Crapshoot

by Jules Witcover

From John Adams to Dan Quayle, the vice-presidency seems the best refutation of the theory of evolution. Or so, at least, does it appear in this brisk if superficial history from syndicated-columnist Witcover (coauthor, Whose Broad Stripes and Bright Stars?, 1989; Wake Us When It's Over, 1985, etc.). Three-quarters of this account covers the post-Truman years, partly because of Witcover's belief that the vice-presidency became a much more perilous office in the nuclear age, partly because he apparently finds contemporary affairs more congenial than distant history. Notwithstanding attempts through the 12th and 25th Amendments to correct potential dangers in selecting a running mate, and notwithstanding heavier policy involvement by Walter Mondale, George Bush, and Quayle, ticket-balancing considerations and sheer human folly, the author finds, have subverted the Founding Fathers' hope that the vice-president would be the second most qualified person to lead the republic. Witcover shows