The vice president’s move from Capitol Hill to the White House has allowed the office to become a significant institution. But this week, Mike Pence reminded Americans of an older role the vice president also sometimes serves: that of legislative officer who can preside over the Senate. Vice President Pence on Tuesday saved the administration and Betsy DeVos, President Trump’s nominee for secretary of education, from an embarrassing defeat. And Mr. Pence, and his successors, can be expected to exercise that prerogative when it serves the administration’s interests. Whether Vice President Pence achieves similar success will depend on President Trump’s willingness to continue to follow this new model (as he so far seems inclined to do), the continuing relationship between Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence and the vice president’s skill in handling his duties.

Source: New York Times February 08, 2017 00:36 UTC