There are substantial costs to dumping a vice president absent extraordinary conditions. The president who drops a vice president is likely to upset his base, raise questions about his capacity for loyalty and appear weak.
Obama has no political reason to dump Biden, who is not the source of the president’s problems. Obama’s issues stem from the economy and the administration’s failure to convince the electorate of its accomplishments.
Some have argued that while Biden is not a drag on the ticket, he is also not able to produce the excitement Clinton would ignite. Although Clinton’s unique stature and the skill with which she has handled her Cabinet role are clear, she is not the solution to Obama’s perceived difficulties. Her popularity would probably suffer if she returned to a partisan role, and Obama would pay a price for removing Biden.
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