Here’s a sampling of how past vice presidents of the United States have described the job.

“The most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived.”

“About as useful as a cow’s fifth teat.”

“Not a steppingstone to anything except oblivion.”

Ringing endorsements, right?

And yet, politicians beg for the job, and in the right hands, with the perfect chemistry and personal dynamic, the vice presidency can be an extraordinarily potent position.

In the latest episode of The Run-Up, we examine what it takes to be an influential vice president, and the likelihood that this year’s running mates, Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana and Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, could amass significant power in office.