Palin's predecessor

U.S. Vice President Spiro Agnew: Official PhotoSpiro Agnew had been governor of Maryland for less than two years when he was tapped to be Richard Nixon's 1968 running mate.

According to Nixon's memoirs, he had met with Agnew twice before the 1968 Republican National Committee Convention in Miami Beach, but had never spoken with him about the possiblity of joining the ticket. Similarly, Sarah Palin seemed unaware she was being considered just a few months ago. Reports are that John McCain has only met with her once, possibly twice.

The surprise and the anonymity of the two choices are also similar. "Spiro who?" journalists asked in the days after his announcement. Agnew also helped to fire up the conservative base, much like Palin.