If the campaign was rough, his vice presidency was rougher, in terms of public opinion. His travel to 47 countries got less coverage than a series of gaffes, crowned by an episode during the 1992 campaign in which he incorrectly corrected a 12-year-old about the spelling of "potato."
His advice for Palin is born of the internal pride on which he leaned in 1988.
"Just be yourself," he recommended. "You got to where you are because of who you are. And he wanted you and you are there."
Asked where he stands on one of the debates of the week -- whether Palin has the experience to be second-in-command -- Quayle offered a politic answer. "She will have a lot of knowledge by Jan. 20," he said, referring to inauguration day. "She will not have practical experience on Jan. 20, but she will gain that starting on Day One."
For all the late-night comics' monologues Quayle has launched, you would expect a bitter man. But as he did in 1988, Quayle looks forward rather than backward.
He admits it was "very disappointing" when he had to bow out of the 2000 presidential race, which some thought might update perceptions of him. These days he is chairman of an international investment firm and living in Phoenix.
His children, preteens when they splashed into the public eye, are in their 30s, grown and successful. He has been married to Marilyn Tucker Quayle for 36 years and has two grandchildren. He still keeps in touch with the elder Bush.
"I had a good political career, and I have a good business career," he said. "I didn't get the brass ring. But I did very well."
As for how he will be remembered?
"I just don't pay any attention to it," he said. "I know what I accomplished. I know who I am. I know what I want to accomplish."
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cathleen.decker@latimes.com
