Let's assume, just for the length of the diary, that Gov. Sarah Palin is a decent human being with some positive and even admirable traits - but who is completely unfit for the job of vice president.
But enough about her.
Rather than focus on whatshername, let's put the focus on the person who stuck her in this untenable position. Who made her the James Stockdale of 2008.
Return with us to 1992, over on the flip.
So who was Stockdale?
Ross Perot's independent presidential campaign was firing on all cylinders. In early May, two state polls put him ahead of both Bush and Clinton. And Perot was well on his way to getting on the ballot in all 50 states - thanks to an early supporter named Vice Admiral James Stockdale, two months before. (For a quick bio of this genuine American hero, check CNN's obit.)
In a March 30 press release from the Perot Petition Committee of Dallas, Texas, Perot said he was naming Stockdale as his interim running mate to meet requirements in 28 states that a running mate be identified on petitions circulated to add his name to the November ballot. Perot said he would announce a final running mate by the time of the Democratic and Republican party conventions this summer.
So what happened? In short, Perot flamed out. On July 16, he announced that he was dropping out of the presidential race. The announcement came on the last day of the Democratic convention and a month before the Republican convention.
But Perot got back in on Oct. 1. With Stockdale still on the hook as his running mate. And with the vice-presidential debate less than two weeks away.
Stockdale didn't stand a chance. Though an intelligent and well-read man, he was completely overmatched. His name became a punchline. And Perot never acknowledged his role in the disaster.
If we can speak of Sarah Palin as having been stockdaled, we can put the focus back on the fellow who did it.