Wesley Clark (An Independent in 2000)

The Vice Presidency of the Edwards administration is marked by two men to share the office in two separate terms. Former US Senator from Arizona John McCain served as VP during Edwards' first term, but was fired by April 2004; and Ret. General Wesley Clark was promoted to the office from his position as Defense Secretary for Edwards 2nd term. [edit]The 2000 Compromise

Following the firing of Vice President McCain, and the beginnings of the Columbia Trials and NeoConGate, the last thing the Edwards Administration needed was a long confirmation process in the middle of a scandal. Edwards simply chose to declare Clark his running mate, thereby avoiding a Senate confirmation of the vacancy. Technically, Clark would not be Vice President until after the inauguration, however, he did effectively serve as acting VP during the scandal.

Many speculate that the choice to make Clark VP was largely political. The Republican brand was badly damaged, it would be more politically valuable for Edwards to nominate Clark for VP, bolstering support with Democrats, instead of choosing a Republican. Edwards, however, has continually defended his decision as one based on Clark's merits.

Regardless of the reasons, Clark proved to be a competent VP, maintaining McCain's style of being blunt, while upholding a level of restraint that the old VP never had.