The press jumped all over him.  He was not a good pick, but not as bad as they made out either.  Certainly did not make nearly as many debate gaffes as Biden.  He just blundered into the cheap shot from Bentsen and that finished him.

  This selection showed how inconsequential VP's are as a rule.  Quayle was a complete unknown Senator from the midwest (Indiana, I think) who brought nothing to the eable except a little known reputation as a staunch conservative.  Which he was/is.  Bush/Quayle won in a landslide. 

I can hardly forget the VP debate, against Lord Bentsen, Quayle (on the question of experience) saying that he had about as much time in the Senate as had Jack Kennedy when he ran for president.  Bentsen, "Senator, I knew Jack Kennedy.  Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine.  Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy.  "  The hall erupted in mocking laughter and Quayle never recovered.  The press had found its punching bag.

As everyone knows, Dan Quayle went on to become the most embarrasing and least respected politician arguably in American history which begs the question, George what were you thinking? Bush apparently made Quayle his choice without consulting any of his advisors. I believe it.