In 1972 the Democrats had a stormy convention which left the Party weakened. As a result of the messy Convention George McGovern did not have the time to properly vet his Vice Presidential pick. McGovern asked Senator Thomas Eagleton of Missouri to be his running mate.
McGovern asked Eagleton if he had any skeletons in his closet. Eagleton failed to disclose that he had been treated for depression with electric shock treatments. While today that may or may not be considered a disqualifier today is beyond the point. Eventually Eagleton was forced of the ticket and McGovern was defeated by a landslide.
According to ABC, McCain met with Palin on Thursday, and after talking with her for a couple of hours offered her the job. Before that time he was leaning toward Lieberman. So he picked someone he really does not know and only a small number of people had ever heard of before. Within 24 hours we have learned about troopergate, her support for Pat Buchanan, or her denial of global warming and support for creationism in the public schools. Imagine what we will learn over the next couple of months.
I would not be shocked if she like Eagleton is forced off the ticket. The frightening thing we have seen the haphazard way McCain makes decisions. Is this the way h will pick his cabinet? A President is only as effective as the people with whom he surrounds himself. The thought of Sarah Palin's finger on the button is a scary prospect.