Nine Key Moments : 1988 Campaign

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Jackson and Dukakis exchanged a few pleasantries before Jesse got to the point: "I understand that you all don't think that I've given you an unqualified endorsement. Governor, just name the time and place and I'll be there." Dukakis was silent for a few moments and then asked if he could call him back. Jackson hung up and turned to his adviser: "I've always prided myself on my ability to communicate. I'm obviously a miserable failure." Five days later, Dukakis' newly rehired aide John Sasso flew to New York for a three-hour meeting with Jackson. Jackson was gratified, but it was too late. He was already following his own agenda: registering voters and promoting Jesse Jackson.

6 Defying the odds, his advisers and the press, Bush chooses the young and untested Dan Quayle

Haunted by a reputation as a loyal deputy unaccustomed to making decisions alone, Bush saw the vice-presidential selection process as a way of showing he was his own man. He played his cards close to the vest. He never quizzed the prospective nominees, but he seemed to interview just about everyone else.

Of the finalists, New York Congressman Jack Kemp was vetoed by Robertson and Dole. Alan Simpson and Dick Thornburgh were ruled out by Bush's staff because they had resisted overturning the Supreme Court's decision legalizing abortion. Bush was fond of New Mexico Senator Pete Domenici, but he smoked and his health was in doubt. Dole would have been a strong choice, but he made everyone nervous. He was nasty and unpredictable, and Bush just didn't like him.

On the Monday before he left for New Orleans, Bush invited 20 associates to his residence for dinner and convention watching. The aides were worried that the upbeat message scripted for the convention was getting lost in all the speculation about the vice presidency. Bush needed to make up his mind quickly. Later that evening, Bush heard a television reporter say that Dole had called the waiting process "demeaning." Bush threw out his hands in exasperation, and said, "My God!"

On the plane ride to New Orleans, campaign chairman James Baker talked with Bush. Still no decision. Teeter and Baker were convinced the choice was between Kemp and Dole. Teeter asked four other senior staffers to join a betting pool to guess the nominee: none selected Dan Quayle. As the plane began its descent, Bush made up his mind. "Let's try to announce it today," he said.

As Bush bade Reagan a symbolic farewell at the Belle Chasse Naval Air Station outside New Orleans, the Vice President whispered in his ear, "It's Dan Quayle." In a bedroom of the air-station commandant, Bush gave orders to the White House operator to call the also-rans. Bush took Baker aside and told him, then the rest of the senior staff. Quayle was the last to get the news. "You are my first and only choice," Bush told the Indiana Senator.