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Outside of Conservative circles, Dan Quayle was the running joke of the late 1980s/early 1990s. An entire culture grew up around making fun of Dan Quayle, and it was very strong. Like an 80s comedian with a premature HBO special, Dan Quayle totally dropped off the map after Bush lost to Clinton in 1992. However, Quayle was very much liked by the Conservatives, and it was projected that he would be a strong contender for the nomination in 1996. He declined to run, citing health problems. He also considered but did not run for governor of Indiana, and subsequently did not run for office in his new home state of Arizona (albeit he considered it). He attempted to run in 2000 but was quickly undercut by George W. Bush, whom he dropped out to support. Quayle's time had passed.

However, what if Quayle did make a run for the nomination in 1996? Could he overcome Bob Dole? The Republicans have a habit of nominating based on party seniority. Could he have undercut Buchanan as the Conservative favorite to counter Dole? Or would he have crashed and burned in the primaries, as Quayle may have been naturally apt to do? And how would he look against Bill Clinton in the general election?
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