After the ill conceived Ford deal fell apart, fortunately, Reagan was quick to settle on George H W Bush for Vice President.
Bush had a name, vast experience in various public offices at different levels, domestic and foreign, was respected as a man of integrity, was considered to be more moderate than Reagan, and was intelligent and capable.
Not to mention his admirable success in the business world and in academia, his distinguished service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, achieving the rank of Lieutenant, and the fact that he was Yale educated.
If there was such a thing as the ideal pick for 1980, then George H W Bush came as close to that ideal as anyone.
Yes, he was basically 'the resume candidate.'
