scratching their heads and raised many eye brows.

According to the Constitution, there is little written about the role of the Vice President, but there is a universal understanding that 3 roles apply to the position.

• 1) Inquiry regarding the health of the President
• 2) President of the Senate to break tie votes.
• 3) Presides over and certifies the official vote count of the U.S. Electoral College.

Since Walter Mondale (D-MN) the role of the Vice President has expanded to other duties at the luxury of the President.   Former Vice President Al Gore focused on global warming during the Clinton Administration and current Vice President Dick Cheney’s focus on energy.   However, Sarah Palin desires to expand this role further including her role as President of the Senate.

During Governor Palin’s debate with Joe Biden her first comments regarding her desire to expand the powers of the Vice Presidency were proclaimed:

From Vice Presidential Debate:

PALIN: No, no. Of course, we know what a vice president does. And that’s not only to preside over the Senate and will take that position very seriously also. I’m thankful the Constitution would allow a bit more authority given to the vice president if that vice president so chose to exert it in working with the Senate and making sure that we are supportive of the president’s policies and making sure too that our president understands what our strengths are. John McCain and I have had good conversations about where I would lead with his agenda. That is energy independence in America and reform of government over all, and then working with families of children with special needs. That’s near and dear to my heart also. In those arenas, John McCain has already tapped me and said that’s where I want you, I want you to lead. I said, I can’t wait to get and there go to work with you.

Twelve hours later Governor Palin spoke to Fox’s Carl Cameron and he questions her regarding her statements vis-à-vis the Vice Presidency:

CAMERON: One of the things you talked about last night was the flexibility of the vice presidency (INAUDIBLE)

PALIN: Yes.

CAMERON: What do you mean by that?

PALIN: That thankfully, our founders were wise enough to say, we have this position and its Constitutional. Vice presidents will be able to be not only the position flexible, but it’s going to be sort of this other duty as assigned by the president. It’s a simple thing. I don’t think that was a gaff at all in stating what the truth is.

And that is we’ve got flexibility in the position. The president will be directing in a lot of respect with the vice president does. The vice president, of course, is not a member — or a part of the legislative branch, except to oversee the Senate. That alone provides a tremendous amount of flexibility and authority if that vice president so chose to use it.

In her debate and interview performances, Governor Palin reveals that she desires to exert more influence over the Legislative branch.   She states, “I’m thankful the Constitution would allow a bit more authority given to the vice president if that vice president so chose to exert (to apply influence, pressure, or authority in an attempt to have a powerful effect on a situation) it in working with the Senate and making sure we are supportive of the President’s policies.”   She proposes to be the personal dominatrix stalking the halls of the senate looking for the bad boys and girls who are not following the agenda of the President, yet who were elected to put forth the will of the people.   Governor Palin fails to recognize that it is the duty of the Legislative Branch to write and formulate law, and the duty of the President to carry those laws out.  She doesn’t comprehend each branch of government has control over the other two, which creates checks and balances and prevents the potential for abuse of power to occur.   If Governor Palin’s  care for Joe six-pack and hockey moms are legitimate, it is her obligation (if elected) to allow the government to perform its constitutional duties which have worked for 232 years, rather than continue to expand the Bush administrations doctrine of expanding the influence of the Executive office into an imperial presidency.

Progressive talk show host Rachel Maddow revealed her personal uneasiness regarding Governor Palin’s comments.   Thankfully, Jonathon Turley reveals that the framers of the constitution were sticklers of people attempting to reinvent themselves, and wished for people to remain within the duties assigned to them.   Her only active duty is to break ties within the Senate.

Whether or not Governor Palin is elected has yet to be written.   However, a discussion regarding the positions and responsibilities of elected officials are relevant.   Despite her populism message, Mrs. Palin’s comments are disturbing on its face and reveal the ambitions of her character.

We invite you to defend your vote!

Sphere: Related Content

Related posts:

1. Palin joins FOX
2. Palin To Get 11 Million Dollar Book Deal