Palin takes heat for saying VP 'in charge' of the Senate

[AlCzervik]

This should really be the end for her, not the clothing thing or I see Russia from my house but this undoubtedly should be the thing that finishes her off.

(CNN) – Sarah Palin is taking heat Wednesday for appearing to overstate the role of vice president, saying in a recent interview that she would be "in charge of the Senate" should John McCain win the White House.

The comments came in an interview with Colorado TV station KUSA in response to a third-grader's question, "What does the Vice President do?”

"hey’re in charge of the U.S. 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," she said.

The comments have drawn criticism from Democrats and liberal blogs which note the actual role of the vice president when it comes to the Senate is simply to cast a tie-breaking vote in the event of a stalemate. According to Article I of the U.S. Constitution, the vice president is the "President" of the Senate, but has no executive position when it comes to presiding over the chamber.

Donald Ritchie, a historian in the Senate Historical Office told CNN that Palin's comment was an "overstatement" of what her role would be.

"The vice president is the ceremonial officer of the Senate and has certain ceremonial functions including swearing in new senators and can vote to break a tie," he said. "It’s a relatively limited role. It's evolved into a neutral presiding officer of the Senate.

Palin be gone

[BumRushDaShow]

1. Why is it only Dems and "liberal blogs" showing outrage?

ANYONE in government and educating about government should be outraged.

[Two Sheds]

2. She is the gift that keeps on giving

nm

[QueenOfCalifornia]

3. I just keep laughing at how she has singlehandedly

driven the straight talk express right off its tracks. Okay, she's had some help fro McKlan but she is quite a godsend to the Democratic party. :rofl:

[Ichingcarpenter]

4. I'm Queen of the Senate!!!

[AlCzervik]

5. that's it exactly.

[Avalux]

6. You know what's so scary about this?

Palin doesn't care that she's wrong. She doesn't care about the constitutional limits for VP - she's probably never read the constitution and has no desire to do so.

Her statements about the VP role reflect what she wants them to be; regardless of limits. She would show up at the Senate and demand to be included in legislative activities even if told she couldn't.

[AlCzervik]

7. and know what's even sadder, we here have forgotten more than Palin will ever know about the senate.

and we aren't running.

[WeDidIt]

8. This was her "potato*e*" moment. n/t

[Wolfies Revenge]

9. a heartbeat away

Golly gee what's this here red button..

[mentalsolstice]

10. Prolly thinks she'll also get to wear a tiara and do her beauty queen wave. nt

[Johonny]

11. Let's face it, it sounds better than

John McCain has no trust in me and won't allow me to have any role in his administration.