Why does former VP keep in public eye?

Inquiring minds want to know.

After all, a major policy speech on Iraq in San Francisco last week, followed today by a major policy speech on the economy in Washington sounds much more like the strategy of a presidential candidate than a former vice president.

Granted, there's no rule against former vice presidents staying in the public eye, but you don't see it much. (Come on, when was the last time you saw Dan Quayle? Walter Mondale? It's been a while, and even longer since either gave a