The confusing thing is that just half-a-dozen years ago we were making the same horrifying predictions about "President Bush". Now, I am no Bush supporter - but at this point I am quite sure that the country will survive him.

The problem is that vice presidents have traditionally been favorite targets of comedians and politicians. In this media-driven society, we all eat up jokes linking Quayle to Nintendo games and water-tasting.

Personally, I'm really nervous about the President Quayle scenario. But how much of my concern is based in verifiable fact, and how much in media hype?