Even the hapless Dan Quayle, George Bush senior's sidekick, had served in the House and Senate for 12 years.

ECONOMIST: Lexington

Some analysts expressed similar skepticism Wednesday night, including partisans like former Bush adviser Dan Bartlett and nonpartisans like CNN senior correspondent John King.

NPR: The Hatchet And The Scalpel: A Debate Parable

In fact, the last time a top U.S. leader did something quite so rash may have been when George Bush selected Dan Quayle as his running mate.

CNN: Sights & Sounds