The vice president should be preparing for the worst

The vice president should consider taking a different approach from what has become the norm in Washington. Specifically, he should neither elevate a staffer, nor appoint a political generalist or media handler. He should appoint a serious adult with experience in senior positions in government. The vice president’s office is already known in Washington as ”the pod of normalcy,” based primarily on Pence’s own sound judgment and calm demeanor. His office is populated with good people who are capable, get along well with each other and are not part of the wild dramas constantly emanating from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

But now, the White House needs ballast. It needs more seasoned experts who bring gravitas to the administration at a time when it seems to be teetering. Think about someone such as former solicitor general Ted Olson. Or maybe Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), who is, until the end of the year, filling the Senate seat of the late John McCain. The point is, we need more experienced people in the government — especially in the White House — in case there is a crisis. A guy such as Olson would be ready and reassuring if we faced a constitutional crisis. Someone such as Kyl, along with acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, would have trust and credibility among congressional leaders from both parties. The vice president’s office needs to be prepared for contingencies beyond the ordinary possibilities.