Electing the Vice-President

Today over brunch, a friend proposed that the way we elect the vice-president is one of the most undemocratic aspects of American politics. Perhaps this is true. I don't think it's ever a problem, given the vice-president's role as a glorified adviser and figurehead. But it might be a problem, or at least cause for concern, if the president dies or is impeached, in which case the vice-president surpasses the vote of the American public and takes command of the country (this is most poignant in the case of Gerald Ford, who was neither elected Vice-president or President). But then again, giving the vice-presidency to the runner-up was a disaster, as the vice-presidency of Thomas Jefferson proved. In any case, I don't know if it's a problem in this election, especially if McCain wins, as I suspect many people—the religious right, at least—will not be voting for him so much as Sarah Palin.