A very experienced man who had served more than two terms in the Senate and eight years as Ambassador to the United Nations.  Lodge might have been a better pick than Nixon himself for vice-president in 1952 or for president in 1960.

Lodge was a solid choice, a counterpoint to JFK. He was a Massachusetts politician who was as straight forward and honest as they come. He also gave Nixon legitimacy with his background and he divided the MA vote. As close as the race was, this could have turned out to be important.

Solid choice, both geographically and politically.

Lodge was a respected, reputable elder stateman, who helped draw attention away from Nixon's "Tricky Dick" image.