A surprising conversation about the Vice Presidency, which Mr. Schlesinger proposes to abolish. WFB: "The reason I don't dwell on Quayle is that the gravamen of your case doesn't rest on his shoulders." AS: "It's pre-Quayle." WFB: "...But you'd like to adduce Quayle to fortify your argument, wouldn't you?" AS: "Why not? ... The selection of Quayle brought as much dismay to the Republicans as it brought glee to the Democrats." ... AS: "Originally the Constitution only provided that the Vice President, in case of the death, removal, resignation of the President, should inherit the power and duties of the office, but not the office itself. John Tyler staged a constitutional coup in 1841 when he seized the office. John Quincy Adams wrote at that time, 'Contrary to the views of the Constitution, we now have as President of the United States a man who was never intended for that office.' "... AS: "What do you think Dr. Freud would have made of the fact that recently George Bush has been in Texas shooting quail?"