A VP related question, not regarding who the VP pick is this time

[quakerboy]

The word is McCain is sunsetting himself, promising to only take one term.

Whats the historic precedent and the likelihood of a temporary VP? Could Obama choose a VP with winning in mind, and then switch after his first term to a second, more future leaning VP? Or is that a major faux pas?

[FrenchieCat]

1. If Obama picked someone older this time around, don't see why he couldn't......

But I don't know the historical track record on that.

[LeftishBrit]

2. FDR had three vice-presidents in four terms

Ford replaced his vice-president, Nelson Rockefeller, with Bob Dole when he ran in 1976.

But I assume it depends whether the vice-president is forced out, versus choosing not to run again. I would imagine that dumping a vice-president who wants to stay could lead to major ructions!

[SheilaT]

3. Of course. There's no signed contract.

Gerald Ford's vice president when he was president was Nelson Rockefeller. However his running mate for the 1976 campaign was Bob Dole. So the precedent of changing VPs after a term is reasonably recent.