That said, the selection of a vice president is so closely watched because it provides clues to the candidate's view of herself and the electorate, as well as insight on the strength of different coalitions in each party who want the vice-presidential nominee to align closely with their interests. The vice-presidential selection also often creates a new national leader in each party, because the role comes with so much attention. Sarah Palin and Paul Ryan are now very influential figures in the GOP, and Biden played a key role in governing the country the past eight years.