I believe the idea of electing the VP has some merit with some modification. I would allow the presidential candidates to pick three candidates each and then would pair the president with whichever of his or her VP candidates got the most votes - and I would only allow those who voted for the a Dem prez to vote for Dem VPs, GOP prez to vote for GOP VP, etc.

My reasoning is that we would get a better mix of idea and talent in the White House. It would somewhat dampen the current 'balancing act' - putting a VP candidate on the ticket to balance the prez - I'd rather see them elected solely on who they are instead of who the pair is.

I don't agree with your idea nor reasoning but I would like to point out is that we shouldn't vote for them "solely on who they are". I'd prefer to vote for someone because of their positions on issues and what I envision are their guiding principles.

Choosing your vp would be a good thing. Not only that. First week in office would be a negotiation on the things they want to do in the 4 years of precidency.

Then you will get a more nuanced policy that represents the voice of the us people better.

Now, if you do not agree with something, your basicly (*)(*)(*)(*)ed. When you have the choice of a chosen vp, you can add some elements into the mix which you want.

hell, a presidency and vp of both parties might work well. You would have a policy which has the support of 80% or higher of the people.

There is a reason why one is voted the President, the other the VP. It's the President who has been voted to lead, the VP is there to support the President. It's not about negotiations. I would hope that the President chose someone who is of like mind than one for political expediency and that they have already worked out the plans for the next four years which is typically the political platform for the party they represent. It is the Legislative and Executive Branches that do (or are suppose to do) the negotiations after the election.

There are already too many elements in the mix, the last thing we need is more mix.

IIRC, at one time (before the 12th amendment), the vice president was the second place winner of the EC.

I don't like the idea. The VP should be an integral partner to the President. Having them elected separately would take that away (if two different parties were elected), and would be counterproductive should a President be replaced.