People are not voting for the second guy/gal that might be charge if something goes horribly wrong they are looking at the top of the ticket. The one who will have the power that will be making the plan.
The second banana position is just that, the second banana, they will be doing ribbon cuttings and opening bridges to nowhere as needed. And if they do give a speech it will be to echo what ever the President has set into motion.
palin easily gave mcdumbass 5 points so your arguement is invalid